Writer’s Block

Why I don’t actually use that phrase, but how to overcome it anyway

Writer's block - it's a common complaint. I see many pitiful pleas plastered across pages and forums on how to overcome this terrible affliction.

So, you want to know how to overcome it?

Shh (*puts finger to lips, eyes the room suspiciously*).

Come closer.

It's a secret.

.

.

.

IT DOESN'T EXIST!

"What?" I hear you cry indignantly.

OK, calm down. Here's the thing...

By naming it "Writer's Block" you are in fact putting a block on yourself. That very word conjures images of brick walls slamming down in my brain, imprisoning me. (*loosens collar*) So claustrophobic!

But it’s not actually a block at all. Take a deep breath with me.

In...phwwwww....

and out...pheeewwwww

So, if it’s not “writer’s block” what is it? Why, just a "ponder point".

• Maybe you've written yourself into a corner? The dark elf in Love Bites did that to me. I got my own back though. (*evil laugh*)

• Perhaps you've been writing happily, and all of a sudden the thoughts abruptly stopped.

• Did your friends stop talking to you? You know, those little character voices in your head?

Whatever the symptom, I need you to remember one thing: DON'T PANIC!

It is but a mere moment in time.

This too shall pass.

Try a distraction.

• Take yourself away from your laptop/typewriter/writing pad

• Go make a cup of tea (or other beverage)

• Take a walk outside. I hear your shocked gasp. Yes, The Outside is still a place, and you ARE able to venture out into it. Maybe get someone to go with you?

• Go horse riding / swimming / play a musical instrument / sing / dance / draw / have a bath / meditate / read. Whatever.

Just do something completely different. Distract your mind. Do something fun. Something for YOU. Set yourself free.

Or, you could do something which sparks your imagination – watch a movie based on your book’s theme, read something in the same genre or visit a place which gives you your book’s vibes.

If you continue to sit there, running your fingers over your face and/or through your hair, you'll drive yourself crazy. When you're in a hole, stop digging.

Honestly, it is NOT a block. You can and will get through this. The words will flow once more.

Now, The Voice of Self Doubt is adjacent to Ponder Points. Very similar, but it is more cynical and persistent. It will often sound like a parent/guardian/teacher – some form of authority figure from your childhood. But you’re an adult now and don’t have to listen to any of those voices. Besides, it’s lying anyway.

· You ARE good enough.

· Other authors aren’t better than you, they’re just different.

· You write therefore you’re a writer.

· No, you don’t need a certificate to make it official.

· And yes, somebody out there needs your story.

Even top name authors suffer from Self Doubt from time-to-time. It’s apparently part of the process.

Personally, I find stuffing chocolate (or cake) into the mouth of my Self Doubt tends to shut her up long enough for me to get back to writing. And in case of chocolate malfunction; a glass of wine makes her doze off. I hear there are far healthier ways of silencing the pest, so I do recommend you try those first. Maybe Self Doubt just needs a hug?

If you already have books out there, and you were brave/foolish enough to venture into the realms of reviews, I hope you saved the 5* ones in a little folder. This would be a great time to go and re-read those lovely things people said.

It’s alright. Everything is exactly as it should be.

NB If you want a specific meditation to help, my "Reconnecting with your Creative Flow" meditation is now up on the Insight Timer app. I’m the teacher ‘Teal’ on there. It's completely free.

This has been a TLC service for all the suffering writers out there.

Thank you for reading.

I'd love to hear some of your distraction techniques in the comments.

Always in love and light,

TL

P.S. As we’ve just celebrated May 4th, I HAD to use this image. Help us, One-Coffee-Nobi! LOL