The one essential of the writing life is inspiration. You’ve got to keep those ideas flowing–or you’re out of luck. We’ve all battled writer’s block from time to time, and, brother, it ain’t very much fun. So what if I told you I knew a way to beat writer’s block 99.9% of the time?
It’s simple, really. All you have to do is create a lifestyle that nurtures creativity. When you learn how to fuel your mental, emotional, and inspiration tanks throughout the day, you’ll never run dry when it’s time to sit down and write.
But as you’ve no doubt discovered: that can be easier said than done.
Life has the totally endearing quality of derailing even the best of our plans, and as a writer, that can lead you to some serious episodes of banging your head against your keyboard when the words just refuse to come. It’s funny (or maybe not) that some of the most popular #YouKnowYouAreAWriterWhen tags I share on Facebook and Twitter are the ones about writer’s block:
But enough is enough!
It’s time to bash writer’s block for good and beckon daily inspiration in its place!
Four years ago, I put out the audio CD Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration. After so many of you telling me how much you enjoyed it and how empowered you were by its information–and how much you wished there were an e-book version–I’m pleased to announce that it’s here!
Not only do I have this shiny new e-book to offer you, but I’m also excited to say I’ve more than doubled the amount of information in the original 60-minute CD to a create a fast (but action-packed!) read of approximately 100 pages.
Position yourself to live an inspired life and send the dreaded writer’s block packing
Inspiration is a slippery thing at the best of times. But as a writer, you can’t afford to wait around on Madam Muse’s goodwill. In this e-book, I take a break from the writing how-to and show you how I’ve learned to create a lifestyle that allows me to actually put all that writing knowledge to work. People often ask me how I manage to get so much done. The secrets are here:
- Learn how to nurture creativity and put it at your summons, rather than the other way around.
- Build a lifestyle that encourages inspiration
- Say goodbye to destructive guilt over “wasting” your time on creative endeavors
- Discover why inspiration isn’t so much a feeling as an act of will
- Understand how to compensate with productivity when your best-laid writing plans go awry
- Use your NON-WRITING time to boost your creative energy
- Apply specific tips to prevent and combat writer’s block
- Instill habits for improving your efficiency and commitment as an author
Nurture a lifestyle of creativity that will keep your fingers flying over the keyboard!
Claim your copy and start living the inspired life today!
Inspiration is too precious a thing for any of us to waste. What good is understanding how to outline or structure our books, if we find ourselves exhausted, lacking in motivation, and just plain out of words when we actually sit down at our keyboards? Cracking through writer’s block doesn’t start at your desk. It starts every morning when you wake up. Here’s a look at Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration‘s table of contents:
Chapter 1: How to Be Inspired Every Day
Chapter 2: How to Optimize Your Imagination
Chapter 3: How to Conquer Fear, Anxiety, and Depression
Chapter 4: How to Avoid Common Creativity Killers
Chapter 5: How to Overcome a Fear of Failure
Chapter 6: How to Fight Writer’s Block
Chapter 7: How to Create Good Writing Habits
Chapter 8: How to Embrace Yourself as a Writer
Conquering Writer’s Block and Summoning Inspiration is available in both Kindle and Epub formats.
Join me today in the entirely awesome life of an inspired writer!
Win Your Own Copy!
It’s a book launch, so you’re not really surprised there are also prizes, are you? Today, I’m fortunate enough to be able to offer you a killer e-book bundle from some of the best writing how-to teachers in the biz. Eleven winners will each receive one of the following titles. One lucky Grand-Prize winner will get all eleven!
Announcing Archetypal Character Guided Meditations! (+Giveaway)
How to Rediscover the Joy of Writing
Why There’s No Such Thing as “Just a Story”
5 Tips for How to Return to Writing After a Long Break
About K.M. Weiland | @KMWeiland
I have learned from some interesting reading that we function from two sides of the brain. Generally speaking, the right side is the creative side, and the left side is the analytical side.
I believe writer’s block is caused by the dominance of the left brain over the right. From our earliest days in school we have been trained to use the analytical side of our brain. Mathematicians, for example, probably function most naturally from their left brain.
On the other hand (or on the other side), artists and writers rely upon the inspiration being released through the right brain.
Both sides cannot function together. It’s one side or the other, and usually from our training the left side dominates.
It is when we are most relaxed that our right brain can come out and play. You know how it happens. You’re driving along the highway with nothing on your mind, and suddenly the next scene in your novel starts running in your mind like a movie. You’re in the shower, and your characters start arguing. Walking the dog, you can see the castle with every stone in finest detail. You wake from deep sleep at 3 a.m. with words running rampant; and you can’t get back to sleep until you write them down.
The right brain creates. The left brain edits.
Writer’s block comes when you can’t let the right brain out of its box because the left brain is holding it in.
Sometimes it’s as easy as taking a long walk in the woods.
It’s no wonder I suffer from writer’s block. I’m a left-hander who loves to write. But the right half of the brain controls the left half of the body, which is not good if you’re a writer. However, there is one advantage – sort of – if you’re a left-hander, at least you know you’re in your right mind 🙂
Lyn C, you’re okay. 🙂
If you’re left -handed, so is your brain.
That is, the left side is your creative side, and the right side is your editor-critic.
So you can’t use brain confusion as an excuse for writer’s block. 🙂
I just bought it! I benefited so much from Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel, so I know it will be good. Hopefully the new book will inspire me and help me figure out how to get that novel written, finally! I’ve never managed to work on my story consistently while also keeping up with my day job (practicing law), but it’s important to me to do both, and so I need to make it happen.
I’ve already finished it, and it was indeed very helpful — just the kick-start I needed.
Thanks, Evelyn! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
The biggest takeaway for me was the insight that being a better writer goes hand-in-hand with living a better, more disciplined life.
what a wonderful opportunity – thanks!
Your writing advice is so amazing. Your enthusiasm for writing lifts me up when I feel like throwing my computer through the window.
An idea I’ve been pondering recently is that writer’s block, much of the time, emerges not so much from lack of ideas as lack of patience. When ideas are slow in coming, our tendency is often to walk away (which is sometimes healthy) or give up (which is not). But sometimes, the reason you didn’t come up with something after staring at the blank page for two hours is that you didn’t wait three hours.
That’s not to say that there’s a set number of hours to wait–only that you should devote the same amount of time to writing whether or not the ideas are flowing. For me personally at least, that almost always gets me past writer’s block.
Good point. Patience in the moment is difficult in our society, but key. Removing distraction and taking even small steps forward consistently work.
I think what works best for me for summoning inspiration is going outside, doing stuff, experiencing new things and interacting with people. I once created a whole character based on a girl I saw at a dance show.
To cure writer’s block, I usually go back and read some of my old writing to get a spark of inspiration, or that “okay, I got this” feeling.
I think my biggest tip for beating writer’s block is to refuse to accept it and just push on through. I think as writers we just accept writer’s block as part of the job and we give into it. But, if we don’t give in or allow it to be part of the job then eventually you’ll be able to overcome it.
I write Christian historical fiction so for me it is a mix of spending time with the Lord and reading historical first hand accounts, newspapers, books on history, etc. Also reading in your genre so that you know what is already out there. Sometimes you can take a moment in another book and ask how would that have played out in mine with my characters, setting, plot. And if worse comes to worse I clean house. Never fails the moment I’m in the cleaning zone, an idea breaks through and I have to stop to write it down.
