Stop the Block: 5 Ways of Combating Writer’s Block & Getting that Motivation Back!

We all get it, even if we like to pretend we don’t. Sometimes we like to dress it up at something else, and sometimes writer’s block is more than struggling to write something whilst staring at a blank page. So how can it be cured? Well through a range of different methods, some writing-based and some not.

Find Inspiration & Gain Motivation

Sometimes we can get stuck in a rut, and can be going around in circles, stressing about what to write rather than acting with love, passion, or instinct. So go back to the source. What made you want to become a writer in the first place? And what inspired you to write your current piece? If there’s an author or authors that you like, it might be worthwhile revisiting their work. It’s a bit like going back into a room to remember something you’ve just forgotten. Or maybe you want to be inspired by new work? Well, with places such as My Favourite Voucher Codes, you can find the Book People voucher codes as well as ones from retailers such as Waterstones, so that you can get your hands on the latest titles without having to break the bank. There is surely no better smell than a fresh, new book, right?

Walk Yourself Motivated

Sometimes getting away from the screen is the best thing. Health experts recommend time away from the computer anyway, so it’s not slacking off—it’s a health kick (sort of). There’s a school of thought that says your subconscious still works on problems whilst your conscious mind focuses on more observable things, so whether you decide to pop to the park, take a stroll down the river, or wander in the woods, you will constantly be trying to work your way out of writer’s block whether you realise it or not. However, if for whatever reason you’re not able to go for a walk, then you could consider resting your brain, listening to relaxation music instead.

The Motivation Paradox: Take a Step Back

Sometimes you need to take a broader look over the piece you’re writing. When in the middle of writing something, the reason why you’re stuck could all be to do with what happened at the planning stage. If you’ve run out of steam, it could be that your structure has too many gaps in it, which can’t be fixed whilst writing that chapter, that verse, or that scene. So go back to your roots. If you didn’t plan anything out, and dove straight into writing, then planning where you will go next will make the process a lot easier. However, if you did have a prior plan, but still ran into difficulty, re-assess it. Do you need to change a character? Do you need to alter a plot point?

Get Motivated With Writing Prompts

Sometimes your writing can get a bit samey. There’s nothing to be ashamed about, but every so often you might be finding inspiration from the same places or overusing certain locations, tropes, or literary techniques. So, it can be beneficial once in a while to throw in a curveball. By using this random word generator you can include a dash of unpredictability into the mix. Think of it like adding an indeterminate amount of chili powder into your curry; it could end up being waaaaay too hot, but sometimes it gives it the perfect kick it needs.

Learn & Motivate With Dialogue Exercises

This is especially pertinent when writing a script, but also useful for when writing a dialogue-heavy part of a novel. Either by yourself or in a group of two, take two characters and write two separate strands of dialogue. Then, if in a two, each read out your lines one at a time (if you’re on your own, you can read them in your head if you don’t like talking out loud to yourself). What you should realise is that your characters aren’t always reactive to other characters, and sometimes dialogue is just a stream of two separate consciousnesses. And whilst you may not use any of that new writing in your work, it hopefully would’ve re-energised your writing bones.

So hopefully some of these will have given you the energy, motivation and inspiration you need to get over your writing block, and to start smashing words out on your keyboard again. You’re welcome.