Regulating Writer’s Block
Writer’s block, it’s a dam of ideas. Many writers have found themselves pressed up against it time and time again. While at first glance writer’s block may seem like an immovable mass of ideas trapped behind a wall, closer examination reveals it actually has its fair share of release valves. You just have to know where to look.
For starters, writers have to get away from the idea that creating content is a labor of art reserved for that moment when the right mood strikes. Yes, there will always be an art component to stringing together the right collection of words and ideas but it can’t hold you back. Writers have to be able to pull themselves away from the idea that writing can only occur under certain circumstances. Instead, writers need to acknowledge that it’s an act that can be taken on at any time. The general flow of ideas also increases when the skill is exercised frequently. One way I started to do this for myself is writing every morning before the day starts.
While I’d like to say I’ve perfectly hit the mark every day, I do struggle when it comes to filling my blank screen with ideas occasionally. The white empty space can be a tad intimidating after all. When empty there is potential for great ideas and “profound work.” Once filled however, it’s time for critique and editing, which for many (myself included) isn’t the most fun part of writing.
Another place to look for a writer’s block release valve is the flow of ideas. Writing is thought. Good writing often comes from those who have the ability to clearly articulate concepts. Yes, style and voice are still important. But they’re only components that make up writing. The real meat of it comes from conveying good ideas in a simple and digestible form.
To increase the flow of ideas and crack writer’s block, it’s best to really understand your subject. I’ve found reading blog entries about issues and topics I care about on a daily basis is an asset to learning more and generating ideas for future writing topics. On the more comprehensive side of this tactic, I find it best to sit down with a more detailed piece of writing like a book and read for an extended period of time. Doing so forces your brain to think hard about the topic at hand and allows you to immerse yourself in the subject matter, leaving room to breathe for internal dialogue about the authors thoughts and time to collect ideas of your own in a notebook or sticky notes — my personal favorite when it comes to digesting ideas when reading!
Finally when looking for release valves in your writer’s block, be sure to check the structure of your writing approach. Going back to the blank screen example, it’s really hard to attack the white space if you don’t have a plan. Without one, your only tactic is really just
“I’m going to fill this screen with words.”
An alternative approach is pausing a bit before beginning to write and mapping out what your process looks like. I initially struggled with this when I first started writing professionally. As an undergrad at university, I found my writing style was a bit organic and tended to start as a jumble of ideas and then slowly evolve into a comprehensible piece of writing. After working for a bit, I learned this approach while doable is hard within the constraints of working environments and deadlines. Instead, it’s best to focus on clear and actionable writing tasks.
For me this has developed into a more structured approach. Here’s an outline of my usual process:
- Brainstorm ideas
- Outline concepts
- Begin drafting content
- Edit content
- Select visual (s)
- Publish
- Share
It looks simpler than it really is on screen but it helps me frame up ideas and figure out what I’d like to convey in my writing.
Writing is hard. To get really good, it takes dedicated time honing your skills. And like any other skill, it gets better overtime with practice.
So there’s no dynamite to blow up writer’s block. There will always be a bit of tension between what you’d like to write and the available amount of creativity. The real challenge is finding ways to relieve the pressure a bit. Doing so won’t create a constant free flowing river of ideas but it will help turn what seems like an immovable mass of creativity and thought into a reliable source of energy to convey your interests, passions, and dreams on a daily basis.
DWE Project: I’m currently experimenting with building a more reliable writing dam. In a model borrowed from teachers, I’ve started a daily writing exercise (DWE) which I hope will help me become a better writer and refine my ideas. Any feedback appreciated!
[Photos Courtesy of Beaver Lake Dam — Open Floodgates, Power meters, josh_holland, Hradec Králové / power station via photopin]