But Jessica, isn’t that the way? As soon as you let it go, stop trying, stop thinking about it, pondering it, forcing it… out it comes.
That’s when you grab your handy voice-recorder and talk it out while you dust!! 😉
Wow! What a great new book and giveaway. I am sharing this all around!
Frequently I have been told that writer’s block doesn’t really exist, but I guess that’s a matter of perspective. I’ve always had trouble motivating myself to write and I’d definitely like to change that. Heading over to buy your ebook now!
Writer’s block, that annoying little devil that won’t let me continue with my story. I try to drown it with music, and when that doesn’t work, I add another book’s words to the tide. Eventually, the little devil sucumbs to the surf and I’m free to get back to the land of my own creation. Other times, I wish I could wield a sledge hammer to my head. There are good days and bad days.
Oh my goodness! I am dying to read like half those books in the giveaway! and as for what I do to sidestep Writers block is listen to my novel playlists during and before sitting down to write 🙂 It helps me a lot.
Wow! That’s a great prize package 😀
I’m excited to read your new book and if I don’t win it I will surely buy it. I am so glad I found your Facebook page. I’ve wanted to be a writer all of my life, but I let poor self esteem and self doubt stop me from working towards that goal. I also let “life” get in the way and haven’t written in a long time. No longer!
You’ve inspired me to begin anew and I can’t wait to read all of your advice and tips.
Very cool deal! Good luck on sales!
I have so loved the CD of the same name. It has given me much encouragement to just keep going, to get the butt into the chair and make sure it stays there (though on some days it is necessary to add Crazy Glue to the chair). And since writer’s block can pop up for different reasons, it is good to have different remedies. Lack of inspiration? Write junk for a while, then delete it all and start over. No ideas? Go find a book of ideas, or go read the newspaper, or randomly doodle If Onlys all over a page–real or digital.
Best advice for combating writer’s block–don’t think, write! Just keep moving your hands across the paper or keyboard.
Bought it! Adding it to my growing library of KM Weiland books. Hoping to win some if the other titles.
I guess there are a couple different things I might do to break through writer’s block. One is rereading some of what I’ve written; I then find that I’m anxious to see what happens next. (Can you tell I’m more of a pantser than a plotter? LOL) The other is just to keep reading books in the same genre for which I’m writing (in this case, Christian romance) which is NOT difficult for me to do at all! And I just thought of another–looking at pictures/photos that might bring on inspiration all of a sudden.
Would love to win these books! I haven’t bought a writing book in years, and I have none of yours…or any of the others for that matter. 🙂
Have short bursts of activity and then write anything at all, it sometimes works!
Oooh! Giveaway! 🙂 This is awesome.
I write christian speculative fiction, and my biggest tip for beating writer’s block would be to WRITE. Just write. It doesn’t matter how good what you’re writing is, because you can edit later. Just write–don’t even think about it. And maybe you might even write something good.
-Ryebrynn
I just love your books and your blog! I own both Outlining Your Novel and Structuring Your Novel. They are wonderful references and provide great advice for beginner writers like myself. I also own the Emotion Thesaurus, and the other two in the bundle – Positive and Negative Trait Thesaurus are on my wish list. I’ll be adding your new one, Writer’s Block to my list as well. Thanks again!
When ideas start running dry while writing, trying a new non-writing activity seems to free my muse. It’s like thinking about a new subject pulls my mind off in a new direction.
I agree with Josie Ann. I always have to go back and re-read (generally my latest or current wip) my stories to get back into the mode of writing. Usually that pulls me back into the story. I don’t discount writer’s block however since I was in a tailspin block over the last year and a half and the only thing that helped me was actually starting a new book which became The Brede Chronicles published this year in June.
I don’t know if it’s fear of not being able to write at all or fear of writing something sub-par but I think it hits all of us at one time or another. I try to just sit down and start writing something, anything at all to get those juices flowing. Unless it’s deep, I try to force myself to write.
Patti
I have two things that help me work through writer’s block. 1) I take a short break to read really good writing by others and I analyse what I’m reading. What makes this work? 2) I do one or two quick writing prompts, either from prompt books or from the internet. There are a ton on Pinterest.
My biggest tip…keep writing, even when it’s hard. Even when you only get 10 words out. When you can break through with just a small amount, it makes it easier to do bigger amounts.
Your blog posts and your podcast continue to inspire me, and remind me why I can’t stop writing. Thank you so much, and don’t ever stop.
My biggest tip for getting out of writer’s block: Leave the project alone for awhile, and work/read/do on something else. You might not think it, but your brain is working on what you’re writing about even when you’re not writing about it. One day, you’ll be browsing the web, or writing some tiny short story, and then bam! New idea. Don’t call it a block. Call it a pitstop for a bit of sight-seeing :).
Already have some of your books, and I’ve used your tips in my own writing!
What a great contest! You have some awesome ones!
I’ve found that free-writing about how much I don’t want to write that day is an almost sure-fire way to break up writer’s block. It may not always help on a current project, but it inevitably starts a new one. 🙂
My biggest tip for fighting writer’s block? Just write. Even if it’s terrible, even if you know you’ll throw it out. Set a goal (even 100 words), and meet it.
When I’m feeling burnt out, I like to get outside, go for walks and hikes, spend time reading really great books – and that also helps get me inspired to write.
I really enjoyed Structuring Your Novel. Thanks for sponsoring this drawing!
Sometimes if I’m blocked on a particular scene I find it useful to move on to another part of the story for a while. Actually, this have become my usual method…when I scene comes to me, I go ahead and write it down and worry about connecting everything later.
This looks like an awesome giveaway! Even if I don’t win I have lots of books to check out. Just in time for Christmas too!
Now my biggest tip for writer’s block is just to fight through it. Just get some words on the page so you don’t end up not writing for weeks or months. Even a little everyday because who knows that little sentence may spark something in you that breaks the block.
My biggest tip for fighting writers block is be willing to give yourself a break or completely walk away from your project for a few days. When I’m getting stressed pushing through usually leads to more mistakes.
I’m not always disciplined enough to do it, but when I do it works better!
I try to get out of my space and into a new environment, stop thinking about the story and just live. Once I get my head clear I can get back to my story and immerse myself back into that world.
What a great contest! I have a few of the books, but the entire collection rocks! A simply marvelous way to start the new year.
I have learned when writing to not force it. I like to BBQ and have a beer so I let go and go do that. When I relax and play my game of “what if” even when the absurd comes to mind it is ok and I learn to go with it. I have voiced in my head something different ( a different subject, time, place, outcome etc.) and let go and let possibilities come. For example, in my world, farts should be free so sometimes I jump up and down on the couch so they can be. Now imagine the possibilities that are now available for those freed farts just to be. Imagine all the crap that had to happen for those farts to exist in the first place! If you are having problems with this, have some more BBQ and more beers. Now go and try to write and see what happens.
Great giveaway! 🙂
Wow! Thanks, K.M. Weiland! And all the authors in the giveaway!
Wow, that is quite a collection. That’s always a good chunk of my wishlist–books about writing. Thanks for giving me a lot more to add to the list.
