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Things That May Be Causing Your Writer's Block- and How to Beat Them

I don't like the term 'Writer's Block' - not because it isn't real, but because the term is so vague that it's useless. Hundreds of issues all get lumped together under this one umbrella, making writer's block seem like this all-powerful boogeyman that's impossible to beat. Worse yet, it leaves people giving and receiving advice that is completely ineffective because people often don't realize they're talking about entirely different issues.

In my experience, the key to beating writer's block is figuring out what the block even is, so I put together a list of Actual Reasons why you may be struggling to write:

(note that any case of writer's block is usually a mix of two or more)

Perfectionism (most common)

What it looks like:

You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"

Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.

Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?

I hate everything I write

Cringing while writing

My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer

Things that can help:

Give yourself permission to suck

Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft

Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later

People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later

Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing

Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase

Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail

It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page

Lack of inspiration (easiest to fix)

What it looks like:

Head empty, no ideas

What do I even write about???

I don't have a plot, I just have an image

Want to write but no story to write

Things that can help:

Google writing prompts

If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out

Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that

It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing

Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them

If you're like me, world-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later

Boredom/Understimulation (lost the flow)

What it looks like:

I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt

Writing words feels like pulling teeth

I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted

I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window

Things that can help:

Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.

Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or text-to-speech

Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score

Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group

Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph

Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer

Intimidation/Procrastination (often related to perfectionism, but not always)

What it looks like:

I was feeling really motivated to write, but then I opened my laptop

I don't even know where to start

I love writing, but I can never seem to get started

I'll write tomorrow. I mean next week. Next month? Next month, I swear (doesn't write next month)

Can't find the time or energy

Unreasonable expectations (I should be able to write 10,000 words a day, right????)

Feeling discouraged and wondering why I'm even trying

Things that can help:

Follow the 2 min rule (or the 1 paragraph rule, which works better for me): whenever you sit down to write, tell yourself that you are only going to write for 2 minutes. If you feel like continuing once the 2 mins are up, go for it! Otherwise, stop. Force yourself to start but DO NOT force yourself to continue unless you feel like it. The more often you do this, the easier it will be to get started

Make getting started as easy as possible (i.e. minimize barriers: if getting up to get a notebook is stopping you from getting started, then write in the notes app of your phone)

Commit to a routine that will work for you. Baby steps are important here. Go with something that feels reasonable: every day, every other day, once a week, twice a week, and use cues to help you remember to start. If you chose a set time to write, just make sure that it's a time that feels natural to you- i.e. don't force yourself to writing at 9am every morning if you're not a morning person

Find a friend or a writing buddy you can trust and talk it out or share a piece of work you're proud of. Sometimes we just get a bit bogged down by criticism- either internal or external- and need a few words of encouragement

The Problem's Not You, It's Your Story (or Outline (or Process))

What it looks like:

I have no problems writing other scenes, it's just this scene

I started writing, but now I have no idea where I'm going

I don't think I'm doing this right

What's an outline?

Drowning in documents

This. Doesn't. Make. Sense. How do I get from this plot point to this one?!?!?! (this ColeyDoesThings quote lives in my head rent free cause BOY have I been there)

Things That Can Help:

Go back to the drawing board. Really try to get at the root of why a scene or story isn't working

A part of growing as a writer is learning when to kill your darlings. Sometimes you're trying to force an idea or scene that just doesn't work and you need to let it go

If you don't have an outline, write one

If you have an outline and it isn't working, rewrite it, or look up different ways to structure it

You may be trying to write as a pantser when you're really a plotter or vice versa. Experiment with different writing processes and see what feels most natural

Study story structures, starting with the three act structure. Even if you don't use them, you should know them

Check out Ellen Brock on YouTube. She's a professional novel editor who has a lot of advice on writing strategies for different types of writers

Also check out Savage Books on YouTube (another professional story editor) for advice on story structure and dialogue. Seriously, I cannot recommend this guy enough

Executive Dysfunction, Usually From ADHD/Autism

What it looks like:

Everything in boredom/understimulation

Everything in intimidation/procrastination

You have been diagnosed with and/or have symptoms of ADHD/Autism

Things that can help:

If you haven't already, seek a diagnosis or professional treatment

Hire an ADHD coach or other specialist that can help you work with your brain (I use Shimmer; feel free to DM me for a referral)

Seek out neurodiverse and neurodiverse writing communities for advice and support

Try body doubling! There's lot's of free online body doubling websites out there for you to try. If social anxiety is a barrier, start out with writing streams such as katecavanaughwrites on Twitch

Be aware of any sensory barriers that may be getting in the way of you writing (such as an uncomfortable desk chair, harsh lighting, bad sounds)

And Lastly, Burnout, Depression, or Other Mental Illness

What it looks like:

You have symptoms of burnout or depression

Struggling with all things, not just writing

It's more than a lack of motivation- the spark is just dead

Things that can help:

Forget writing for now. Focus on healing first.

