Tricks for Overcoming Writer’s Block, and New Book Giveaway
Ever have those moments when you’re just staring at your word processor and you can’t get anything out? I generally try to avoid writing unless I am really in the mood to do it (I never want this to feel like drudge work), but sometimes it’s just a matter of jarring yourself into action.
Some basic tricks I’ve found effective:
* Changing the font. I have no idea why, but shaking up the font for a while seems to make the process feel fresh somehow
* Writing it out on paper. This is kind of a hazardous one, since I have TERRIBLE handwriting, and often can’t read it myself– so this inevitably leads to me sitting in front of my computer later, struggling to transcribe my own words… Nonetheless, sometimes it does the trick. You can take a notebook anywhere, to places you can’t take a computer (think: in a classroom where you’re substitute teaching while the kids are taking a test). It also slows down the writing process (for me), which sometimes can be a good thing, as I tend to blast through without enough care.
* Printing out what I have so far and reading it over. Sometimes new insights can come from this.
* Considering why I’m blocked. Sometimes I’m just lazy or braindead and in urgent need of coffee… Sometimes I’ve made a mistake in the plotting, and some part of my brain realizes it and wants to warn me. This ties into the previous point– because reading over what came before can alert me to my mistakes.
What about you guys? Any tricks?
Now, with that out of the way, I think it’s time to announce:
The books up for grabs are the following:
PLEASE fill out the form below to enter! And remember: if I do not have your e-mail, I cannot notify you if you win!
Winners will be announced on September 28th
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I find that writing stuff out by hand definitely helps my writing flow. Writing on the computer stodges my mind. I definitely “flow” better with pen and paper.
Sometimes just doing the ‘butt-in-chair’ thing, writing using formulaic structures as one would in a writing class exercise, will get some flow back and the confidence that you still got it.
Usually if I’m blocked it’s because I’ve done something wrong and ended up in a place I’m not meant to be. So it means going back and rethinking everything and listening my gut about what’s wrong. Also, I often find, as counterintuitive as it is, some time away from the writing helps.
Yay, great contest!
Similar to changing the font, I find it’s useful to change the page color if you’re using a word processor. We did the same thing in art school when working with a blank canvas was too imposing, so bringing it to a more neutral tone could help. The same applies to writing (for me, anyway).
That aside, I still think writing is the best way to conquer writer’s block. Just turn off the inner critic and write whatever comes naturally (since you’re going to revise it anyway) without worrying about how awful it may be. Over-thinking can damage your confidence or motivation sometimes, which is detrimental to progress for obvious reasons.
Your last point is absolutely true for me. The hardest writing days I have are when I’m trying to convince myself that everything’s working when it really isn’t.
Awesome giveaway–thanks!
I agree with the writing by hand thing. Even if what I write is rubbish, there’s something about the act itself that’s gets things going again 🙂
Great post and thank you so much for this giveaway! I wasn’t sure where to put this, but I tweeted about your giveaway here: http://twitter.com/#!/yoursinfallibly/status/115849320577765376
infalliblyyours[at]gmail[dot]com
Thanks for the giveaway! I have one on my blog too for an ARC of Shatter Me if you’re interested.
Giselle at Xpresso Reads
Thanks for another great book giveaway!
I change the font occasionally. That’s what I’m doing with my WiP. It’s weird how much it helped me get started.
Amy
Changing the font is a very interesting idea. Although knowing me, I would get sucked in and spend hours just trying to find something pretty.
Thank you for the giveaway, I’m so looking forward to Daughter of Smoke and Bone!
I go for a run. Works every time.
I change the font while editing. That helps me catch mistakes I might have otherwise missed.
Thanks to everyone who participated in the giveaway! I was a little late sending out books to the winners– but they should be arriving around now.
Thanks, Cat. It’s kind of an interesting method, isn’t it? Sometimes it works for me, sometimes it does not. It definitely helps with the racing thoughts thing.
Mirka, awesome idea re: butt-in-chair. ITA about writing exercises. I remember one where there was some four-page questionnaire about a character to flesh them out in your mind? I used that with an older MS, and it helped quite a bit… (though I have nothing to show for that older MS now, heh)
Exactly, Anne. And YES, on time away from writing! I’m starting to think of a formal policy for myself of two days a week where I am forbidden to think about story/ write anymore story. I tried it one day last week… It was pretty helpful, but I’ll have to see if I get around to doing it again.
Page color, hmm? Interesting… I will have to try that one. That inner critic, man… It slays me. You have something there.
Thanks, Faith! You’re definitely right there, but there’s such a fine line between spotting reasons something is not working, and becoming over-critical. It can be difficult to view writing objectively after a while.
Glad it works for you, too, Sarah! For some reason, lately, the by-hand thing isn’t doing it. I suspect my time away from school is eroding my handwriting legibility?
Thank you for the RT, Munnaza!
Giselle, missed your giveaway, but I’ll def. follow your blog!
Wahoo, Amy! It is weird, isn’t it?
LOL, Fiona. Yeah, the pretty fonts can be distracting.
Stina, you are much more awesome than I am. Running is something I find excuses to avoid. Interesting idea doing it during editing, for sure!
I laughing because I have horrible writing too and it never fails that I always write the important part of my note in my worst writing.
I find that when I’m stuck trying to write something, I go back and look at what I just wrote. Then, instead of moving the story forward, I take the same scenario and write it in another character’s perspective. This allows me to keep “those creative juices flowing” and also develop other characters and make more than just the main character dynamic and round.