“What’s your biggest tip for busting writer’s block?”— Just start. Start anywhere– a word, a sentence, a list, a picture. Put down anything your imagination comes up with, in any medium- finger-paint, lipstick, clay, costumes. Make an appointment to be creative and keep it, every single day. Soon the writer’s constipation will end and ideas will be free flowing again.
Wow, what an awesome collection of books, thanks. Congratulations on your launch and wishing you many fans and sales!
Personally I feel that experience more procrastination than true writer’s block. There’s always something else to do, but write. That’s at least until I muster all the discipline to get going, after which I can write quite comfortably for a good length of time.
I listen to music or read a book to help inspire my creative muse.
I struggle with this. Sometimes I can get moving again by taking five or ten minutes to free-write, but often even that comes out as a page of self-absorbed whiny “I don’t know what to write about why can’t I think of anything to write about this stinks” glop. Always on the lookout for new helpful suggestions, so glad to see this book out in virtual print!
When I hit that wall… it usually just means a part of the story isn’t fleshed out just yet and needs a push. Writing for me is a very visual, sensory experience. Whatever scene is troubling you, look up some artwork related to it. Keep looking at different works, even hit up a museum or Google all night long. The various cinematic, visual styles will open up your creativity as you find the story within and beyond. We even did this in grammar school where we took a picture from a magazine and wrote a short paragraph commercial about it. It’s an oldie, but a goodie prompt! Other than that, just look out your window, hit up a park, cityscape, or even take one of those pics and write a description of what you see. Describe it like the writer you are. There’s no forcing here, nothing to make up – the visual is there and all you need is tell the world what you see. You’ll probably end up writing out your scene or possibly even a chapter or two… The trouble with writer’s block is the empty canvas — it’s paralyzing, but can be overcome with a little visual aid to get the keys smashing!
Usually to combat writer’s block, I read poetry, go for a walk, or read online writing blogs like this one to crush that block. It always works. 😀
This is such a generous!
I have two ways is dealing with writers block.
First I always try to push through it. This seems to be the most effective, even if I have to comeback and delete everything 🙂 but it always seems to get the flow started again.
Second, if pushing through doesn’t work I’ll leave it for a couple of hours, and read, or go for a walk to clear my head.
When I experience writer’s block (short-term) it’s generally because I haven’t thought enough about what the characters are going through, so I can’t figure out what they should be doing. So I tell it, casually and colloquially, in a letter to someone who doesn’t know about it, or over coffee if I’m lucky enough to have a friend around who will put up with me going, “Hmmm…let me just write that down” when the solution presents itself.
Whenever I’m facing writer’s block, I typically just start writing a section that utilizes my writing strength (character introspection). No matter where I am in my story, I let the action go for a little while, and take a look inside my character’s heads. Typically this gives me some new ideas for what to write, and even when it doesn’t, it at least boosts my word count a little higher. 🙂
My best tip for beating writer’s block would be to take a little time off. Step back for a couple days, breathe, focus on something else. Then come back and start in fresh.
My writer’s block doesn’t come about due to a malfunctioning muse, rather it is fear and self-doubt that keep me from focusing on that blank page, on getting my fingers poised and ready on the keys. Negativity is the enemy of my life, I fear it more than all else.
My biggest tip for working through writer’s block is…well
I have been having problems with this following years of health issues.
I sit in front of a blank screen
until words
come out! They do…
Jan
The best way I’ve found to overcome writer’s block is taking a walk while mulling it over in my mind. So many wonderful scenes have been born this way!
My biggest tip for busting writer’s block is to make myself sit down and WRITE. Even if it reeks.
As always, great tips. Thank you!
Hmm…what do I do when I have writer’s block? Well, I usually either read something (if I need ideas, in the same genre, but if I just need a break, then something very different), or I go through some of my other projects and read the things I’ve written until I find something that strikes my fancy. Often times, I find that since I have a wide variety of characters and stories, I can usually find something that really appeals to me and gets me past that block.
If all else fails, I grab one of my friends and do a word war (or Write or Die!). Sometimes, that push to write just anything I can will get me back on track.
To overcome writer’s block, I have to take a walk and let my mind wander.
I’ve found that walking or some other mundane physical activity helps with writer’s block. Also, having a clear, defined goal, instead of working on several projects at a time, helps keep me writing.
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! What great writing tools. Wow!
For breaking through writer’s block, I go on a run or a walk with only instrumental music playing or just silence, get out my journal and start writing whatever to get the writing muscles warmed up, or I meditate – pretty much anything to get me out of my head!
Wow! This is quite an impressive line-up of books! I’d love to have them.
Very awesome giveaway! The best advice I’ve heard about busting writer’s block is to write every day- even if it’s just a little bit. You may end up changing a lot of what you write, but you have to get your ideas out of your head and onto your computer screen or notepad.
When I have a writer’s block… i usually look for pictures on Pinterest. I love doing this because it always helps with the lack of inspiration. I read random quotes, eat a chocolate, watch a movie, reread one of my favourite scene from my book or a published one.
My biggest tip for writer’s block is to make yourself accountable. I have done this before by getting my boyfriend to ask me after 9pm each day whether I made my word total (he was not allowed to ask whether the writing was any good or what it was about or how many words I wrote in total, just whether I made my minimum.)
Now I don’t have to rely on a person to ask because I have discovered chain.cc which is a free website where you can build Seinfeld type chains. I find it invaluable for helping me to build consistency. You can only expect a partner to keep checking up on you for so long. You don;t even have to tell anyone what your goal is- if it is 50 words a day and that it all you can manage you can have as impressive a chain as someone who faithfully knocks out 3,000 words.
I also write timed and word counted sessions using write or die. I usually stop a few words after I meet my goal.
A psychologist I read on overcoming writer’s block said the biggest problem was perfectionism and people setting goals and word targets that were way beyond them. The way to cure it she said was short timed writes building up by small increments perhaps only 5% at a time. Building in consistency is the thing.
One of the most prolific writers out there – he writes 5 novels a year only writes the equivalent of 800-1400 words of finished prose a day (this is publishable prose you might have to write twice that in rough draft) the important thing is he does it EVERY day.
He said that some people write it off as hack work but he calculated that he puts in equivalent hours on each book that those literary writers do on theirs when publishing only one book a year. But you have to build up to that. start small build habits.
motivation gets you started habit gets it finished.
PS I would like a chance to be in the competition to win the writing books but it isn’t clear what I have to do.
You’ve already done it! 🙂 All you have to do is comment on the post, then punch the button in the above widget to indicate you commented and log your entry. You can earn additional entries by doing the other activities on the widget.
“What’s your biggest tip for busting writer’s block?”
I still have trouble with writer’s block, but one thing I find that helps is taking a break. Coffee break or “vacation” break, it works. Don’t rack your brain trying to get the next scene done until you can’t even think of a synonym for “wet.”
Just let it stew. Jot ideas down when you get them. Maybe during your lunch break see if you can form some semblance of order.
Make a playlist, read books that you might draw inspiration from (anything from a work in the genre you’re trying to write to a history book), take some more notes, and think about it before bed. Maybe you’ll get inspiration from one of those “weird” dreams ;).
Then a day, week, or month later, pull up the awesome playlist and the notes you made during the “break” and get going!
Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. 😛
Music and good books are what yank me out of it most of the time. A cup of coffee and some gingerbread men don’t hurt, either ;).
Thanks for the giveaway!
