Valerie Howard Writes

I write what I feel or observe, as a way to heal and find myself.

You Are Your Biggest Block: How to Deal with Writer’s Block

The Idea

We’ve all been there. A fantastic, perfect-for-you idea descends from the heavens and alights on your noggin, announcing its presence by any means, from a warm, tingling sensation in your intuition, to a gut-slamming, breath-stealing tunnel vision towards a singular pinprick of light – the Idea that will be successful. The novel, plot twist, character, setting, etc. that will set you apart as a writer.

I’ve been there, and fairly recently. As always, this particular idea graced me with its presence late at night, just as I was getting ready for bed after a long day of motherhood and a 9-5. And as always, I jotted the idea down in my Notes app, squeezing as much of the idea from my brain to the 12-inch square screen in my hands. I went to bed excited, giddy even, with the shiny promise of a new Idea.

The next morning, when I sat down during my scheduled writing time (something I highly recommend), I brought up the Note and a blank document. This was it!

Expecting all the ferocity and fervor of the night before, I was sorely disappointed when all I managed to do was basically copy and paste and peck out additional details here and there.

This, dear reader, is a great example of Writer’s Block. While most writers are familiar with the ailment, most think it has to do with no inspiration and a continual blank screen.  That’s certainly true, but more commonly writers may find themselves in the same predicament that I did; essentially, when the good writing ‘juices’ stop flowing. However, I do have some tips and tricks that I use when it happens. Please note that none of these are immediate fixes, and oftentimes there is some internal work that needs to be done before they become second nature, but they’re a great place to start.

Make a vision board or playlist.

This is a great way to start worldbuilding your fiction novel. Go to Pinterest and start searching key scenes and moods, saving them to a special board for this new project. If you already have one, try going to Spotify and making a playlist for a character or a scene (especially helpful for epic battles).

Switch gears.

Try describing a character, or a scene. Or write from the viewpoint of the antagonist. Even if you don’t end up using it in the final product, the more familiar you are with the world and the characters, the more real they seem and the more likely inspiration is to hit again.

Plan.

Honestly, one of my favorite ways to combat the ol’ block. Plan, plan, and then plan some more. Write out scenes, plot the important beats of the story, write backstories and dual plotlines. Drop a comment if you’d like to have some of my most precious planning tools that I use for all of my projects.

Stare into the Abyss.

Just kidding. But sometimes looking away and focusing on something different can get creativity flowing again. I keep my son’s drawings around my desk, and I also have a vision board for goals as my desktop background. Reminding myself what I’m working for has proved really helpful to not giving into discouragement.

Get in nature (or at least outside).

This is a tip that I use when the situation is really dire. I save what I have, close the tab, and walk away. Nothing is worse than trying to force the idea to come to life – and that’s a great way to get burned out on something that you truly enjoy. Take your dog on a walk, play with your kids, or just walk to the nearest coffee shop. Observe. That’s truly the greatest tool in a writer’s arsenal. Observe the life happening around you, ask questions (to yourself) about the people you come across. See them as they are and don’t try to pass judgment – just see them. Sometimes, in this quiet, you may hear the voice of your Idea come back.

Bonus: Voice and notes apps.

These come in handy for those walks away from your computer. I use my Voice app all the time when my hands are full, or the ideas are coming way too quickly for me to type. Then, when you have time (scheduled writing time!), transcribe everything into your project document. Then, the cycle starts all over again.