HOW TO OVERCOME WRITER'S BLOCK

 

Writing is not always as simple or easy as it sounds but once you get a hang of it, the journey can be very revealing and enjoyable.

For most writers who use the traditional style of drafting their book on paper or typing away on their PC or smartphone, the back ache and numbness of fingers is not a funny experience but an avoidable occupational hazard.

Ask me how ...

We also have to deal with the seasonal mind blankness called writer's block , where you lose all sense of creativity, imagination and inspired ideas on what to write next.

You could sit, staring at your blank page of paper or screen, chewing on your pen ,with nothing to show for your time except the trash can filled with torn sheets of paper or the cursor blinking on your screen .

This is the bane of every writer, happens to both newbie and matured authors and could go on for weeks ,months and years if not addressed.

It's emotionally depressing,

Leaves you feeling mentally drained and disassociated from your book.

It's every writer's fear .

The lack of choice words.

Compelling Ideas.

Original Content.

Intriguing and unique Story

Creativity and imagination.

It's usually better to avoid it.

Here's how I manage to,

Always meditate on your book idea.

There's so much power in the mind , to create and repair things .

What you give thought to , you give life to.

The more you think about your book, the more it opens up , reveals different dimensions, angles and options to you.

Depending on your daily timing and routine, create at least 30 mins to 1 hr twice daily , preferably in the mornings and at night to think creatively and meditate on your content or book idea.

Study always.

A good writer, is a good reader.

What you read influences and develops your sensitivity to ideas and words.

It increases and upgrades your vocabulary.

Read good books in the genre or niche of your choice.

Study the flow of words of these writers.

Like a sponge soak in every detail and develop your mind's capacity for imaginative thinking.

Set aside at least 1- 2 hrs daily to study if you want to avoid mind block.

Find your convenient time , but I know mornings and before bed works wonders for me.

Take notes always.

Form a habit of jotting down your ideas,put down every teeny teeny detail, thought , idea or imagination on paper.

The bluntest pencil is sharper than the sharpest mind.

So to sharpen your human mind which is prone to stress, fatigue, memory loss and other negative emotions .

Takes down notes from your peak periods.

These periods don't just happen you create them by studying,meditating and relaxing.

Carry writing materials in all your purse and bags.

Drop them in every corner of your house and room.

Mine are beside my pillow ,on the table ,everywhere so I don't have to bother looking for them.

Still thinking of how to keep one in the kitchen and bathroom, because ideas kinda flow freely there .

Plan your day.

As a writer, I write my daily to do list for the next day after work, and before going to bed.

After I must have studied on my book project, thought about it, jotted somethings down and then plan my next step .

By so doing ,I usually wake up feeling refreshed , in a hurry to get to work and start downloading the fresh ideas I received through the night.

Have a spiritual personal quiet time

Your spiritual health controls your mental and emotional health.

Any writer that has no faith base will depend on something else for inner strength.

When life is pushing you to the wall.

You feel like tearing out your hair or losing hope.

Your faith , personal relationship with God, gives you renewed vigor, strength and inspiration even in the midst of all odds .

It puts you in the right frame of mind for each day ,helps you balance your mood, temperament and personality for productivity despite the happenings around you.

Unwind and relax

As a writer you can't afford to overstress your mind , brain or eyes.

All are connected.

Once you begin to feel physically down , it transmits a negative signal to your brain and kaboom your mind shuts off.

Find what makes you happy.

Develop a hobby or a fun activity not a passion.

(Hobby is leisurable, passion is tasking)

It could be watching a romantic bollywood, western detective movie , listening to music or dancing ( like me )

Puzzles, drawings , games etc whatever increases your dopamine level naturally and helps adrenaline flow freely once again .

I don't need to tell you to ,

Eat well , early and healthy.

Take enough water.

Sleep well, not too long , not too short.

Find a conducive writing space.

Create a writing routine.

And writer's block will be far from you.