Conquering Writer’s Block: Start Somewhere
Writers seem to be constantly debating whether or not writer’s block exists. Some claim that it’s a myth and attribute it to pure laziness. Others say that it’s a very real feeling of fear and anxiety that comes from a period of stagnation or lack of motivation. Whatever it’s called, sometimes you just feel a little stuck, with words that just won’t come. Sometimes that blinking cursor mocks you and you tap your fingers mindlessly on the keyboard, not knowing how to start, not knowing where to begin.
So then where do you begin?
Whether you’re starting a new story or returning to an old one, the idea of filling a blank page may seem like a daunting task you’d rather not tackle. How do you come up with something new, captivating? How do you start with that first sentence so that all the others that follow will flow quickly, easily, flawlessly? How do you return to the characters that once spoke to you when they’ve suddenly gone silent?
Maybe the trick is to just start somewhere.
The best advice I’ve ever read was to keep going, to write through it.
Too often, lack of motivation and anxiety about the blank page can hold us back. As writers, many of us are subject to believing that our first drafts have to be remarkable. But as writers, we get second, third, and fourth chances. As writers, we edit.
Your first draft is really just that — a place to get started, a puzzle with which you can begin filling in the pieces to see the larger picture. Start with the outline, the edges — a single scene, thought, piece of dialogue or setting. Whatever comes to mind, put pen to paper and start writing.
Trust that the rest of the pieces will begin to fall into place.
Trust the story.
And trust yourself.
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I like the idea of starting in the middle, in medias res. Begin with dialogue to get things going. After all, dialogue is a great way to make things “happen” without having to belabor getting your prose right.
I think in the end it really is about listening to yourself and trusting your instincts. You don’t have to write brilliant stuff 100% of the time – the first step is really just getting your thoughts out, getting stuff down on paper, and not second-guessing and stifling your own thoughts and creativity. If you’re suffering from writers block, just write ideas, sentences, anything – and build from there.
Also, never be afraid to step away and come back to something later. Sometimes getting away from the computer can provide you with a renewed sense of inspiration and motivation!
Great post! Honestly, I never suffer writers block in terms of writing blog posts. I always have too much to write and too many ideas! However, I love poetry and I often encounter writer’s block with that and I wish I wrote poetry more often. Some tips I try to use are: READ. Read a lot. When I read a lot of poetry, my creative spark comes back. Also, carry a small notebook with you. That way, if you have a quiet moment you can jot down a few notes or words, and perhaps inspiration will strike!
You’re definitely right. Sometimes the only cure for the worst writer’s block is to just plow through. I may find myself sitting in front of the computer for a long time, hitting the backspace button over and over, but eventually, I always figure it out.
I definitely have writer’s block sometimes, and it’s so frustrating. You’re right though, the best thing to do is push through it and realize it’s okay to start with a rough draft. Like most things, if you let your frustration take over, you’ll just make it worse. Great post!
Anna: Starting in medias res is great because of the idea that even if you start in the middle of things, the point is that you’re still beginning, starting somewhere, starting something. And you’ll always end up somewhere, filling in the missing pieces, if it’s necessary, as you go. Great idea and thanks, as always, for your thoughts and input!
Matt: You really nail the idea here…The problem with writer’s block is that, too often, you’re too concerned with the end result. You’re exactly right that writing is something to build upon, each word, sentence, idea following another. Great thoughts, Matt, thanks for sharing!
Akhila: You’re absolutely right — reading can provide one of the greatest sources of inspiration, not only because it allows you to formulate your own ideas, but it also puts you in a different mindset and allows you to immerse yourself in that, especially with something like poetry. And I definitely second carrying a notebook! Great ideas, thanks Akhila! And thanks for sharing your beautiful poetry.
Akirah: That backspace button sometimes seems like the greatest threat, doesn’t it? Thanks so much for your comment!
Sam: I think if we can turn off that natural editor in all of us, that need to get it right and out on the first try, maybe it would make it easier. Thanks for the comment and thanks for stopping by.
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