Beating Writer's Block

 Is Writer's Block Real?

There's long been a debate about writer's block. Maybe there's no scientific evidence for it but more than enough writers suffer from periods of staring at a blank screen. No one seems to know exactly what causes it because it's different for everyone. Well, maybe not no one but there isn't much agreement either.

It can go on for a few days or a few weeks, even months. Much like an athlete can hit a slump or lose their ability one day, a writer can just blank. This can come from overtaxing your mind or by not following a regular schedule. So, be mindful of those. Take breaks (writer's block rarely comes after rest) and make a sdchedule and stick to it.

There are as many solutions to this as there are for hiccups. Below are some strategies that work for me. And to provide context, I've gone from struggling to finish a novel for months to writing eight books in the last twelve months. Even during that time, I battled with cognitive overload and looming writer's block. I've used the below to help.

Rewrite

When I sense the doldrums coming, I turn to editing and, more importantly, the rewriting element of it. I don't have to come up with something totally new but instead something different, better. I edit line by line and allow myself to get creative. This helps me continue the practice whithout overtaxing my brain. It's familiar ground and I can focus solely on the words, knowing already where the story is headed and not worrying about what's to come.

Take out an old piece and edit it actively. Do your best to reshape the work and change the sentences for the better. You may be inspired by your own writing, which also alleviates the writer's block. Don't edit just to edit, however, as that is counterproductive. But don't be afraid to change something. If you lean that way, create a new version of the file and edit away, keeping the original intact. 

Multiple Stories

Another tactic I employ is having several stories working at the same time. Usually, they are within the same series or connected to it, but I've gone to completely new IPs as well. This way, if the writing of one story goes stale, I can pick up another. I do this strategically. For instance, I started the retro series for my John Keegan books because he was part of a television show that looked back at his early cases in the present timeline. I can write the current series and then go to the retro one, planting plot elements and history there Keegan can reference in the current books. One gets me thinking of the other, and I find I have more to write than I can get out in a day.

This may be daunting for some. Maybe most. Instead, write a short story that serves as background for your novel. You can flesh out a storyline you may not have time for in the novel but want to bring to conclusion out of curiosity. I find this very comforting. 

You can also go wild, switch from a sci-fi novel to a romance or drama. All genres share elements and there's nothing wrong with beefing up the dramatic parts of your sci-fi by exercising that muscle in the drama story.

Mess around with these. You'll find you have a lot more to say than you thought and writer's block will stay away when you have many sticks in the fire.

Ancillary Writing

When I get really stuck, I decide to flesh out my story. When the plot griuds to a halt, I go to my characters. That might include a sketch of a secondary character, providing backstory and depth while keeping my fingers moving on the keyboard. I like doing this anyway so this exploration serves more than one purpose. I write a story or just details, like what a character likes to eat, their taste in music, last relationship, or a tragedy they experienced.

You can also develop the scene or a location or a universe. Write down details like you're walking through the setting. That old building the detective walks into? Make it a living, breathing thing. Tell it's story, what it housed before abandoned, who worked there, what happened. You could write a short story just about the building and then transfer small parts to your story.

Sensory Writing

We often forget the senses when we write because it's all coming from our imagination. Think about what the scene looks like, sure, but what about sounds? Do floorboards creak, doors scrape the carpet when opened? How does the doorknob feel? What does the chatter in the background really sound like?

It's best to go through your living quarters and really look. You see it every day and would likely not describe the rooms as in depth as you would something you created. Unfortunately, because we've seen the imaginary so much, we sometimes use the same shortcuts. We  know what the room looks and feels like and might not take enough time to explain. Focus on this in your writing and you can prevent writer's block. Block often comes when we are moving too fast for the sake of progressing the plot.

Oh, and I saved the best for last, smell. Many writers overlook this because imagination often skips scents. What does the bulding smell like? Musty is good but overused. What's in that musty scent? Is it more damp than dusty? How about the people? Is the guy wearing body spray? Ever smell someone's deodorant more than normal because they exerted themselves? We do focus on cooking smells but look for nuance there. The pot roast has a smell but everyone cooks it differently. Is there thyme in this one? Rosemary? Herbs de Provence? Play around in your head.

Conclusion

Writer's block is a thing if you've had it. That's all that matters. Just employ some sort of writing that requires creativity. Make it low on the cognitive load scale, as writer's block usually sprouts from cognitive overload. And remember, you can write and it will go away. These tactics can prevent or remedy the issue, so do not despair!

Have a trick to help? Put it in the comments!

Need something to read? Check out Calvin Locke's engaging series: The Dream Fighter Chronicles. It's great for adults and older kids (nine years old plus) who love an adventure.