The Killer of all Great Writers

Today we are going to talk about the biggest killer of all writers.

Writer’s Block

Calm the screaming. I know, it’s scary, but it doesn’t have to end your career. There are ways around it, and I’m sure I will write many more posts on the subject. There’s no need to feel bad. Every writer gets it. Even the best most famous writers have to deal with writer’s block. I’ve got 14 ways to help you work through writer’s block.

Before we get into how to combat writer’s block, let’s look at what could be causing the block.

1. Timing – Maybe it’s not the right time for you to write. Maybe you need to let your ideas stew a little bit more before they can be written down.
2. Fear – A lot of writers will struggle with fear when it comes to actually putting their ideas down on paper. They are afraid of sharing a part of themselves. They are afraid of being criticized and judged. They are afraid that it will be the only thing they write. I know fear has been what has slowed me down on getting my first book out.
3. Perfectionism – For a writer, the book is never done. Even once its gone to press, you’ll still be thinking about how you could have changed something. At some point, you have to be finished with it. Perfect doesn’t exist. It’s only an excuse.

While dealing with writer’s block is tough, here are some things you can try to break through the wall.

• Find some inspiring quotes and read them for inspiration.
• Make bullet point lists of ideas.
• Call somebody you haven’t spoken to in a while.
• Spend some time with a person that lifts you up.
• Come up with a regular schedule.
• Make some coffee.
• Listen to music.
• Freewrite.
• Read a book.
• Switch up your environment.
• Play.
• Exercise or do something that keeps your blood pumping.
• Get rid of your distractions.
• Take a walk.

The important thing is to create some momentum to get over that wall.

If your still not sure what to do, here are some things that you should not do to try to overcome the block.

• Refusing to write until you are inspired.
• Wallowing in self-pity.
• Making excuses or procrastinating.
• Watching TV.

If you’re looking for that magical fail-proof way to overcome writer’s block, here it is:

WRITE

Don’t waste time waiting for inspiration. Begin, and inspiration will find you. – H. Jackson Brown Jr.