You’ve got the idea. You have the outline. Heck, you might even have some chapters completed. But for some reason, you’ve been at a standstill for months, weeks, or even years, and you still can’t seem to power through those last few chapters.
Sound familiar? What you’re experiencing is called writer’s block. It is the bane of all writers’ existence, and we all loathe the day when that little villainous being will come knocking on our mental door before slamming through unannounced and uninvited.
The bad news? It’s oftentimes unavoidable and can be triggered by anything from stress to a lack of knowing where to take your story next. The good news? Everyone experiences it at one point or another, and there are plenty of ways to work through it.
You might be wondering: How the heck do I power through this strange mental block? Though there is no tried and true method to working through writer’s block, below are some suggestions that might be the first step in helping you expel that blockage and continue your writing journey.
Unplug from the internet
Whether you check social media at all hours of the day or agonize over the latest news story, we’re all guilty of browsing the interwebs a bit more frequently than we care to admit. As is the case in other areas of life, unplugging from the internet can have an astounding effect on not only your mental health, but your physical health as well. Stop checking social media, stay off the news outlets, and just allow yourself to write. You might be surprised how staying on course will help you dive deeper into your story and truly immerse yourself in the world you’ve created. It’s better for you, your characters, and your readers. It’s a win-win all around!
Step away from the story
Chances are, you’re at the point where you’re agonizing over every little detail of your story, and the writer’s block is your brain’s way of telling you it needs a break. Get outside, get some fresh air, and allow your mind to clear of all those doubts plaguing you and simply let go for a while. That way, when you come back to your story, you’ll be coming back with a fresh mind and a rejuvenated spirit.
Take a drive
This is one of my personal favorites. One of the best ways for me to work through a block in my story is to hop in my car, throw on my writing playlist, and just drive. Don’t set a course, and just let your mind wander. For this, I try not to think too deeply about plot holes or whatever is blocking me—I just let my mind wander through the world and become fully immersed in it.
Then, I start talking out the issue to myself.
You might feel a bit silly at first when you do this, but mark my words—it works. I’ve had countless issues in my manuscript that felt like massive walls I could never surmount, but after taking an hour-long drive and talking out the issue, I easily arrived at a resolution that I was thrilled with. This is one method that I think classifies as “don’t knock it til you try it!”
Go for a walk
Like taking a drive, going for a walk is a great way to get away from your computer, get some fresh air and allow your body to move. Whether you want to listen to your favorite playlist or simply enjoy the sounds of nature, you can’t go wrong with getting out of the house and walking beneath the trees as a way to rediscover inspiration.
Sleep on it
It might sound silly, but sometimes sleeping on an idea can be the perfect remedy to arriving at a resolution. Sometimes all you need is a good night’s sleep, and that idea you couldn’t crack the night before will arrive in the morning, all bright eyed and bushy tailed, as if it was waiting for you to have a clear mind and a good night’s sleep before showing up.
Write yourself out of it
While this isn’t always the answer, sometimes it’s necessary to power through the blockage and just keep writing, especially if it’s a first draft. Remember that you can always come back later and edit something bad, but in order to do so, you have to have written something in the first place. Writing something bad is better than writing nothing at all, especially if it leads you to the next part of your book!
Get some feedback
Sometimes all it takes is an outsider’s perspective. If you have an accountability partner or beta readers, this is the perfect time to recruit their help and send them the problematic area of your story. Their feedback could lead you to the perfect resolution, helping you to power through your blockage and keep your story moving. Never underestimate the power of having an accountability partner or beta readers!
Be kind to yourself
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: writer’s block happens to everyone. Don’t beat yourself up when you start experiencing it too. It’s an inevitable aspect of writing (albeit an unfortunate one), and experiencing it probably means you’re working your tail off. As easy as it is to become frustrated with yourself, remember that you have worked hard to get to this point, and all that work hasn’t gone to waste because of one minor blockage. Whether it takes a day, a week, a month, or even longer, you WILL get past it. Don’t beat yourself up if it takes longer than you’d like, because chances are that means you haven’t worked out what needs to happen next, or your brain is simply asking for a break. Even the best books weren’t written overnight, and they certainly weren’t written when the author was at their wit’s end.
Be kind to yourself, and don’t be afraid to take some time off and enjoy yourself. You have a life to live, and your characters will be ready and waiting for you right where you left them.
Abby Kendall is a copy editor, proofreader and beta reader specializing in fantasy, romance and young adult works by independent authors. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband and their two rabbits and cat. In her free time, she can be found kayaking on various Minnesota lakes or lounging outside with a book in hand.
To inquire about working with Abby, please visit www.aceditorial.com or send an email to abby@aceditorial.com.
Have thoughts about this blog or suggestions on what I should write about next? Let me know! Submit a comment below or email abby@aceditorial.com.