Saturday, June 24, 2017

Writer's Block

I'm one of the biggest hypocrites in the world when it comes to writer's block. I shout, "writer's block doesn't exist!" at anyone who complains about it, but a few months later I find myself suffering from the same condition. I struggle to find inspiration, I write myself into a corner with no way of moving forward. Sometimes I go months where I only write a few pages of fiction. Still, giving it a title that sounds like some sort of illness feels too much like an excuse. Professional writers work their way out of ruts. They write even when it hurts, even when it's bad, even when they have nothing to write about. 
I tend to tell people, "I'm a little stuck." They seem more likely to offer advice then-- they become more understanding. It feels more like a temporary situation-- something that will go away with some thought, something with a quick solution. Honestly, I'm lying to myself-- changing the way I phrase it doesn't make it any easier to get out of.
I'm a little stuck. 
I've started several books, all of them leading nowhere. I haven't touched Apples of Red Mountain. I've written bits of Ballade of the North, but nothing that's moving the story forward. So, now seems as good a time as any to talk about writer's block and how I tend to handle it. 
For me, deadlines help. Knowing that I need my novel finished whether I feel like writing it or not forces me back into the game, which typically cures me of blocks. Also, reading or watching whatever first inspired me to write a book of that genre can remind me of its roots and help give me new ideas. Doing extra research on the topic I'm stuck on can help as well-- if the characters are stuck in a scene where they're locked in a dungeon, I might do research on how one might escape from imprisonment. 
Most writer's block is temporary. Sometimes, you need to step away from any kind of virtual screen and go take a walk, read a book, spend time with friends, meditate (that's a big one for me). Sometimes writing by hand can help-- computer screens get intimidating sometimes, and being able to visually see the mistakes you make rather than hitting the backspace key will make you pay closer attention to your word choice. Listening to calm music with pretty lyrics or reading poetry can offer inspiration. Sometimes, you just need to read some advice you find online about writing to remind you how fun it is, how powerful words are. You have to be in the mindset to write; if you'd rather be doing something else, it will come across in your manuscript. Writing every day is a good way to ensure that the block won't grow. Dedicate a little bit of time in your schedule to getting out a scene or two, and soon you'll be writing chapters like you were before. 
Blocks are different for everyone and therefore require different cures. Just keep in mind that all are temporary, and no matter how talented you are, it happens to everyone. Deep breaths. We'll get through this (eventually). 

Until next time,
Cameron Davis