How to Overcome Writer's Block: Tips and Tricks (Or Just Write Drunk, Edit Sober)

Hello fellow booklovers!

Today, we’re diving deep into the dark abyss that is writer’s block. There are days when the words flow freely, pouring out like a majestic waterfall. Then there are days where the struggle is real, and it feels like trying to squeeze water from a rock. But there are ways to get through it, so in this blog post, we’ll explore some unconventional methods to get the creative juices flowing again! Let’s have some fun, shall we?

Caffeine to the rescue:

Picture this: There’s a blank page staring back at you. Your fingers itch to dance across the keyboard, but your brain has forgotten how to do its job. The solution? Brew yourself a strong cup of coffee, put on your favorite tunes, and let the caffeine-infused magic happen. Let the jitters take control, and watch as the words run across your screen like a kid on a sugar rush. Does it have to be perfect? No. Most likely it won’t be! But that’s why we edit!

Change your writing environment:

Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders for breaking through writer’s block. If you typically write at a desk, try moving to a different room or a coffee shop or a park. If you usually write on a computer, try writing by hand or using a typewriter. Changing your writing environment can help stimulate your senses and inspire new ideas.

Seek Inspiration…:

When the muse goes on vacation, you need to find her hiding spot. And trust me, she’s one sneaky little vixen. Get up, get out of the house, and look for inspiration EVERYWHERE! Maybe it’s that faded graffiti on the bathroom wall—I’ve actually gotten characters names there! Sit and people watch your little heart out in a coffee shop, bookstore, bar, mall, or even your doctor’s office! Embrace the weirdness as you shamelessly stare at strangers while they fuel your imagination.

Allow Yourself to Indulge in the Art of Procrastination:

Picture this: you’re sitting at your desk, ready to write, but your mind decides it’s the perfect time to organize your sock drawer or learn ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics—because, you never know, that knowledge might come in handy some day! Well, my friends, embrace the madness! Believe it or not, procrastination can be a surprisingly effective tool to overcome writer’s block. A lot of my ideas come to me while I’m focused on a task that has nothing to do with writing. Deep cleaning the fridge, rearranging a bookshelf for the thousandth time, or gardening, which let’s face it, is mostly ‘weeding.’ It’s amazing what sparks the creative flow, so keep your mind (and your eyes and ears) open!

Just keep writing:

Sometimes, the only way to overcome writer’s block is to push through it. Keep writing, especially if you feel like what you’re producing is terrible. If it’s garbage, it’s garbage. You can always fix it when you get to the editing stage. Get the words down and worry about the flow a little later. The act of writing itself can help break the mental block, and eventually, you’ll find your rhythm again.

Write Drunk, Edit Sober:

Ah, the famous advice often attributed to Ernest Hemingway: “Write drunk, edit sober.” First, let me preface this by saying I’m not condoning or encouraging excessive drinking. The idea behind this method is not to party like a rockstar, but rather to enjoy a drink or two in moderation. It’s about loosening up your inhibitions and letting your imagination roam free. So, grab a glass of your preferred beverage (preferably one that’s not big enough to turn you into a gibbering mess) and let loose. Write with reckless abandon, let your thoughts roam free, and enjoy the liberation from your inner critic. Then, when you’re sober and your head is clear, edit your masterpiece into something resembling coherent literature. Remember, though, the key here is to “edit sober.” Otherwise, your novel might end up reading like an overly caffeinated squirrel wrote.

Writer’s block is just a temporary setback in your creative journey. It’s a minor detour that can lead to fun discoveries and new ideas. So, embrace the madness, laugh in the face of the blank page, and trust in your ability to conquer this formidable beast.

Above all else, be kind to yourself, take breaks when you need them, and always return to the keyboard—never give up!

Until next time, happy reading and/or writing, my friends!