How Not to Get Writer’s Block

For the second in our ‘How not to…’ series, our author Edward de Chazal offers these thoughts on how not to get writer’s block:

‘Writer’s block’ refers to that most conceited of states – a perceived inability to create through language. Among creators, writers alone identify with the condition: who would accept ‘gardener’s block’ from the person hired to landscape their grounds as an excuse for work not done?

Yet, as most writers will testify, we do periodically suffer from it. And it can be agonizing in mind and body.

Indeed, the mind holds the key to overcoming writer’s block, for it surely doesn’t stem from lack of time or space.

Here are seven ideas for conquering it:

Carry a notebook and pen – discover how the most unexpected moments (waiting for a train / sitting on a rock by the sea) can bring forth creation.  

Set yourself little goals throughout the day – when you reach the top of the hill / pour out your first coffee, write at least three lines.

 Keep a diary – add up your daily word count and display it / feed it into a spreadsheet, thereby plotting your progress while building motivation.

Give yourself treats for set targets – a guiltless evening glass of claret is yours whenever you reach your daily 1000 words. Otherwise, sadly, it’s just sparkling water.

Time yourself – set the stopwatch for one hour and aim to reach 500+ words – even if half is padding some will be editable up to acceptability or better.

Write the easy bits first – yes, leave those tricky passages for later and write the lovely scenes that you really want to indulge in. These will add up to thousands of words and you’ll have broken through the dreaded WB.

Relocate to create – related to my first idea, get out of your comfort zone and go somewhere new: a café in town; a railway station; and yes, a rock by the sea.

Try one of these ideas and watch your writing flow. Try all seven and see it fly!

Edward de Chazal