Writer's block can originate from a multitude of sources, from fatigue to nothing at all, in the worst cases. Being a college student, finding the time and place to write is difficult enough without having to deal with the additional factor of having that mental block preventing me from accurately conveying my ideas. As with every challenge, every writer finds their own solution to dealing with writer's block, and while I won't promise that these five ideas will work (Which is why they're labeled "Suggestions"), I hope to offer advice as to how I personally combat writer's block which, in turn, will help guide you to finding your own solution.
1. Step AWAY from the desk!
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Your objective is to drive a screw into the wall. You have no screwdriver, nor a substitute. Instead of trying to use your hand and force the screw into the hole, the better solution would be to step away and grab a screwdriver. The same logic follows in writing. Staying at the desk, pen in hand, slamming your head into the wood grain will do little to get those ideas out of your head and into the parchment. Some writers suggest the opposite, but from personal experience, forcing myself to write under the stress of writer’s block either produced frustration and empty pages or jumbled up sentences that made me miserable to even read. Take a break! Walk away for a time.
2. Leave the study and go outside; your skin is whiter than a ghost!
The outside world is a large source of inspiration, regardless of whether or not we’re conscious of the fact. Our experiences shape how we write, what we write, and how we can move forward on our projects. Spending time with friends and family will lead to new situations that could inspire you. Sometimes a single sentence spoken from a friend can help you overcome the slump. If none of your friends are available, or you are lacking in the socializing department like I am, taking a walk around the neighborhood can open your mind and clear your thoughts. Exercise is always beneficial, regardless.
3. Read something similar to what your project is.
Often the first piece of advice writers give is to read as much as you write. Reading lets you take your mind off of the world you want to create and dive into the world of someone’s creation. Try to figure out the underlying purpose behind every sentence, imagining what the writer did to carry a scene, make a character interesting, introduce a plot element, etc. Every writer in history has experienced writer’s block, and they all learned some way to overcome it, so learn from them. Escapism can often help foster creative thinking, but be careful. There's a fine line between learning from another writer and reusing their ideas.
4. Do nothing. Nothing at all.
You spent all that time finding a screwdriver, only for the screw to remain insistent on not being driven into the wall. You’re frustrated, thinking that you finally found the solution to the problem only for a new one to rise. Perhaps now, you are just realizing that the screw is, in fact, a nail, making the screwdriver useless. You’re feeling frustrated, demotivated, and tired. Similar to the first suggestion, step away from the task and take a break. If your head is a jumbled mess, sometimes the best way to clear it is to lie on your bed and stare at the ceiling. Sometimes, the best medicine for stress is a quick nap. Whenever I have trouble writing a scene or finding the best way to carry out said scene, I pick a piece of music fitting for the moment and try to conjure up a beat based on what the music is saying. Imagine the events unfolding in a scene without dialogue, carried by the background music. These are all tools to help formulate your ideas.
5. Reflect: Remember why you write.
This next bit applies to really anything related to your goals. Whenever you feel like the task before you is hopeless, or that you’ll never get over that slump, the best thing to do is find what made your start down this path in the first place. Self-reflection is the key to growth, as both a writer and as a person. Ask yourself, “Why am I doing this?” and your answer should inspire you to keep going. I started out writing stories because I wanted to give back to the story-tellers that changed my life growing up, and while I’ve found other motivators over the years, the original purpose will always remain the same.
Sadly, there has yet to be an end-all method of eliminating writer’s block. If all of these suggestions failed you, just know that eventually, with confidence and determination, you will overcome the hill. Remember that every writer has gone through the same problems you’re facing, and be confident with the knowledge that since they were able to climb up that mountain, so can you.
