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What do You Do About Writer's Block?

Posted by howisbradley • 9/09/08 • Subscribe to this Discussion [RSS] • Report This Topic
Topics: writers block

For the past few weeks I've been suffering from writer's block. I've still been able to post, but it's been a real struggle and most of my posts have been shorter than normal.

Anyone else experience this and what did you do about it?

Have you ever stopped posting for awhile until the block ended? That just doesn't seem like a good option for me.

User Comments

9/09/08

thefly

Here's a post I did about that very thing. Hope it helps.

thefly4176.blogspot.com/2008/07/proverbial-wall.html

buzz buzz

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9/09/08

Friday13

Perhaps if you start writing about writer's block, you might end up writing about more than just that. Let the words flow, no matter what they're about. Post about nothing.

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9/09/08

howisbradley

Some good points. Thank you

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9/09/08

voodooKobra

I'm suffering from writer's block RIGHT NOW, so instead of ranting I'm writing a piece to submit to Tangled Bank, a collection of science-oriented articles featured on the popular blog Pharyngula every week (I think it's every week).

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9/09/08

kden

Good one Friday. I just stop until something comes to me, maybe it's a day or two or even more. But for me it's better to wait than force it.

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9/09/08

harleyblues

I am xperiencing this also~
hb

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9/09/08

DrowseyMonkey

I remember a while back someone did a thread like this and in one of the comments were some fantastic ideas, post suggestions ... I've been looking for it but can't find it. I know that's not helpful, LOL ... but if I find it I'll post the link! I meant to save it 'cause it was quite helpful.

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9/09/08

Anniepooh

Ex-Lax.

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1. 9/09/08
  
  Friday13
  
  Mwahahaha!
2. 9/09/08
  
  Anniepooh
  
  I feel so helpful.
3. 9/09/08
  
  Friday13
  
  Not sure Bradley will think that of you if he follows that advice!
4. 9/09/08
  
  Anniepooh
  
  I know, I guess Metamucil is easier on your system?
5. 9/09/08
  
  Friday13
  
  And it's got that nice orange flavor.
6. 9/10/08
  
  howisbradley
  
  I tried Ex Lax and it unblocked everything but my writers block.
9/09/08

Anniepooh

OK, seriously, I step back and take some time off if writer's block hits. Usually, the moment I make the decision to back off, an idea hits! Isn't that always the way?

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9/09/08

cooper

When I don't have anything to blog about I just don't blog. I'm not a writer so writers block really doesn't apply to a situation where I have nothing to blog.
I think if you are out and about doing things you tend to have more ideas.

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9/09/08

ssgreylord

i usually try and write through it. i do a lot of sitting. waiting. listening. i type. i delete. i type. i delete. until i'm typing and the words just appear. we've all been through this one...

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9/09/08

stephenams

When that occurs I usually go out and eat.

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9/09/08

drjay1966

I keep a writer's block--made of solid oak--next to my desk.
Whack myself in the head with it whenever inspiration is lacking.

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1. 9/09/08
  
  Anniepooh
  
  ...and how's that workin' out for ya?
2. 9/09/08
  
  stephenams
  
  hahaha.. nice one.. i'll try this one out myself and see if this would help.
3. 9/09/08
  
  drjay1966
  
  Huh? What?
  Sorry, I've got a major headache....
9/09/08

ncarey

Bradley,

If you need a post idea Go to wamu.org/programs/dr/ and listen to the interview by Diane Rehm of Carrie Fisher. A very interesting interview about her bi-polar disorder. Interesting interview, she even had electric shock therapy. I am not sure how long the replay will be up on the website but you might find it interesting to listen to and write about.

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9/09/08

ncarey

Partly it depends on your goals, but generally nothing wrong with stopping for a while.

1) I keep a list of things I want to write about but if the ideas just aren't flowing the list doesn't help that much.

2) Often going to other blogs and reading them will give me ideas of what to write about. I am going to write a post about Vlad Zablotskyy a blogger here on Blog Catalog that is being sued about his blog comments. It's an issue all bloggers should be aware of and I read about it today on another blog.

3) For me just being aware that stuff in my life might be good blog material helps. An example of this would be my blog is about real estate. The city took me to court about a vacant property I own. It just hit me driving home that being in court might be interesting. - That was a real revelation to me, that my day to day experiences could be great blog material. Lots of blogs have the same stuff. I bet very few have written doubt their day in court.

4) I usually don't worry about it and eventually an idea comes. For me the idea usually comes before the time to write it.

Ned Carey
baltimorerealestateinvestingblog.com/

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9/09/08

ChicaX

I just keep posting, and inspiration comes from the life around me. Good luck in your quest to beat WB!

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9/10/08

howisbradley

Thanks all. Some good advice, including the Ex Lax and the wooden block. :-)

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1. 9/10/08
  
  Friday13
  
  Go easy on the Ex-Lax. As for the brick ... make sure it doesn't break easily!
9/10/08

jackpayne

Over the past year this has to be about the 20th or so post on so-called wriers' block.