Seek professional help

If you feel like it, use writing as a way to explore your feelings. It can take the form of journaling, poetry, an abstract reflection of your thoughts, narrative essays, or exploring what you're feeling through your fictional characters. The last two helped me rediscover my love of writing after I thought years of depression had killed it for good. Just don't force yourself to do so, and stop if it takes you to a darker place instead of feeling cathartic

look, I know I've talked about this essay (?) before but like,

If you ever needed a good demonstration of the quote "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic", have I got an exercise for you.

Somebody made a small article explaining the basics of atomic theory but it's written in Anglish. Anglish is basically a made-up version of English where they remove any elements (words, prefixes, etc) that were originally borrowed from romance languages like french and latin, as well as greek and other foreign loanwords, keeping only those of germanic origin.

What happens is an english which is for the most part intelligible, but since a lot everyday english, and especially the scientific vocabulary, has has heavy latin and greek influence, they have to make up new words from the existing germanic-english vocabulary. For me it kind of reads super viking-ey.

Anyway when you read this article on atomic theory, in Anglish called Uncleftish Beholding, you get this text which kind of reads like a fantasy novel. Like in my mind it feels like it recontextualizes advanced scientific concepts to explain it to a viking audience from ancient times.

Even though you're familiar with the scientific ideas, because it bypasses the normal language we use for these concepts, you get a chance to examine these ideas as if you were a visitor from another civilization - and guess what, it does feel like it's about magic. It has a mythical quality to it, like it feels like a book about magic written during viking times. For me this has the same vibe as reading deep magic lore from a Robert Jordan book.

And on another note, Colorado managed to get Trump off of their ballot. If other states can do the same there may not have to be two evils to choose between, and that’s only if we can get other bad candidates off the list too.

something for everyone who is like "you have GOT to vote for biden or else we'll have trump as a president again!!!!", you're basically saying "as long as republicans remain as morally reprehensible and evil as they are, democrats don't need to be held accountable for anything because they're the 'better' option"

Post from instagram @btnewsroom:

Why does the US gov’t support Israel no matter what?

Hint: it has to do with imperialism.

BT’s @keipritsker explains the crucial role Israel plays in US domination of the Middle East and geopolitics.

#Palestine #Israel #IsraelPalestine #Imperialism #Militarism #Geopolitics

Gandalf already told me I couldn’t pass.

What do I do now????

"this too shall pass" well can it fucking get on with it

I wish that instead of that Claire could have convinced him to sit down and talk. Claire taking him places, Claire finding solutions to his powers. That wholesome family bonding Klaus didn’t always get from his siblings. There were so many places this season could have just gone right honestly if the show runners just chose to look.

Klaus selling his body for drugs all over again was bad enough but then someone in that writers room decided to amp up the already fucked up situation to 100 by making Klaus to be sex trafficked and being forced to use his powers to let ghosts violate and use his body to have sex with the living so he could earn money to pay his debts to Quinn, which we all know he would never be able to do and he would be explored forever had he not escaped...And then it's played for laughs. Someone decided that putting Klaus through another extremely traumatic situation would be funny because he's always going on his own little adventures and getting himself in trouble, right? Someone in there thought "Oh that's so natural of him, that him going through something like this is just in character so it's funny, he will take this fucked up situation in a silly funny manner, right? Because it's Klaus Hargreeves we are talking about! And for some reason this will have no repercussions for his already poor mental health at all!" and they CAN FUCK RIGHT OFF!

