Maybe it Isn't Writer's Block After All

Almost every writer has experienced that feeling. You sit down with the best intentions, stare at the page, and nothing happens. It's tempting to call it writer's block, but maybe it isn’t always that cut and dried.

Sometimes we're trying to make a first draft sound like a final draft. Sometimes we don't yet know our characters well enough. Sometimes the story has quietly wandered off course, and our instincts are telling us something isn't quite right.

When I find myself staring at my blank computer screen I try some questioning tricks. I ask what my character really wants (in this scene, in the whole book, in life!) and also question whether the stakes are high enough. It’s not enough to say they want to achieve such and such, because we also need to know what would happen if they don’t.

You might discover, during your pondering, that you don't know what your character really wants. Perhaps the stakes aren't high enough. Maybe you've reached a scene that doesn't belong, or perhaps you're simply tired and need to step away for a while.

One of the most helpful things you can do is remove the pressure to write perfectly. Give yourself permission to write badly (for me, that is no problem at all!), write out of order, make notes instead of scenes, or simply ask questions on the page.

Stories reveal themselves one decision at a time. And being stuck doesn't mean you've failed.

When you hit a writing block, what usually helps you move forward again? Is it a walk, a prompt, talking it through, reading, or simply giving yourself a break? Let know in the comments, or just talk about anything writing related you like.

Until next time, happy writing!