For the past year, I've suffered from a form of writer's block that is completely new to me. Actually, any form of writer's block is new to me because I've never had writer's block before. I've always had more ideas than I'll ever have time to write about, and I've always been able to sit down in front of my computer and write without hesitation. Then, a year ago, something changed.
At the time, I didn't know what changed. I only knew I'd suddenly lost my writing groove. The ideas came at me fast and furious, as always, but when I sat down to write, the words just wouldn't come.
I put my hands on the keyboard and froze. My mind drew a blank. I couldn't string two sentences together to save my life.
This went on for days, then days became weeks and weeks became months. I went through bouts of depression. I felt frustrated, angry, stifled, and confused. Writing was my outlet, and now that outlet was gone. It had slipped from my grasp for reasons I couldn't even explain.
I hadn't lost my creativity. The ideas were still there, and more new ideas turned up every day. I hadn't lost my motivation. I sat down nearly every day with the intention to write.
I tried everything I could think of to get past the problem. I read books about writer's block. I tried journaling, freenoting, and every other technique I came across, but nothing worked. I joined online discussion forums and writing groups. The words still didn't come.
I've heard people say writer's block doesn't exist, that it's a myth. I used to think so too, until I experienced it myself.
A few things finally helped me escape the miserable, wordless void I was stuck in. Here are two of my favorites:
The first was a book called Writing From the Inside Out, which I wholeheartedly recommend. Dennis Palumbo's book is not a how-to primer filled with writing techniques. It's therapy for writers, and it works.
The second was Holly Lisle's How to Think Sideways course for writers. I'd already read and enjoyed a few of Holly's books geared toward writers, so I enrolled in her new online course in the hopes of reviving my writing brain. I went into the course with no expectations, just a promise to myself to make an honest effort.
After only three weeks, I'm already glad I enrolled, because in the very first lesson I learned how to get over myself. I realized I am my own worst enemy. I have trouble turning off my "editor mind", the internal perfectionist who thinks every word that hits the page must be magnificent and riveting. Because of this problem, I froze every time I faced a blank page. I couldn't write because, on some unconscious level, I was afraid my writing wouldn't be perfect. I've now discovered ways to temporarily turn off that part of my mind, to forget about perfection and write anyway, because once I start writing, the words begin to flow. That's only one of the many things I've learned since enrolling in the course.
A few days from now, I'll post the first in a series of articles about the other techniques that made a big dent in my writer's block and helped me to get writing again. Stay tuned and enjoy!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I can sympathize. Writer’s block is miserable. I came out of mine just a few months ago, and at times my writing is still a bit shaky. Interestingly, my block was the mirror image of yours – I could get words out, but there was nothing behind them. No ideas, no inspiration. I’ll definitely check that book out, and I’ll be interested to see the articles you post :)
At the moment i seem to be on the tail end of the same problem. I have ideas but can’t seem to find the words to go with them. Think Sideways is helping, i always loved school so taking a “class” is kind of like tricking myself into getting out of my own way. I’m also going to check out the book by dennis palumbo, every little gem of wisdom helps right?
@ Zoe – Whenever I feel stuck, I read the news (especially the Odd News section on Yahoo). It’s a great source for story ideas. I also carry around a small notebook and add new ideas to it all the time. Whenever I see something that catches my eye, or whenever I hear or read a phrase that sounds quirky or interesting, I jot down a note about it. As long as I keep writing them down, the ideas keep coming. The follow-through is what I need to work on. It has been months since I finished a story. Writer’s block stinks.
@ Carson – the Think Sideways course has been a blessing for me. I think you’re right about how taking a class somehow tricks the mind into performing. Part of the boost in motivation comes from wanting to get my money’s worth out of the course, but a bigger part of it comes from working on the lessons and interacting with the other writers. Having a new lesson to work on each week definitely helps to keep me focused.
I am writing a story estimated at over 30000 words atleast. I have most of the scenes done, except the orientation. It’s like an essay for me, the hardest part is the introduction, and after that’s done im fine.