Overcoming Writer's Block

Writer's block is like an enormous mountain standing between me and my writing goals. It doesn't matter that I've been writing since I was a teen. Climbing that mountain is unbelievably frustrating and discouraging. Sometimes, the words refuse to come out, even when I can clearly visualize my next novel. I’ll sit for hours, staring at a blank screen, just hoping the cursor will move.

I don't want to just complain or make others feel down. I suppose this is my little vent session and how I try to give myself kindness during a fairly long blackout of no writing.

A blank notebook and pen on a cluttered desk, symbolizing writer's block

Why Writer's Block Happens:

Overwhelmed

My writer's block often arises from an abundance of ideas. I currently have four separate novel ideas that I've written outlines for, but being flooded with ideas made me take a break from everything for about a week because I didn't know where to start. Then I decided I'd focus on book 2 of Beautiful Wilderness. I've managed to write the first chapter, but then I hit another roadblock, because I realized I need to conduct some more research. That isn't hard, but I'd say 85% of my "writing" is research and thinking about writing and not actually doing it.

Busyness

Another reason I've been stuck in a writing slump is because juggling work, family, and other commitments greatly drain my energy, leaving very little left for writing. I've been under a lot of pressure on several fronts, and yet it seems like it's never enough. Even when I try to carve out a slice of time for just me, the mental clutter makes it difficult to focus or feel inspired.

Emotional Struggles

The combination of busyness and being overwhelmed has resulted in some massive struggles for me in the last few months. Stress, anxiety, or sadness has just clouded my mind and blocked any amount of creativity.

What Actually Helps Me

I could list a bunch of "practical strategies" I've found to break free from writer's block. But that wouldn't be realistic, because sometimes these strategies don't work for everyone, especially me. Setting a writing routine isn't beneficial because of my work and home responsibilities that don't always line up with dedicating time to write. Taking breaks and changing my environment only works if I can ensure my kids are taken care of. When that's done I can maybe visit a coffee shop and then I can breathe write out a chapter or two.

Something that has been beneficial has been joining my local writer's club and participating in writing prompts. They're often simple prompts and result in a one to two page essay, but it makes me think of something else entirely in order to almost reset my writing brain.

Embracing The Creative Process

Every writer experiences ups and downs and writer's block is just part of the creative process. I suppose my main reason for writing this all out is to one write something unrelated to what I'm currently stuck on, but also to let other authors know they aren't alone. Writing is a very lonely hobby and we don't always know people who are going through the same things as us.

To my fellow writers and authors: Treat yourself with kindness and trust that your creativity will return.

• Recognize that off days are normal (even if they last a while). Creativity fluctuates, and rest is part of growth.

• Celebrate small wins. Finishing a paragraph or even just a sentence is progress.

• Stay curious. Explore new topics, styles, or formats to keep your writing fresh.

• Connect with others. Sharing your struggles with fellow writers can provide support and new ideas.