Writer’s block. That dreaded term in every writer’s vocabulary. Enter the sick feeling, the eye roll, and the heart racing. Okay, maybe you’re not quite as dramatic as I am. However, every writer knows how dreaded this term is. Writer’s block can prevent even the most experienced writers from writing for weeks. It’s almost like the writer’s equivalent of walking through a desert for who knows how long, without any supply of water. Told you I’m dramatic. Sometimes it feels real though, doesn’t it? Writer’s block is hard and it can even be exhausting as you pour all of your efforts into trying to write, even when the words won’t come easily. It feels as if your well of inspiration and love for writing has all but dried up. I’m no expert at conquering this giant fear of writing woe’s, trust me. However, when you’ve been writing for over half of your life, you definitely learn some in’s and out’s of defeating such enemies as writer’s block. With that being said, here are six ways I have found to fight this enemy in your own writing journey… 1) Read. I’ve been reading for basically as long as I can remember. Just as good musicians listen to other good music, good writers should read good books. Reading is a great way to gain inspiration, grow as a writer, and figure out what you will most enjoy writing about. Reading opens your mind to new ideas, new phrases, and different ways to say things. You can learn so much from simply reading a book by an inspirational author. So next time writer’s block strikes, don’t sit down in front of the computer in despair and watch three hours of Netflix! Read, read, and read some more. 2) Get out and do something! Most of us are not going to gain more inspiration by sitting in front of a blank Microsoft Word document and sipping our fourth cup of coffee. If you need new inspiration for a story idea or you’re looking for a new perspective, get out and live a little bit! Take a nature walk through some woods and observe the wildlife. Go swimming in a lake and soak up the sunshine. Invite some friends for an ice cream date. Try something you’ve never tried before: a new food flavor, a new sport, a new writing method, or a new instrument. Sometimes just taking a break will refresh your mind and give you a new perspective on your story. 3) Always carry a notebook. Sometimes writer’s block occurs whenever we sit and stare at those blank pages. I don’t know about you, but a blank page with no words on it yet is more daunting to me than the thought of climbing the Great Wall of China. But when I’m actually out living life, ideas always seem to be flowing. Can you relate? This is why carrying a notebook is so important as a writer! Whenever you hear a phrase, or you see a beautiful sight that sparks inspiration in you, write it down. Don’t wait until later. Waiting will only give time for the inspiration to die or for you to forget what it was you wanted to remember all along. Don’t forget that precious paper and pen. 4) Get words on the paper anyway. I can still remember a time in my life where writer’s block felt like it was going to destroy my whole love of writing. I dreaded just sitting at my computer because I knew the words were not going to come easily, and I would probably not even like what I was going to write. The biggest piece of advice I was given during this time was: write anyway. Writers write. Even when it’s hard. Even when they’re busy. Even when they don’t have inspiration. Even when they feel that sting of writer’s block. Don’t stop writing because you don’t know what to say, or you don’t know how to say what you want to say. Write words down, even if they stink. You can always fix them later. Just make sure they’re on that paper. 5) Join a writing community. Writer’s block and community reminds me a little bit of darkness and light. Whenever there is a whole lot of light, the darkness disappears. So whenever you are fellowshipping with a community of other writers, writer’s block will tend to disappear. There are so many advantages to a writing community. Not only will you gain accountability from the other writers in the group, but they will also encourage and inspire you to just keep writing. Join a writing group on Facebook, connect with others on Goodreads, or create a writing group for your friends who love to write. Have fun and watch the writer’s block disappear! 6) Know Who you are writing for. Writing has always been a huge part of my life. It is my avenue of expressing my heart, my thoughts, and my message. It is where I get out frustration, learn new things, and create new ideas. But more than anything, the biggest reason I write is to share with others more about the God who gave me the gift to write. Since I started writing seriously, I dedicated everything I wrote to the One who gave me this gift. I write for Him, and because I write for Him, whatever comes of my writing is for His glory. I encourage to honestly evaluate your writing and who you’re writing for. Is it for yourself? For the approval of others? For money? Or is it to give back the glory to God? When we write with our focus on glorifying God, everything changes. Writer’s block loses its hold on us because we no longer worry about what we are “supposed” to write to look good. Instead, we are focused on what we are called to write to honor Jesus. Pray over your writing. Develop a team of prayer warriors when you are working on a new project. And then, dear writer, just write. Write words that will point your audience back to Who you are writing for, every time.
Sue
8/15/2017 12:04:01 am
Awesome job and great ideas !
Bella Morganthal
8/15/2017 04:04:39 pm
Thanks, Mom! :)
Bella Morganthal
8/18/2017 06:39:45 pm
Thank you, Chloe! <3 Comments are closed.
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About this page:
This page of my blog is dedicated specifically to writers. I've been writing for over half of my life. I live and breathe writing. Because of that, I'm passionate about helping other writers grow, develop, and succeed. This section of my blog will include blog posts dedicated to writing, encouragement, and resources. Feel free to read through some posts and my contact form is always open if you ever have any questions or need encouragement! ♥ Archives
April 2018
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