I'm sitting in my coffee shop, my regular writing spot, and... I'm stuck. So, naturally, I start going through my list of weapons to combat this latest bout of writer's block and it brought to mind a recent Ask Lennon submission I received. The question was:
How do you get unstuck when writing?
I have ways to get unstuck when I'm facing down the beast of writer's block, but before I dive into those, I evaluate why I'm stuck. I tend to feel stuck when I'm struggling emotionally (as writing is an endeavor that requires pulling at emotional roots) or, a more practical reason - I don't have a good outline or writing plan for the day.
Before even attempting to sit down and write, I adjust my environment to help relieve any emotional stressors so I can find my escape in my writing and I always have a daily writing plan. I outline before I start a project and then create a writing schedule so I know what I'm writing when I sit down for that writing hour or writing block I've set aside that day. For example, next week I have Monday through Friday's writing hour blocked off in my calendar and I know I'll be writing 750 words each day for which scenes or chapters I'll be tackling.
When those preemptive strategies don't work, here's what I do to get unstuck:
Get out
A change of scenery helps. Sometimes when we try to keep writing through the block, it can feel like beating our heads against a wall. Ineffective, and can cause brain damage. Try instead getting out and surrounding yourself with literary inspiration. Bring your notebook or laptop to a bookstore, library, or mall. Inspiration and motivation can strike when there are others around you to people-watch.
Write something else
Yep, that's right. I'm encouraging you to give up - temporarily. Put the pen or keyboard down on what you're working on and pick them up again to work on something else, something that is speaking to you in the moment. Even if that thing that's speaking to you is a grocery list.
Try another form of art
When I'm not inspired to write, I have to force inspiration. The best way for me to do that is usually with another art form. I get inspired by graphic art or design on Canva, painting, creating Pinterest boards, or even having fun with AI generator apps. Generating fun images on my AI app inspired my After Wonderland serial.
Do something productive
Oh, I know. I hate this one too. But, unfortunately, it actually works. I always joke that my house is never cleaner than when I have a writing deadline. And it's true. Get out your energy by cleaning house, going to the gym, or taking a walk. It genuinely does help. Ideas or lines will even come to me in the shower or during a drive to the store (use that grocery list you made earlier when you were blocked). Movement of the body will inspire creative movement in the mind.
If you have a question about the writing process or anything writing related, feel free to submit an Ask Lennon question to my contact box on my website.
Comments