Author: Swati Mohandas
Writer’s block is a phenomenon experienced by writers that is best described as an overwhelming feeling of being stuck in the writing process without the ability to move forward and write anything new. In simple words, it is known as creative slowdown.
(source : the Internet)
This creative slowdown can affect writers at any point of time – from absolute beginners to best-selling novelists. Writer’s block is a mysterious and frustrating phenomena.
Causes of writers block
1. Procrastination – Procrastination for long time on a project implies that you need discipline to make progress with your writing projects.
2. Lack of research – Research on the said topic helps any writer to develop his writing skills and makes his work more authentic.
3. Distractions – One has to be careful that distractions can cause you to lose focus and hinder your writing commitment.
4. Perfectionism – Perfectionists are often worried to share their work with others because they think it will be embarrassing if the readers don’t like the work.
5. Multi tasking – The writer can get anxious if he is juggling too many writing projects and tasks at one time.
To overcome writers block :
1. Write daily – Make a writing schedule and stick to it. Find an hour or two when you’ll be uninterrupted by friends, family or other obligations.
2. Ask feedback – Find someone who will give you honest feedback on your writing. They need not be an expert reader, they only need to have some knowledge of writing. You need to be open-minded about their suggestions as well.
3. Read others – Try reading poetry or short stories by different writers and genres until you find something that connects with your skill. The more you read the more insights you will have over your work.
4. Brain break – Taking a break from writing is crucial when you are suffering from writer’s block because it gives your brain, time to recharge and develop new ideas.
5. A positive environment – Have a dedicated work area with a writing table, chair, proper lighting and stationary. An organised and clean area will look appealing and inviting to get on with your writing.
To sum it up, my point of view is do not quit writing altogether because you are facing writer’s block. Take a break for a short time and come back rejuvenated. Hope the tips and tricks mentioned above help you overcome your writer’s block.
About the Author:
I am a Philosophy graduate and a certified computer professional from Mumbai and based in Pune with my family from the last 2 decades.
Literature always fancied me. I pen down short stories, blogs, poems and has forayed into freelance content writing. I even published an award-winning book of collected poems titled ‘Myriad Whispers’ which is available on Amazon.
When not writing, I enjoy listening to music, exploring the outdoors and scanning local bookstores.