God bless,
-CrazyRead
What an amazing prize pack. Lots of good learning in there.
Congratulations on your book launch! And wow! What a great set of book prizes there! I hope I can win those.
Ah… writers block. The only thing that I do when Im being attack by it is to walk outside for a while, write somewhere else or read. But tbh, these doesnt help always. Haha!
Wow, this is an awesome giveaway. Thank you very much for doing this!
Sleeping usually does it for me, because then I can try to Dream about what is going to happen
I appreciate your insight and advice! Thanks too, for sharing the giveaway!
To combat writer’s block, just write. Don’t feel bad if you work on a different project than your main one for a while. We all need those breaks sometimes. And maybe, while you’re doing something else, you’ll break through the block in your main project!
I personally have been taking a break from rewriting my current WIP. Mainly because of a block, but also because another project has claimed my attention. A character has been clamoring to be put down on paper for a while, and I finally gave in to him. 🙂
Oh my! How wonderful and generous! And thanks for the great post. Will have to go back over it more carefully later 😀
I’m so looking forward to getting this book. Congrats to you!
God’s word always helps me break through any writers block that hits me.
“What’s your biggest tip for busting writer’s block?”
This isn’t so much a tip as it is an observation about myself and my process. I’ve found that if I have writer’s block, it means that I don’t know enough about one of these things:
The characters, the world they live in, or the plot in general. If I have a handle on all three of those things, then I don’t get blocked. So, if I’m having trouble writing, I need to start daydreaming and/or researching.
For me, one of the best ways to fight writers block is to start work on another short project and once the writing is flowing there, you can come back and feel re-energized for the original work. 🙂
I’ve learned so much from you this year! I can’t wait to see what you have in store next year. I love your #WQOTD on Twitter. They really make me think about my story. Thanks for all you do!
Sometimes I let my writer’s block get so bad that it cripples me for weeks on end. 🙁
Some things I like to do that can *usually* take me out of it are to listen to some inspirational music and pace around the living room while I think. (This is difficult with stress fractures in my feet, though. I’m going to need to come up with an alternative soon.)
There is one method I like to use that keeps me writing more than anything else: I set two alarms on my cell phone. The first is set 10-20 minutes away from the current time, and I spend that time reading over my notes or my previously written pages. No matter HOW BADLY I feel the urge to write, I do not give in to temptation. Only when the alarm goes off will I start to write. The second alarm is set 30 minutes later for me to stop writing, and stopping is optional (and in fact, is always ignored). I often can go a good hour or two before I lose momentum, and it’s always very satisfying. I usually have about 10 or 15 pages finished by that time. (Sorry, I don’t usually count words, since I write in a notebook, lol.)
I’ve found that writing quickly helps me. I write so fast I don’t hear my inner editor until I need to, and I keep writing until I have a manuscript completed. THEN I edit. That helps me keep going. I also hold on to all of the reader letters I get; they are a big part of why I write. Changing lives.
As always, you’re full of helpful information. Thank you so much for sharing!
Hmm, nurturing a lifestyle of creativity. I’ve never thought of it like that, but it makes perfect sense! Writer’s block rarely shows itself as an inability to write, for me. It usually looks more like a desire not to write, not to sit down with that notebook and pencil, not to get off the Internet. And, though I’m certainly not perfect, I notice that when I make myself write, I often do just fine. Also, when I’m struggling, I usually get back on track better with a notebook than a computer screen.
What an awesome giveaway, K.M! Thanks so much for hosting it!
This book bundle rivals anything Santa would bring me!
Ah, writer’s block, one of the most frustrating experience any writer can endure. Recently, have found a few remedies to ward off writer’s block. This may sound unusual, but I find when I write in the “King James’s Version” for ten minutes, it really helps me get the juices flowing. Then I work on the actual project.
Sometimes I turn to another art form by other people such as music or photography.
Wow; these are some great books. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
My best advice is to step away and do something else. Don’t be afraid of the block, sometimes its our minds saying we need a break. No, they don’t come at opportune times, but there’s a good chance we missed that time and pushed on.
I’ve found that the more I struggle with it, force my muse to inspire me, the longer it takes to get back on track.
Great prizes! Enter me please!
I find the best way to break through writer’s block is to write about mundane things, such as all the reasons I feel creatively stymied, any worries or stresses in my life, things I wish were different or that I was doing differently, short-term or long-term goals, to-do lists, wish lists, and so on.
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas on this blog! Great package, great post!
I listen to the podcast at work. Every episode makes me want to write, so that by break time I am motivated to write (albeit for about ten minutes). Thanks!
This looks like an awesome gift for a certain someone.. me!!!
I find doing menial tasks occupies my hands which lets me go into a sort of hypnosis. This allows me to daydream, which usually unblocks whatever I’m working on. A shower or doing dishes, knitting, vacuuming, or jogging usually does the trick! The other trick is to think about it right before bed, then I usually dream about the solution. Weird, but it works.
To cure writer’s block, I turn the radio on, and let my brain freewheel on the first phrase I hear.
Just keep writing
What’s your biggest tip for busting writer’s block?
I like to think about a different story, character, project in order to refresh my brain and continue the creativity.
Thanks for the contest and the writing tips/help.
Congrats on the new book!
This is just what I need to kickstart my writing in the new year! I so look forward to the inspiration I get from your website and books.
The ideas may flow, but gathering them to create an emotive and sparkling picture book is a challenge. Who knew??? Help! Sticking around though … battling through …
PS. Great giveaway.
I really don’t have writer’s block. I do have writer’s ADD. I tend to need variety to keep me inspired and interested. My ideas need to percolate for a while before I pound them out on the keyboard. So, I dance from project to project with the abandon usually attributed to butterflies.
Sometimes I get blocked because I’m overtired or I’ve been working too hard and just need a break. If I stop and have a couple of days off usually I’m right to go again. During those couple of days off I’m usually doing other creative things anyway, such as painting or playing Dungeons and Dragons.
I either go somewhere else, read, doodle, or watch a movie to get out of writers block.
Nice giveaway!!
William Faulkner had the best cure for writer’s block (if there really is such a thing!). Faulkner said, “I write when the spirit moves me, and it moves me every day.”
I’m fascinated by Writer’s Block because I don’t experience it myself. I can’t imagine what it must be like to sit down to write and not know what you want to say or where you want to go with it. I experience moments where my writing comes more slowly than at other times but much of this is due to being unable to find the word that’s on the tip of my tongue, so I use the trick I learned when working as a newspaper writer which is to write either TK or XXX and move on. When I return to the line the right phrase or word usually jumps out at me but when it doesn’t I use the thesaurus. Sara
A friend of mine who uses the pen name Ahren Colen wrote this about writer’s block in poetry:
What’s the matter;
has your well run ‘pletely dry?
Have you lost the reasoning for your rhyme,
the simplicity once yours for a time?
Poetry’s Muse knows no
Purdue University’s OWL (Online Writing Lab, for those who may not know) has a page on symptoms and cures for writer’s block. You can find them at this url:
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/567/01/
What a great giveaway!
What I do to fight writer’s block… Hmm. I usually read something that I love in my genre in order to get excited again. I also write about the problem in a journal form until I am warmed up enough to go back to my WIP.
The bundle of books looks great. I enjoyed visiting the various websites and FB pages – great content and helpful suggestions.