Still can't see it. With the endless amount of info available on the internet, how can anybody have writers' block? As long as you don't gather your material all from one person--which would be plagiarism--and gather it from many people--it's then called research, and is O.K.

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9/10/08

fivekitten

Whenever I have writer's block, I find that stopping and doing something else and getting my mind totally off the assignment is the best way to get rejuvenated. Although I realize you said not writing isn't really an option...

Anxiety breeds anxiety. (Physically, it's true.) The more you think about not being able to write, the greater your writer's block will become. Shut off the computer. (Keep pen and paper handy in case you get inspiration.) Relax and think I have time (even if you don't) what do I really want to do? Then start doing it. The feeling of accomplishment you get from that will get your blood flowing, your spirits up, and hopefully you're creative juices flowing again.

I also often revert to pencil and paper. I still find I'm more creative with pencil and paper. It's a different mindset for some reason. It's more of a "writer's romance" type of thing...there's nothing better than a blank sheet of paper and a freshly sharpened pencil.

I also find that stopping and picking up a book to read helps (although I should point out I only read non-fiction - but that shouldn't matter). For some strange reason, I can read something totally inapplicalbe to my writing topic - but one sentence out of nowhere will give me a sudden inspiration for an assignment. Sometimes it's just a word from that sentence. Sometimes something will rhyme or make a great headline. Sometimes it's an outlook or perception that changes the way I might look at something. Sometimes creative ideas can be found through a character - or even asking a character what they think. (Not out loud of course...)

Other times I'll find myself blocked for hours and I'll just read endlessly on the topic. Eventually I'll run into that one sentence that says BAM that's it...and somehow strikes the chord that suddenly makes everything I read become summarized in my brain and the words just start pouring out making perfect sense...then cutting it short becomes the problem...

Sometimes I find that shutting the computer off, lying on the couch and pretending to take a nap helps. If you're in the half asleep/half awake state of mind your mind reels with illogical nonsensical thoughts. Somehow the thread of the illogical can suddenly lead to a BINGO and a great idea just pops into your brain from a bunch of partial, half-asleep thoughts that made absolutely no sense at all. The theory can work if you think about it in the morning when you're real tired and don't want to get out of bed. Let your tired illogical mind take over.

If you have kids - no matter what age - talk to them about the topic. You're very likely to get some interesting viewpoints that you can pull something from.

Right now my problem is making my articles shorter..ugh..I wish people liked to read long articles on the internet!

Have a beer. Have a cappucino. Have a bowl of chicken noodle soup. Sit and do nothing, clear your brain, and eventually something will pop in. You have to clear your brain before the thoughts can come in though.

If that doesn't work you can always hit yourself on the head with a hammer and call in sick.

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1. 9/10/08
  
  Friday13
  
  Wow, you wrote a little blog post there
9/10/08

Slashbe

Read. Read. Read. Books, magazines, doesn't matter. I often find that the most creative posts I generate come to me while reading.

Look at it this way. This gives you the excuse to stay in the bathroom for an hour at a time.

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9/10/08

Theresa111

Step over the block and simply write. Because it is a personal blog, it can be about anything.

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9/10/08

fated82

I dont have writer block. Usually, I am inspired by the things I do (except blogging) and I will write it down.(a headline or something) I seldom sit on the computer to think about what to write. I know what to write before I start posting.

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9/10/08

PeterGrant

Smoke a joint

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9/10/08

TragicComedy

Well, for writing (not on my blog), sometimes I have to just stop and allow inspiration to come to me. Sometimes I do research into an area that might give me an idea to further my story.

Blog related, I have a personal blog so if I don't have anything to say, it's because nothings happening in my life and the way to fix that is to do something. If my blog entry's a little shorter than I'd like, I like to look around the internet for interesting topics and give my two cents on my blog about it.

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9/10/08

MidwestMom

Hey, Bradley.

I think it's okay to take a break and give yourself time (and experiences) to become inspired again. My blog is about experiences of motherhood, and when it started, I wrote every day. What I found was that I was missing out on those experiences the more I wrote!

So, mix things up a little and keep a little pad of paper somewhere accessible. If you come home from doing something (living life!) and have a writing idea, just jot it down in one sentence. But don't actually sit down to write again until you've filled up the page with ideas. Then, you can sort them and write on the best ones, but you have the others as a back-up.

Anyway, that's what works for me.

Best to you, MM

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9/10/08

Jeunelle

I start reading books, newspapers, blogs, or anything to maybe get an idea going. Sometimes looking at Art may inspire an idea too.

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9/10/08

chrisskoyles

There's no such thing as "writer's block". Bradley, have you got other things on your mind lately? That can often dampen any sense of inspiration, or maybe your just tired?

"Writer's block" isn't this mysterious, all-consuming power, it's simply a case of circumstances getting in the way, and most of it has to do with motivation. If feel like you can't be bothered writing a blog, don't do it.

Scribbling anything down on a piece of paper or doing a bit of reading sometimes helps summon the muse, but sometimes it's just as easy to not write anything and do something else until you feel motivated to write again.

I don't mean to sound unsympathetic, but if write'rs block were a real curse, then how come journalists, feature writers etc can manage to knock out copy all the time?

