Writer’s Block Begone!
If you’re reading this blog post, you’ve probably experienced something like this: You ready yourself to write. It’s a nice day and you have some free time left without school. You open your computer/book to write, set pen to paper or cursor to document, and then...disaster. Nothing comes. Your mind blanks completely. The blank white page looks at you mockingly.
I know in quarantine, many writers are feeling isolated or unfulfilled with their writing. In times like these, I know that you can be feeling down, worried, stressed, or even overwhelmed. Writing can feel like a chore, and you might be pressured to use your extra time to write. You might be afraid that your writing won’t be as good as you want it to. There are so many reasons, and I hope that after reading this, I can help you solve some!
Number 1: Don’t be afraid of failure
In today’s writing scene, there are a lot of internet users and places to receive feedback and see others work. This is amazing for support and exposure but for a lot of people it can also be very overwhelming. I know that I am very prone to comparing my writing with others and getting down on myself. It feels like everyone is born an amazing writer and that yours doesn't hold a candle to theirs..
But that is definitely not it!
A big part of writing is realizing that it is a process. A seemingly endless process, but a process, yes. If you don’t write because you’re afraid it will turn out good or that no one will like it, you’re holding yourself back from improving. Improvement only happens with practice, so you should write whatever comes to mind.
Writing is a super organic art form; holding back will also lead to impersonal writing, which usually doesn’t come out as well. Writing that you connect with and pen without any qualms is the best type because it freely expresses what you want it to be. It’s like working with wet clay versus dried clay.
Number 2: Write fanfiction
Fanfiction also receives massive feedback. Many sites cater to fanfiction writers such as AO3, Wattpad, and Quotev. If you want to publish your writing, there’s a community widely available. Many readers can also provide you with solid, constructive criticism as they have the original work to compare your writing to (in a good way, like to make sure you’ve kept those original characters in character).
Number 3: Read
Yeah, yeah, this is an obvious one but it is very underrated! Writing certainly feels like a speed race, but reading is super important. I find myself really inspired after reading a book or two. Reading also allows for a productive break from writing.
Here’s how I try to read, mindfully. Firstly, I read the whole chapter with no breaks. You can’t properly analyze writing if you haven’t read it first. After that, I usually skim the chapter again and jot down themes, good pieces of dialogue, or something interesting I noticed in the author’s technique. These ‘notes’ don’t have to be good either, you can definitely write down something you didn’t like or something you observed that wasn’t executed very well.
What I’ve noticed doing this is that I begin to automatically analyze my work while I’m writing. It allows me to get into a critical state of mind where I can really pick apart my writing and analyze like a reader, not a biased/tired author. It’ll also help in English class.
Number 4: Write Poetry/Short Stories
If you struggle with commitment or want to start writing/slow your pace, short stories and poetry are really good for this.
Short stories can help you practice the structure of the novel, practice inserting meaning into your words and keep you from rambling, as you have less page space to add in too many details. They also allow you to get your creative juices flowing! On days where I feel dull and uninspired to work on a long project, I open up my computer to a document of my compiled short stories, pull up a prompt, and start typing away. Think of these stories as testing grounds as well, a place for you to try different styles of prose, flesh out new characters or familiarize yourself with new scenes.
Poetry has similar benefits! I am a writer who heavily utilizes imagery and poetry has really helped me shave down my imagery into more meaningful, concise pieces. It is also a really good way of venting and expressing emotions.
Number 5: Don’t write at all
Yes, this sounds hypocritical but honestly, sometimes everyone needs a little reset. Taking a break from writing or sleeping on it can really amp up the quality and freshness of your writing. Come back in a new perspective and mindset to write instead of slogging on through the document and producing some terrible quality writing.
Breaks are completely okay and absolutely recommended if you think they’ll help. Don’t go overboard though!
Number 6: Set up a forced writing routine
For those of you who like structure, hopefully this will work for you! I like writing routines because seeing/knowing everything I have to do gives me motivation to power through my tasks. It also provides you with a clear stopping/starting point or time limit so you don’t underwork or overwork.
Here are some resources to help you build a schedule for yourself!
--Krushi Bandam, TAB Member