How cool is this, K.M.! Congrats on getting this book in eBook form. Best wishes to you and ADIOS writer’s block!
I have been an aspiring novelist for over 60 years. Never managed to finish an entire novel. I hope this book may help me power through the block.
Love your Outlining Your Novel book – looking forward to this new one.
I like to take a walk when I get to a stumbling spot in writing or I often talk out loud to myself to figure out a problem in the story. 🙂 Can’t wait to learn other ideas!
Wow! Cool idea, the people who win are gonna think that your the coolest person in the world!
Looking at amazing photographs is an immediate spark in inspiration and cure to writer’s block. Works every time as long as the photo itself holds life.
My blocks usually come within the story. I have too many ideas for the stories themselves. I was reading a book by someone else once that gave some advice that I’ve never forgotten… If you’re stuck, turn your character around, and head them off in the other direction. I’ve used that advice more than once myself, and it worked for me!
The thing that has helped me the most with writer’s block – and I’m talking a MEAN kind of block that lasted for YEARS, not just a day or two. This solution is simple and terrifying all at once when you’ve been stuck for that long because there’s a lot of emotional baggage fumbling around in your mind by that point about how you’re a horrible writer and you suck for not writing for so long and who do you think you are and… well, you get the idea. The inner jerk is shouting loud and clear. But this is honestly the best thing for it in my experience.
BIC – Butt In Chair and simply write. Write about your socks. Write about your toenails. Write about the fuzz you found in your bellybutton earlier. Doesn’t matter what you write about, the simple act of doing something, anything has a way of loosening what has been stuck and solid for however long it’s been stuck and solid. At some point, things will start clicking and you can find other more interesting things to write about besides fuzz. But that has been my savior over many bouts with the block. Just write something.
I find that the easiest way to get through writer’s block for me is to listen to epic music that suits my mood and the theme of the scene while I try break through. If I find this impossible after wracking my poor brain; I give myself a day or a night to recharge. Usually I find that I can break through if I stubbornly refuse to stop writing because of my own frustration. As Jodi Picoult once said, a written page can be edited etc. Happy writing!
Love your site. Always great tips!
I combat writer’s block by talking to my characters, or by imagining them in certain situations they normally wouldn’t be in. Since I know them, it’ll be easy to get them moving and talking according to each situation I come up with. Eventually, I start writing. 🙂
I need to just stop sometimes and give myself time to think. It really helps. Thanks for a terrific giveaway!
Hit enter before I got to add a tip.
Sit down and slog through an uninspired couple of hundred words. Leave the effort to percolate in the ether, sleep on it, and then come back. Even the most uninspired words tend to have decent direction. Showing up tells your muse she/he has to show up every day.
Wow, this looks amazing! And what an exciting giveaway!
The way I typically deal with writer’s block isn’t terribly original, but it works: I just start writing, even if it’s nonsense like, “And the cow jumped over the moon,” repeated 50 times. It gets me thinking along the lines of, “Well, why did the cow jump over the moon? How does it relate to the remainder of the song? Why is this such an enduring children’s song? Maybe there was originally a hidden meaning to it, or it’s supposed to be an allegory? Why do I care, anyway?” Pretty soon, I’m ready to write a new story that may or may not be tangentially related to the aforementioned cow, or the back of my mind will come up with a fresh line to my existing story (the old “skip the hard math problem and come back to it later” strategy).
One of the ways that I fight off writer’s block is by picking a song that seems to “go” with the scene I am writing. If I have to stop in the middle of my writing and pick it up later, I play that song and very quickly the ideas I had before come flying back into my mind. It also helps if I write a little note about where I was generally going.
To cure writer’s block, I either get a running start at it by reading the last few pages I wrote or write to beat a deadline (real or self-imposed). I always work better under pressure.
Thank you for offering this great bundle! All the books look so good!
Thanks for the awesome give away, great post! I agree with most of the posters here, when stricken with writers block I have to just walk away for a while. Jessica commented about doing housework. Its always washing the dishes that gives me the best ideas. If all else fails I take a shower. I don’t know what it is about water but doing dishes or washing my hair is where all my best ideas and solutions come from.
The biggest block is knowing yet not knowing what to write.
Just sit down and write for five minutes if that’s all you think you can handle. Often once you start you keep going.
I would love to have the collection to further my writing education.
I love your other writing books. I can’t wait to read this one!
There’s no such thing as writers block. Its just you telling you you either have nothing to say (hogwash!) or are incapable of writing something new (hogwash again!). What is stopping you is you. Get back to the keyboard or pad of paper and doodle write on WHATEVER like you did when you were a kid. JUST WRITE. There is no BLOCK except yourself.
Looks exciting!
Great post and I look forward to reading the book. And that’s a very generous and well-chosen list of giveaway books! Thanks.
The only thing I find that wins over writer’s block is just to write. Write anything. Write any and everything that comes to mind. Just write.
Another thing that works sometimes is to start off with someone else’s novel. Just start with their beginning words…. and then just keep writing and see where it goes (not to publish, just to get the wheels going).
My favorite way to beat writer’s block is to get away from my keyboard and write on scrap paper with pen or pencil about what it is I’m trying to say or do. This often evolves into lists or mindmaps and gets my thoughts back on track. Works for me every time.
My biggest relief of writer’s block is to write something different than what I am blocked on.
If that doesn’t help, then a nice drink and music seems to help.
I think a good way to beat writer’s block, at least for me, is to work in shorter, more frequent bursts. I find it hard to sit still and do something for a long time, whereas my husband can literally program all day long. I don’t work like that, so taking breaks helps keep me fresh.
Wonderful info and contest. Thanks!
This is such a wonderful, wonderful contest! And just in time for the Holidays. 🙂
Battling writer’s block is really a great challenge for me. I tend to put off writing and just let the ideas flow whenever they want to flow. But when push comes to shove, I just listen to my favorite music until inspiration strikes me and then I can write again.
It is also helpful for me to go on a journey – maybe a long weekend walk in a park somewhere, or a weekend climb if I can squeeze in a work-free weekend.
Thank you very much for this giveaway.
When I’m stuck, going back and re-reading the last few pages I’ve written often helps me regain my momentum. If all else fails, taking a walk usually works. Not sure why, but some of my best ideas have come while walking!
I have turned to free writing to break through some blocks, but my very favorite tactic is to leave the scene or chapter that’s torturing me and pick up somewhere else in the project. If a scene or piece of dialogue comes to me, I write it. If there’s something else, somewhere else in the novel, that would be fun to explore, I do it. When I first started writing, I thought I’d write in a very linear fashion – start to finish, one scene leading to the logical next. (Stop laughing.) Once I remembered that I was in charge, I decided to write whatever came and return to fill in the “plotholes” later. So far, it’s working well.
Cool give away!
I’ve found that when I’m stuck somewhere in my writing, going for a long walk (maybe more than one) often helps me work out the next few scenes.
Thank you for the generous offers. I’m glad that I kind know most of you from reading your books or blogs.
Luckily, I never suffer from writer’s block, but I do have times when I don’t really feel like writing or when I think my writing is shit. What helps me overcome these times is simply sticking in and writing without caring whether it’s good or even usable. I write and write and write, and the act itself releases the blockage.
What a great giveaway! Thank you!