Easy, because there's always something motivating them; naley that if they don't write, the bills don't get paid!

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9/10/08

annaswan

My hubby and kid hate this... but I blast punk music, eat junk food and slam sugar, stay awake for 2 days, live in my pajamas and bunny slippers, refuse to answer the phone or the door. LOL But - I have my studio seperate from the house, so they only have to experience these "creative" blocks and floods if they get silly enough to come over there. And if they dare to complain - I remind them several of the best writers were alcoholics - so it could be WAY worse. I'm just a weirdo. LOL

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9/12/08

mikodragonfly

For me, these tactics sometimes work - and sometimes don't. Sometimes I end up not writing anything for months on end and then Bam! one day, I just start writing and can't stop. But that's not very convenient, is it?

1. Quiet time - usually means, going to some quiet place by the ocean where I don't have to talk to anyone and just sit and do nothing without trying to write anything.

2. Getting really, really drunk. Rarely works and then I end up with a massive headache for my trouble.

3. Watch a bunch of my favorite movies or a full set of anime dvds. Works if I can get myself to just relax and enjoy.

4. Usually,I can't write because I can't think - so to clear my head: Nice long hot shower, light incence and scented candles and commit myself to a thorough session with my tarot cards or runes. Usually works - but I don't always have the time to do this.

5. Lately, I've been trying what I've heard referred to as "stream of consciousness" writing. Basically scribble whatever the heck pops into my head without making any attempt at coherence. Mostly it's gibberish - but occasionally, a good idea just pops right out.

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9/12/08

xmarks

I used to write short fiction stories. Once I had a bad case of writers block so I wrote about science fiction story about a writer going to extremes to cure his writers block.

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9/12/08

earthlingorgeous

I don't think about it when I don't have anything to write I step back read newspapers, watch tv, and then inspiration just comes naturally.

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9/12/08

rameshnid

I think loneliness is the key... sometimes noise works ...sitting in a noisy coffee shop..noise does a good job at abstracting oneself outside the physical boundaries..

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9/12/08

kdawg68

Music always helps me - real inspirational music. This may be embarrasing, but I'm sure I'm not the only one who pictures themselvs achieving things/succeeding/celebrating (or displaying other emotions) to certain tunes.

I say put that on, let your imagination run wild. Then just see what flows from there.

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9/12/08

cranelegs

occasionally i get it but not nearly as often as i get ... muther facken! ... bloggers ... cluck sticker! ... tourettes. shat! shat! shat!

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9/12/08

aningeniousname

I was actually reading an article about this today in the Independent newspaper, they were saying Agatha Christie used to eat apples in the bath to overcome her writers block. I mean apples in the bath!
My advice is eat tangerines while having a strip wash in front of your kitchen sink.

[reply]
1. 9/12/08
  
  howisbradley
  
  I've tried that. It doesn't work. Eating melons while dancing naked in the rain has helped a bit though.
9/12/08

ThriftShopRomantic

I step away from it for a few hours, and usually by the next day, when I'm good and alert, what I was working on seems much easier to deal with.

[reply]
1. 9/12/08
  
  aningeniousname
  
  You should try eating Kiwi fruit while shaving your legs.
2. 9/12/08
  
  ThriftShopRomantic
  
  That might pose a bit of a problem in my office at work.
3. 9/12/08
  
  aningeniousname
  
  Not to cure Writers block it was just a serving suggestion.
9/12/08

VampireFaust

Usually going to the gym for a while helps me or reading something in a similar vein as what I'm writing at the time helps to inspire me.

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1. 9/12/08
  
  ThriftShopRomantic
  
  I agree that reading something in a similar vein can be extremely helpful.
  
  It triggers all sorts of related ideas, and is often really inspirational.
9/12/08

lotusb

Best advice I give all my writer friends. READ. Go to the librairy or the store and pick up a book completely unlike you. Somthing eclectic, nothing trendy or too modern. Short story collections are my fave for this, you'll be inspired...i promise!! And something that SUCKS out inspiration...TV..stay away from it for a while.

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9/12/08

melindaville

Bradley--when I have writer's block, I just start writing about nonsense--kind of like 'free writing' where I just write about anything that comes into my head. Or I will go visit other blogs and see if I get inspired by a topic they are blogging about.

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9/12/08

crpitt

I just travel thousands of miles and travel about for three weeks when I get writers block

If I don't have things to write about when I get home then something went wrong.

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9/12/08

mitch972

wow... alot of response. I hit the gym and work out. I also have a starbucks. After some fresh air...my brain always works much better!
I'm always finding inspiration from my friends, my kids and every thing else in my life.

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9/12/08

ranist22

Listen to music that brings back the angst.

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2/21/09

snipittz

I want to know how people overcome writer's block too! In fact, that's the main idea behind my blog. It can also be a bit of fun trying to beat writer's block in a group!

Snipittz
The Snipittz Blog
snipittz.blogspot.com/

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2/21/09

acousticguitarist

Absolutely nothing I just look out the window and find something to write about and relate it to whatever the blog is about. Or often I'll use the News , or Google Blog or something else, or even software errors.

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