Alright, aspiring wordsmiths, gather 'round. Let’s talk about a demon more feared than a blank check from a Nigerian prince—writer’s block. This paralyzing beast can render even the most eloquent of scribes into mumbling puddles of “uh, um, ahs.” So, how do you overcome this literary paralysis when your thoughts turn into a traffic jam of nonsense? Buckle up, because I’m going to guide you through the art of overcoming writer’s block because I’m working on my newest book and I am super dissatisfied with where it is today.
Trying to Embrace the Mess
First and foremost, let’s get one thing straight: perfection is a myth. It’s the Loch Ness Monster of creativity—everyone talks about it, but no one’s ever seen it. Your initial drafts are supposed to be rougher than a cat’s tongue. So, get messy. Scribble down whatever comes to mind, even if it looks like your brain threw up on the page. Remember, you can’t edit a blank page, but you can sculpt a masterpiece out of a hot mess.
Setting the Scene
Picture this: you’re sitting at a desk that looks like a scene out of a productivity porn magazine. The lighting is perfect, your coffee is at the ideal temperature, and there’s a subtle scent of inspiration in the air. Now, compare that to your current setup. If your writing space looks like the aftermath of a frat party, it’s time for a change. Declutter your desk, get a comfy chair, and for the love of all things holy, stop writing in bed. Your brain needs to associate your writing space with productivity, not naptime.
My Old Reliable: The Pomodoro Technique
Ah, the Pomodoro Technique. Sounds fancy, right? It’s just Italian for “Tomato,” but this little fruit (or vegetable, depending on which side of that debate you’re on) can revolutionize your writing habits. Here’s the gist: set a timer for 25 minutes and write like there’s no tomorrow. Then, take a 5-minute break. Rinse and repeat. It’s like a high-intensity workout for your brain, minus the sweat and gym selfies. This is exactly how I source for talent.
Find Your Muse in the Mundane
Here’s a secret: inspiration doesn’t always strike like a bolt of lightning. Sometimes, it’s more like a gentle nudge from a bored cat. To find your muse, look to the mundane. Take a walk, people-watch at a café, or listen to a podcast that’s completely unrelated to your topic. Your brain is a sponge, and it’s amazing what it can absorb when you’re not forcing it to perform on command.
The Art of the Brain Dump
Now, this one’s a classic. Grab a piece of paper (or open a blank document if you’re a digital native) and just start writing. No structure, no censorship, no judgment. This is the literary equivalent of cleaning out your closet. You might find some gems buried under the clutter, or at the very least, you’ll clear out the mental cobwebs that are blocking your creativity. This is pure, Ally: totally her guidance.
Embrace the Suck
Yes, you heard me. Embrace the suck. Writing isn’t always a smooth ride; sometimes it’s a bumpy, nauseating journey that makes you question your life choices. And that’s okay. Every writer, from Shakespeare to J.K. Rowling, has had moments where their writing resembled the scribbles of a toddler on a sugar high. The key is to push through those moments and keep writing. Because eventually, the suck gives way to something spectacular.
Accountability is Key
Here’s the thing about humans: we’re terrible at holding ourselves accountable. That’s why we need deadlines, writing groups, and occasionally, a well-timed kick in the pants. Find a writing buddy, join a workshop, or set a deadline for yourself that’s so terrifyingly close, you have no choice but to write. Accountability is the glue that holds your writing schedule together. In short, I need you to be that buddy, ok?
Treat Yourself, Reward Yourself
Finally, don’t forget to reward yourself. Writing is hard work, and you deserve a pat on the back (or a pint of ice cream) for every milestone you reach. Whether it’s finishing a chapter, meeting your daily word count, or just surviving another day without throwing your laptop out the window, celebrate your victories, no matter how small.
Thanking You For Making This Space
Overcoming writer’s block isn’t about waiting for inspiration to strike like some literary superhero. It’s about creating the conditions for creativity to flourish, embracing the messiness of the process, and pushing through the suck. So, the next time your thoughts paralyze you and the blank page mocks you, remember these steps. And if all else fails, take a deep breath, pour yourself a vibrantly bubbly club soda, and remind yourself that even Hemingway had his off days.
Now, I am ready to go forth and conquer that writer’s block like the word warrior I am.
Hi there, I’m Brian, and in addition to this Substack, I am writing the proverbial sequel to Talk Tech To Me. I take on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplify them for the modern recruiter.
Power writing rocks: 5 minutes of limbering up your brain and pausing to think is for suckers. It helps a lot.
Writer's block is natural. Know that it's only the moment. Forge ahead anyway and you'll overcome.