I used to never have writer’s block and it was always hard for me to explain why. But lately, that’s changed, and it’s been coming on more often. I’ve been forced to dig for the reason. I realized it was the fear of failure, which appears to be your take on it too.
I like that you go deeper and explain how to cultivate a lifestyle that weeds out writer’s block. Personally I think that I used to have it, but I’ve lost touch, a little bit, with that sort of lifestyle. I think that’s why I’ve been struggling more than usual.
When it comes to dealing with an immediate case of writer’s block, I just tend to power through it. Some writers resolve this problem by allowing themselves to write as badly as they need to–as long as they’re writing, right?–and then they can make it all better in revision, and this frees them up to write more freely. But I never liked that approach. I always felt it was like saying you can build a house out of cardboard and then paint it to make it look like it’s brick.
For me, when I’m struggling to write, I give myself two choices: to write poorly and let myself fail “for now,” or to write well. So I choose to write well and I get through my block that way. I don’t weasel around it; I force myself straight through it. Just the choice to work my hardest, and the act of accepting that it’s okay that it’s hard, frees me up to keep going. Letting myself write poorly feels more like failure to me, and in a way it’s that fear that galvanizes me to write well. That’s just what works for me.
Thank you for all that you write, blog, and books fiction and non-fiction both. I haven’t read any of your books yet, but I’ve got my eye on a few, and if I’m lucky enough to win anything from this giveaway, it’ll take a load off my wallet.
Great giveaway! Thank you. The entry thing to introduce new people is great. Your site is always inspiring.
As far as busting writer’s block goes, walking always helps, as does doing a different creative activity, like painting. Knitting works, too. Make sure to have a recorder handy for ideas when they come!
I love how you’ve put a positive spin on the subject – finding ways to be more creatively inspired every day is something we can all benefit from regardless of whether we “feel blocked” or not. The bundle looks packed full of goodies.
If I feel blocked, I move onto something else. That way I can’t dwell on the lack of inspiration.
Argh!!! Writer’s block is a very bad thing for me. Probably my left-side is so strong that sometimes strangle my right-side. When I’m in this mood I try to write different hypotesis about how the story can go ahead or I read or/and rewrite past scenes to see if my characters has to say something about what they want to do/say. (Don’t worry for my english, I’m italian and I write in my own language but I love this blog and its author and I would love to win these books).
I don’t usually hit the official writer’s block, because I have so many other projects so I just move on to the next one and when I go back to the first one, I have a fresh perspective. And if actual writing doesn’t go too well, I write songs 😀 I have private collections in Pinterest where I collect relevant images to each story and if I really am stuck I go there to summon inspiration and possibly find new ideas.
– L.A.
P.S. Your blog has been irreplaceable! Thank you so much 🙂
I love the thought of never being stuck for ideas again! It’s always the “getting started” that trips me up, so your new book sounds awesome. I will definitely be checking it out. Here’s to be an inspired write 🙂
Thank you very much for this giveaway!
Best way to combat writer’s block is to go for a long walk along the beach or in the countryside. Nothing beats the opportunity to let the wind blow out some stuffy corners of the addled brain!
Dog is optional.
My tip for writers block is to step back from the project and read through my notebook of story ideas and snippets. I also look through my picture inspiration file on pinterest. Either of these things can have me falling down a rabbit hole full of stories. The main thing is to keep writing something.
I try to beat the block by reminding myself that I’ve written past problems in the past, so I can do it now, too!
Wow…nice …these buks will help a lot
There were a couple of facebook pages that I thought I had already liked! Problem fixed, now I’m following them, along with a few others. Thank you!
My thing for writer’s block would be to go out and do something you haven’t done before, then write.
Great draw. Will get the winner off to a fabulous new year.
Oh, wow, so many amazing writing books! I have the Emotions Thesaurus by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi, it’s been pretty awesome!
If inspiration doesn’t come, I don’t try to force it. When it does, it flows and I write like a fiend!
To help combat writer’s block, I take Louis L’Amour’s advice and turn on the faucet and let it run. Eventually something workable comes out.
I was suffering writer’s block and didn’t know or understand why. A week ago, a big problem in one of my most important relationships came to the surface…and it hit me how much it was affecting me. I didn’t even realize, but the night the ugly problem came out, my mind started flowing with my craft! I suddenly had solutions for old problems and scenes I’d been stuck on started working out. So I think a critical thing to do is to look at what is going on in your life – what is harming you? It may be blocking you and you might need to step up and face the truth before you move forward with your writing.
Oh my goodness! What an awesome prize!!! I’m quite excited for my (very slight …) chance of winning 😀
What a great package of gifts. Merry Christmas to all.
Free writing can sometimes get me unstuck when I feel my writing coming to a grinding halt. I just write word for word my train of thought: what I’m wondering, what my plans are, things I’ve noticed. Once I’ve warmed up my writing juices, the words seem to come easier.
I also like to take a tough scene and write it from another character’s POV. That can sometimes shed light on whatever problem has gotten me in a rut.
I feel inspired to write now. Can I leave work and go home and write? 🙂
I loved your two other books. This book package looks awesome!
Wishing you happy holidays.
My biggest tip to deal with writer’s block is as follows:
Pick up a novel that you have liked, open to any page in the middle, read the middle of the page, go back to the start of the scene, read the scene, just rewrite the scene for fun (even just changing names and places and dates and environment if that is all that comes to you); the goal is to just get the juices flowing without the pressure of ‘performing something important’.
Once the juices are flowing again, go back to your writing, do the last scene before the block in the same manner, toss that, then see if you can now write from where you wanted to be in your WIP OR start writing at a new spot in your WIP, as you see fit.
I’ve suffered from writer’s block for far too long. Any tips and tricks would definitely help me get out of this rut!
Something I really wish I can do. Summon inspiration.
Since I have a bizarre schedule, the kind which you look from outside and feel, boy she has all the time in the world to write. But if you actually look, I rarely get time with my equipments at my disposal. And the worst thing is, finally getting a chance to sit in peace and don’t know what to write.
I definitely want this book :/
Great article and thanks for the recommendations for writing books!
For me, the best way to overcome writers block is to put “He’s a Pirate” from the Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack on repeat. I don’t know what it is about that song, but it always gets my fingers flying across the keyboard!
Aw, thanks for the awesome (and incredibly helpful) giveaway!! I’ll be sure to spread this around. 🙂
One way I defeat writers block is by just writing. In fact that is pretty much the only way I do. I need to write more often though, cause I leave such long gaps between the times I write that i take a long time to get back into the book.
My biggest tip is to use writing prompts, even if they have nothing to do with the story you are writing. I feel like they “force” me to be more creative, they help me think of ideas I normally may not have thought of 🙂
I beat writers block by doing a menial task. I find my brain naturally processes the problem when my body is busy doing something else. So I might do the dishes, go for a drive, listen to music, do some artwork, or clean the floors etc. And woah, sometimes I go crazy and even listen to my creative writing playlist while doing the dishes. Without fail, I come to a conclusion by the end.
This is going to help so many of us! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I really get inspired and get rid of writers block after I take a short break from writing. Sometimes I overload myself so if I take a break and read a book or go do something active to clear my mind that usually helps.
When I have writers block I force myself to sit down and just write anything. It’s usually a load of nonsense because I’m forcing myself to do it but if I keep pushing, at some point inspiration strikes. The point is to just get words on paper. I’m not sure who said it, but I once heard you can’t edit a blank page. I figure a blank page is my #1 enemy.
