6 Ways to Conquer Writers Block

  I'm writing to you from the midst of the coldest week of the year here in Alberta so far, with temperatures regularly dipping below -50C with the windchill factor. Why do I mention this, you ask? Cause since basically all I've been able to do is write and attend to other indoor activities, I thought it would be the perfect time to explore some ways to conquer writer's block, so that if you ever get stuck inside for a week like me, you can make the most of your time!

  Let's dive in!

1. WORD SPRINTS/DAILY WORD COUNTS

  One of the best ways to smash writer's block that I've found is to give yourself daily word count goals when you're working on a project. For instance, I have often employed writing at least 300 words per day into my busiest seasons to keep me moving forward. Yes, 300 seems like nothing, but is it 300 more words than you had yesterday? Then it's not nothing after all, is it? Depending on the amount of time you have to write in your daily life, it can be as little as 100 words to as much as 3000, whatever a reasonable goal is for you!

  Another great tool is the 'word sprint.' Especially if you get friends involved, word sprints are great ways to get through a lot of words in a shorter amount of time. Simply set a timer for 5, 10, 15, or 20 minutes, and dedicate that full run time to writing and writing ONLY. The ticking clock will keep you on track, especially for shorter bursts. And even better if you're doing this with a buddy to keep you accountable. 

2. CHAPTER-BY-CHAPTER OUTLINE

  For my large fantasy series, I employ a chapter-by-chapter outline strategy, simply because I would be lost without it. I'm not a complete pantser, but I often do go into my books a little blind, and though it usually works out (see The Sorceress and the Squid or Faithless) it definitely makes the process longer, harder, and more convoluted. However, for the The War of the Three Crowns, I have dedicated myself to detailed outlines for every chapter, and that is probably all that has kept me going through this series *cries in tired writer*

  So, if you tend to struggle through a first draft because you lack direction, I would highly recommend getting yourself a chapter-by-chapter outline, or a three act story structure, or just SOMETHING to help you move forward. It's a guaranteed lifesaver and slayer of the Writer's Block.  

3. GET OUTSIDE

  This is a big one for me. I know a lot of writers are indoorsy people by nature, but trust me when I say that the outdoors fills your soul and spirit in all the right ways so that you can continue pouring creatively into your manuscript. Fresh air, sunlight, and movement are all key pieces of maintaining a healthy body and brain, and so even during weeks like mine, where it's colder than some places in Antarctica or even Mars, prioritize just a few minutes of outside time to allow your spirit to be refreshed and revitalized. And, when it's warm, try 30 minutes, or a few hours. A hike, a bike ride, a walk in the park, swimming, just something to get you away from your screen and into your body and mind in a new and invigorating way.

4. WRITE SOMETHING ELSE

  If what you're writing is really dry and has you totally stuck and unsatisfied, who says you have to keep pushing through right now? Come back to that sentence, that scene, that chapter, or even that book another day and focus on something that drives and excites you instead! Whether you have another project you can swing over to, something to write or end, a piece of fanfiction you've been meaning to pen, a plot bunny that won't stop bouncing around your brain, or you're more interested in writing a scene two chapters from where you are now - that's all great! Just DO SOMETHING, ANYTHING, else for awhile. You can always come back, perhaps with some new perspective from taking a short break.

5. CHANGE IT UP

  Are you not sure where to go from here? Maybe you've written yourself into a corner you can't escape, or nothing makes sense anymore and your character isn't going to weasel out of this. 

  Try doing the last thing you'd expect, and wrestle with the consequences. 

  After all, this is your story, and it doesn't need to make sense...yet. Why not try something totally out there, kill off a main character, add aliens to the mix, throw in some romantic subplot that came from nowhere, and just see what happens! Whether you keep or even like the results, you can guarantee that something will be happening, and sometimes we just need the confidence of that to push us through a roadblock.

6. ACT IT OUT

  I have employed this since I was young, but it rings true even now that I am decidedly old. When in doubt, act it out! Step into the shoes of your character, visualize the scene before them and act accordingly. Pretend you are there, in the thick of it, exchanging witty banter with the villain, confessing your love to someone, deciding whether to take up the mantle of hero or not, and just see what happens. More often then not, the wheels in your head start turning and you get carried away with the ideas now springing up around you. 

  Plus, I find it is a great way to sharpen your dialogue, pretending to have a conversation with your character, as your character. 

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:

My Most Beloved Fictional Tropes

Soft vs. Hard Worldbuilding

How I Plan My Writing Year

LET'S TALK. 

  When was the last time you suffered writer's block? And how did you deal with it? Are you a weirdo who pretends to be their own characters for *inspiration*? Let me know in the comments below!