My personal remedy for writer's block

Milhouse2011 · Aug 25, 2011

In the very rare instance I get writer's block, I have a simple yet effective remedy for it. It's called not writing at all.

I used to suffer writer's block on a regular basis. As an unwilling writer, writer's block is about as pleasurable as being mauled by a pack of rabid dogs.

But once I tested my remedy, writer's block was no longer an issue for me. the periods between when I write can vary from a few hours to a couple of months, but when I do write, it comes as though I'm on autopilot.

lorna_w · Aug 27, 2011

Sounds like a good idea. I think some part of us is choosing not to write when we're blocked, so rather than fighting that, letting it have its way for awhile may well give it the satisfaction it needs.

froley · Sep 30, 2011

The problem is that 'a week off' becomes 'three months of zero progress' and you lose even more motivation. Time away from a project can help, but it can also hinder.

StephenD · Oct 10, 2011

it's more than not writing- it's not writing and experiencing something, observing.

Manny · Oct 10, 2011

froley said:
The problem is that 'a week off' becomes 'three months of zero progress' and you lose even more motivation. Time away from a project can help, but it can also hinder.

I agree completely. I took some time out, never finished one and there it still sits.

With the one that is about ready to roll, I forced myself to do some at times. Later I went back and improved on it. Getting something on paper is the way. You can't edit a blank page. You can edit a badly written page.

Power on through is my method. Even if its only 30 mins a day.

Shadow_Ferret · Oct 10, 2011

froley said:
The problem is that 'a week off' becomes 'three months of zero progress' and you lose even more motivation. Time away from a project can help, but it can also hinder.

I disagree. I took off for several years. Just lost the spark. But when I finally came back, I wrote a 195,000 word fantasy novel, an 80,000 word Urban fantasy, and several short stories.

No hindrance at all. In fact, I felt renewed and invigorated.

But everything always comes down to what works for you.

kguiver · Dec 27, 2011

Hmm.. tried this method last year and didn't end up writing till this year. Maybe this isn't the method for me..

Stijn Hommes · Dec 28, 2011

It tends to work, especially if you use the time to experience life. Unfortunately, if you're a writer with a strict deadline for your next novel or screenplay, not writing might not be a viable option.

My personal remedy for writer's block

Milhouse2011

lorna_w

Hybrid Grump

froley

StephenD

"progress"

Manny

Shadow_Ferret

Court Jester

kguiver

I'm unique, just like everyone else

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...