Congrats on your new book! Thank you for the giveaway!
Sorry! I didn’t see the prompt for the comment. I guess how I get past writer’s block is to be consistent and keep writing even when I don’t feel effective. Also, when I feel I don’t know how to improve a story, it helps to get some good feedback from some reliable friend/critics. Thanks!
I don’t have a tip for breaking writer’s block, because I need MAJOR help in this area! Lol! I did, however, hear this quote from “Richard Castle,” fictional author on the hit tv show Castle say something such as There’s no such thing as writer’s block. Just keep writing and writing until you conquer it–until you hit an idea that sparks your imagination.
My favorite writer’s block tip is Howard Taylor’s First Rule of Writing :Butt in Chair, Hands on Keyboard
My best writer’s block buster is to simply set a timer for 15 minutes and to force myself to write full tilt until the timer goes off, no stopping, not caring whether it’s good or not, just that I’m doing it. My creative juices are almost alway flowing before the timer even goes off. With that momentum, I’m good to go.
Writer’s block is less of a problem for me than writer’s procrastination. Most of the time, just sitting down and free-writing for ten minutes or so will break through any block.
I’m sorry, I still can’t find the button to click to enter the drawing.
Look for the Rafflecopter widget at the very bottom of the post (above the comments). It will say “Log in to enter this giveaway,” then give you some options for how to earn entries.
I find either reading a book I love, listening to music, or watching a new movie generally gives me a spark of an idea that moves me past writers block.
When I find myself blocked, I get out some big pieces of butcher’s paper and brainstorm whatever the problem is. Allowing yourself to write out any ideas without judgement or editing is great for getting the creative juices flowing, and often I come up with material that was way better than my original plan!
Fabulous prize package 🙂 And some great advise, as usual 🙂 I find that getting ideas is not usually my problem – but having the time to write them all 🙂 I’m sure I’ve got enough to keep me going for a couple of decades – though sometimes it is harder to write them down than others.
I go for long, long walks when I can’t seem to write. While meandering about great ideas always come my way and then I race home to write them down. I also find chocolate, to be encouraging. Large amounts of chocolate.
Sometimes you just need to step aside. Clear your mind. Call your editor or CP and talk it out.
Writers block is always a challenge. Just getting up from the screen and taking a walk is a huge experience for me. It frees my neurons to bubble in the background when I am focusing on something else. Also, talking through the problem with trusted friends is another way I get around my blockages.
I’m never blocked, once I get started. Procrastination is my obstacle. I’ll sit down, open my laptop, and then read email, Facebook, blogs like this one, then it’s time for a quick cardio. I just read about Sue Grafton’s Novel Journal in which she starts the day off thinking on paper — on file– what she feels like, where she is in her WIP, and what she wants to write, including problems she’s dealing with. This journaling might help me slip into my WIP, kind of sneaking around whatever fears get in the way every morning.
Or it might provide another form of procrastination. Will see.
I think the biggest tip I have for writer’s block is to remove myself from any and all distractions and sit somewhere and listen to music. Music sometimes with or without words.
Another exercise I like to do is to think of a memory that brings to mind the characteristics of someone I am writing about or a feeling they may be going through, or a situation that is perhaps similar.
Not only would I LOVE to win this bundle, but I loved entering the giveaway because the Rafflecopter options allowed me to connect with writing gurus I might have otherwise not known about. Now I’m following them on Twitter and FB, and that feels like a win in and of itself. I’d still like the bundle though. 🙂
Thanks, K.M.!
Oh, I almost forgot my writer’s block answer! Writing is actually my best cure for writer’s block. Writing about something else, writing about why I’m stuck, just free-writing about what is holding me back. I find allowing myself to write without pressure frees me to continue with my fiction. Taking a walk is a good option when I’ve been sitting and writing too long and just need to literally “get moving” in my writing or my life.
My cure for writers block is usually not writing and just rest my brain. Then, sit down a just randomly write short things that aren’t tied to the story I’m currently writing. Also, sometimes reading books in the genre I’m writing in can help, or listening to the songs that have inspired my story.
Writer’s Block is such an important topic.
My tip is keep writing fun and playful. Don’t think of it as a job you have to do.
I have the prologue written and it blew me away. Now I can’t write the story itself. Would that be considered writers block? What an incredible giveaway! Thank you for the chance to enter!
If I’m block, I take a break from what I’m working on and either come up with ideas for other projects by writing summaries or focus on some nonwriting thing.
I find critiquing to help with writing block. Sometimes just reading what others in my situation have written gets me going again. I also get writing prompts daily via email which help, too. I write them daily in my notebook, don’t always work on them daily. But when I’m blocked, I’ll go on my screen porch and start writing for a while in the notebook and it helps get me started again.
I have three dogs, too, who help. (Intentional use of ‘who’ there, not ‘that.’)
Two chihuahuas and a huge, 113lb mutt, all thinking they are the same size lapdogs make me laugh and get me moving and having fun. Gets me back on track.
I usually have more than one book that I am currently working on, so when I get stuck with one of them, I can turn to the other one for a while until inspiration for the first one hits again.
It’s a mindset for me. I think of writing as an escape, so I always look forward to it. For me, blocks tend to come when I don’t always have the excitement behind a project.
When I cannot write with my word processor/laptop/keyboard, I will write by hand for a few minutes. That accesses as different part of the brain, apparently, and ideas will shake loose. Sometimes.
Or I’ll go for a walk with my dog and talk to him about whatever problem is monkey-wrenching my works. He never says much, but just saying things out loud sometimes helps.
OMG, OMG, OMG I really, really, really need this collection of awesomeness – I have a few of these I think in ebook form I think already but I want the ALL.
Believe it or not, my biggest tip for busting writer’s block is to get up and walk away. Many times, I find that within a minute of getting up, it’s like it jiggles the words loose from my brain so I can come right back to sit down and pound out the words. Other times, I just need to give my current project a mental break and work on something else (could be a different project, or it could be a more physical task like cleaning the house), and I find that giving it that space lets the ideas come together on their own so I start being able to pull pieces of plot together without hitting my head against the wall.
Other times, I just have to start writing nonsense, or even just things like “My brain is stuck, I have no idea what to say, blah blah blah,” etc. And as strange as it sounds, it’s like that very act is oil on the squeaky joints of my mind, so the words start flowing after that.
Somewhere early in this blog I wrote a fairly detailed note about right brain/left brain function.
Since that comment I have read dozens of other comments by other people telling us that their way to break writer’s block is to turn away, to relax, to do something else, and from apparently nowhere the words “jiggle loose” (Don’t you love the image?)
Well, ladies and gentlemen, those words “jiggling loose” is your creative right brain getting out from under the stiff control of your critical left brain.
That’s how it works. Think about it, FEEL it out, the next time you start writing like crazy at three o’clock in the morning, or the words come tumbling out with the warm water in the shower, or you’re walking the dog in the woods. Or you just write nonsense without any thought of where the words are going. These are all ways of getting the critical, editorial left brain out of the way of your creativity.