I just want to talk to whoever wrote that shit. In a ✨️amicable✨️ way of course. As one does :)

Hey hi hello I am extremely pissed off

Maybe this point has been beaten into the ground already but THE HUMAN SHEILD ARGUMENT IS COMPLETE AND UTTER BULLSHIT

While my family members were just telling me that Israel didn’t actually bomb that first hospital everyone was up in arms about, Israel bombed THREE MORE HOSPITALS. And immediately after began a campaign to completely decimate the entire health system. THEY DONT HAVE ANY FUNCTIONAL HOSPITALS LEFT

But when I proved to aforementioned dumbass idf bootlicker relatives that YES ACTUALLY THEY DID BOMB THAT HOSPITAL AND NOW ALL THESE OTHERS I get the “wElL hAmAs sHoUlDnT hIdE iN hOsPiTaLs tHeN”

Listen to me. Carefully. Come closer.

I DONT GIVE A SHIT

EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF EVERY SINGLE TERRORIST ORGANIZATION IN THE FUCKING WORLD COULD HAVE BEEN IN THAT HOSPITAL AND YOU STILL DONT GET TO BOMB A FUCKING HOSPITAL

This applies to the churches and refugee camps and schools and relief centers too. These are places of REFUGE. They are supposed to be SAFE when homes and open streets are not. THATS WHY THIS IS CALLED A FUCKING WAR CRIME.

Do you understand that the people of Gaza (Palestine in general actually but I’m specifically speaking about Gaza right now) have been stripped of all dignity???

They can’t bury their dead, or if they manage to, it’s in mass graves marked with fucking cinder blocks. Bodies can be seen sticking out from under rubble, covered in flies. Because of the ceasefire, doctors have returned to a hospital they were forced to evacuate, leaving patients behind, and found the bodies of the children they were not allowed to take along, rotting in their beds. Imagine the absolute abject misery of being a doctor in Gaza right now. You can’t save everyone, you can’t even save almost everyone. You are forced at gunpoint to make the decision to leave your patients behind so that at least you can continue to help those who leave with you, hoping to return soon enough to save those who remain. Imagine the heartbreak of coming back days later and finding these poor broken bodies. Children with limbs missing or splinted who could not get up out of bed to even try escaping. They died slowly, and painfully.

Gazans are watching as their oppressors burn their olive trees, their cultural heritage, their livelihood, their source of food. Those trees mean so much to them, and have been cared for by generations of the same families in many cases. It’s not just a plant, not just a crop. Those trees are their inheritance, bearing the sweat and blood of their foremothers and forefathers. And Israel burns them.

Gazans are now being punished for COLLECTING RAIN WATER. Because even though Israel bombed the water reservoirs and poured cement in their pipes, apparently the fucking rain still belongs to Israel. Large numbers of deaths come from those who died of dehydration, or those who got sick from drinking dirty water. Illness is everywhere, because not only is the water dirty, but what food they can scavenge has been expired or left open from explosions or picked out of ashes.

These people cannot even eat and drink with human dignity. They don’t have blankets to sleep with despite the fact it is winter and nights are freezing. People sleep in the streets wherever they can find a less rubble covered place. Bisan mentioned in one of her videos from two weeks ago that many people lose clothing every time another bomb drops, and so people are walking around half dressed or in literal shredded rags. Do you wonder why everyone in the videos you see is covered in ash and dirt? It’s because they don’t have water for showers. A bomb falls, sending dust and rubble raining down over every surface, and the survivors just have to walk around like that, wearing the blood of their family members or friends or pets who didn’t make it out.

This is the literal definition of “cruel and unusual punishment”. They have no dignity in life, and certainly none in death. This is inhumane and absolutely disgusting, and I am ashamed to live in a world alongside people who loudly and proudly support it.

I don’t care if you hate me, I don’t care if you think my identity means I shouldn’t have rights. No matter how much I dislike or abhor someone, I still know they deserve their dignity. All humans should have that most bare minimum of basic rights.

And it is a bit of a parallel to Clarisse’s spear. Her heartbroken scream. These objects are the only parts of their parents they’ll ever have, they mean a lot.

grover getting frustrated on annabeth’s behalf and reminding percy that the yankees cap is the one thing she has of her mother…it’s so special to me you don’t understand. annabeth saying “he was my protector first”. i’m so glad they’re going into the annabeth and grover dynamic because we do NOT talk about it enough

Here's some help for developing your writing style.

Because of the ✨sass✨

okay really why does crowley walk like a slutty giraffe