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Writers Workshop Series: Writer's Block |
 Staring at a blank sheet of paper, or a computer screen with a blank Microsoft Word document, can become a frightening experience for the writer suffering from writer’s block. Writer’s block can be described as a condition or period of time during which the writer cannot produce written work. Writers sometimes suffer from this obstacle to creativity and search for ways to overcome it. In this article in the Writers Workshop Series, we will take a look at some causes and cures for this hindrance that interrupts creative thought and performance.
Some local authors have offered their thoughts on writer’s block. Author and teacher Edgar Rodriguez has experienced writer’s block and feels it is due to lack of focus. He feels that when we have a lot on our mind it is hard to concentrate on writing. He likened a busy mind to a room filled with so much clutter that it is hard to find what you need. Evelyn Mika experiences this hindrance when she is just not sure how to begin a piece. Brenda Hendricks admits that she tends to procrastinate and puts off her writing. Marsha Hubler, also a local writer and author of the best-selling Keystone Stables Books, is one of those fortunate few who does not get writer’s block. She feels that as long as she has quality time to devote to her writing, she is able to think her way through each scene in her novel and start typing away in a short time.
Some other causes of writer’s block may be the fear of not being able to live up to expectations set by the writer him or herself or expectations set by a publisher or teacher. After receiving rejection letters from a publisher, writer’s block may set in. Remember that Dr. Seuss’s first book was rejected 39 times before being published. On the other hand, sometimes after having writing success writers feel that they will not be able to repeat the success.
Some suggestions for overcoming writer’s block:
• Treat writing like a profession. If you had a job as a doctor or a teacher, you would not just work when you were in the mood or when you felt inspired. You would work when you were scheduled to work, whether you were in the mood or not. So write in spite of your moods.
• Don’t wait to get inspired. Author and film critic Roger Ebert gives this advice regarding writing. “Don’t sit and wait for inspiration. Inspiration will come as you write.”
• Set apart a designated time or place for writing.
• Set goals. Setting goals for yourself such as writing for a specific amount of minutes or hours per day or writing a specific amount of words per day or week, will inspire you to meet those goals.
• Try freewriting. Write whatever comes to your mind without worrying about correct grammar and punctuation. Do your editing later. Let the creativity flow.
• Join a critique group. Critique groups result in accountability. If each member has 15 minutes to share his or her writing, he or she won’t want to show up empty-handed. A group can provide writers with deadlines, support, praise, and constructive criticism.
• Take a break from your writing. Go for a walk or sleep on it and you may come back with fresh ideas.
• Work on two writing projects at the same time. When you switch back and forth between two works you’ll bring with you some new insights.
• Use writing prompts to jump-start creativity.
• Don’t set unrealistic expectations. Rough drafts are just that– rough.
• Take a writing class at a Continuing Ed department or an online class.
• Read books on writing and work on improving your skills.
• Start in the middle. When you start in the middle of a writing project you can avoid the anxiety of how to begin.
• Write with confidence. Often, writers who are experiencing a block have a worse opinion of their own writing than others do. Focus on what you do well.
• Can’t think of a thing to write? Start with “What if ….”
Fight against discouragement. Keep on writing and enjoy the journey.
This is our final installment of the Writers Workshop Series. For further information regarding Carolyn’s upcoming website on solving writing problems or for information on her proofreading services or writing classes, email her at
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