My best creativity comes to me during the evening and when I have the rare luxury of uninterrupted peace and quiet, my imagination leaps into overdrive! My dilemma: I have four hyper children and a needy husband and we live in a cozy but slightly cramped 1400 square foot house. Another note: I am home with only one child through the day, but my brain does not seem to work properly until evening when everyone is home. My solution: A digital voice recorder. When inspiration strikes, I take a break from cooking, laundry, or homework assistance and I find a quiet corner where I can talk about my newest plot ideas or dialogue. Then when I have time in the morning, when my writer’s block is at its peak, I play my recordings to help jump-start my creativity.
Music has always been the never failing help in my writers block. If I find a new song, a new story is instantly formed.
A good walk. Gets my imagination going like nothing else.
When I suffer from writer’s block, I move away from the computer, make a coffee and step out into my garden and have 10 mins+ of being in the moment. I focus on the here and now and clear my mind.
I find that with a clear, relaxed mind I can focus on the job at hand
Some days are easier than others to be inspired by the enthusiasm of others. I could use more days like that!
Cool!
Walk. If you are suffering from writer’s block then just start walking around some woods or a park or a mall. Outside is best for me.
best tip for defeating writers block: do something else that is creative. draw, cook, make a collage.
Wow! This is an awesome giveaway! My biggest tip for busting writer’s block is to just write. Write anything, because a bunch of horribly written words are better than no words at all. At least if you have something down on the page, you can edit it later, but with a blank page, you have nothing to edit. Also, writing down something is sure to clear up writer’s block quickly.
Going on a walk or just getting away from the computer for a while helps. I usually have a cleaner house when I’m tackling writer’s block.
There is so much great advice out there on conquering writer’s block! I personally find that reading good books, and watching TV shows and movies with great writing often clears up my mind and inspires me to keep writing.
How to conquer writer’s block? Prayer. Every time. And good music. 🙂
~Schuyler
http://www.ladybibliophile.blogspot.com
I enjoy writing and would love to learn how to write better with Write-A-Thon and The Positive Trait Thesaurus. Thanks. 🙂
I’m rarely blocked altogether. I just set a thing aside and start on something new.
…yes, this does result in a whole lot of unfinished projects and not a lot actually completed.
Honestly, when I am having Writer’s Block, I come read this blog. I read a few tips (I try to find ones that apply to the stage I am in), and I relate them to my WIP.
Works like a charm!
this looks really awesome! thanks!
Whenever suffering from writer’s block I either go for a half hour walk or I engage in a non-literary creative activity (painting, writing music, etc)
Overcoming writers block – taking a break and reading a book. Oftentimes some kind of book on folklore or religious history is best. But any good fiction book works like a charm, too. 🙂
Free writing is the way I get past writer’s block. Once I get my hand moving, it just starts to flow.
Before I even start writing I start to gather inspiration images and music that will help me when I hit a wall. I’ve got Pinterest boards for every book/series as well as folders on my computer filled with images to help spark the creativity and remind me who my characters are. I also have playlists on YouTube for my series which I listen to when I need an extra boost.
I usually just ignore writer’s block and do other things until it goes away. Being a busy and exhausted mom of toddlers/babies, in this season of my life I don’t expend mental “bandwidth” (and hours I could be napping!) on writing my stories unless I feel inspired to do so.
Not is a position to buy anything, so winning would be nice. I don’t suffer much from writers block. Maybe I let life experiences accumulate too much before I began writing. 😉
I beat writer’s block by allowing myself to daydream about my story ideas and making new connections to deepen the story – also doing some other kind of task such as washing the dishes or going for a walk seems to get my mind wandering into creative territory.
My biggest tip for fixing writer’s block is to end your writing each day with a note of how to start the story back up.
hi! have been trying to get the rafflecopter to run all day, both on my phone and withour. -sadly noting seems to work…
When I feel stuck in my writing, I go for a walk outside with my camera and take pictures instead. Nature never fails to inspire. ❀
This is yet another awesome giveaway. Thank you Katie.
The best way, for me, to defeat writer’s block is to step away from writing for awhile and do something else. Any other art form helps.
Set up a daily schedule — that is never to be missed — for writing time. Just 30 minutes – 1 hour at a time. Make a ritual to do before you start your writing time every time to let your brain know that it’s time to write. I fill up my water bottle, do a few sun salutations, read a favorite inspirational quote, repeat a motivating mantra, take two deep breaths and then begin. Works every time. If I get interrupted or in a funk I do it all again.
If I force myself to just put a few words down on the page, normally it starts the motivation.
When I get writer’s block, I pray and then I try to do something physical–taking a walk, doing dishes, anything that gets my blood pumping or my hands moving, and then I choose a plot knot or a character to think through while I am doing it. Usually I have gotten past at least some of it by the time I am done.
I find timed writings to be helpful,..just write, leave the internal editor out of it, and see if anything sparks. Great giveaway.
I wonder if writer’s block is not being able to communicate with our muse or just not being able to focus on what we’re writing due to outside interference. Your book seems to support the latter.
For instance, in 2007-2011 we lived on a ranch away from almost anyone we knew and in 2009 I wrote a full length ms in six weeks, a year after a move across country, two more books in 2010 in six months, over-lapping through the last three of those months so I was writing on both, and partly right in the holiday season. I then sold one and got a full request for the other of those last two mss within three months of each other the following spring (the 2009 ms is in serious revisions after rejections). Soon after the ink dried on the sale and I was forehead deep in revisions on the full request, we had to move my husband’s dad in with us after he had a stroke. I am his caretaker while hubby works which means I have to be available and on-call constantly, which also means I had to trade the privacy of an office for a recliner in the living room. There is constant interruptions so it’s impossible to get into any writing groove and focus. The result is that I have not been able to finish a single ms since 2010 because I have no focus, no…momentum, no concentration and, at times, no desire to write. Characters don’t seem as chatty and eager to tell their stories to me. I’ve decided it’s the environment in which I’m trying to write. That won’t change any time soon either. But your book might help me figure out ways that will suit my life and the changes we’ve had to make and enable me to find my groove again.
I did notice there isn’t a chapter on how to conquer fear of SUCCESS to go with the one on Failure. I’ve talked to writers who have told me that is a real fear for them. What to do after they find the golden ring of success, what is expected of them and how to handle it.
Thanks for the chance at some awesome books!
The easiest way for me to break writer’s block, is by taking a walk with my dog and just listen to some music. It seems to clear my head. And if it doesn’t, at least I got some exercise 😉
I let things rest for a while. When I return, it’s easier to keep writing.
I’d love to win! I use so much of your advice in my WIPs. Thanks KM !
I beat writer’s block by taking a step back and doing something other than staring at the screen. I find that listening to music or doing things with the kids helps reignite my creative flame.
I love book bundles!
What helps me break through writer’s block sometimes is to doodle in my journal, making random strokes until a discernible pattern or picture emerges. Sometimes the picture relates to my current project, sometimes not, but it helps give my brain a break.
Ugh. If I don’t win, I’m going to have to save a bunch of money for all these books I now want. LOL. Thanks for introducing them all!
Blessings,
Voni
Wow, this is a fantastic! I already have most of these books on my wish list and I’ve added the rest (and hope to get some of them for Christmas)! Thanks to all the authors for taking part in this generous giveaway.
Your site is so helpful! I’ve learned so much about writing thanks to you!
Writing playlists help me a lot! Or I just plan the scene instead of actually writing it — that way I get all the excitement without the work 😀