5 Ways to Combat Writer's Block
Are you unable to finish that novel or a nonfiction title, but don't know why? Do you think you are suffering from Writer's Block? If so, here are five ways to cure it.
What is Writer's Block?
I have to come clean: before I had trouble with writing my seventh novel, The True Heart, I didn't even believe in Writer's Block. I agreed with Joanna Penn, who in her self-publishing advice podcast quotes a famous author (I forget who, sorry Joanna).
Truck drivers don't get 'Driver's Block'. So why should authors be any different?
Writing is my job, so why should I suddenly claim that I couldn’t write anymore?
According to my tried and tested method, I'd planned out the new novel, which at the time I thought would be the last in The Nordic Heart Romance Series, well before I began writing it. (I did write another book in the series, The Christmas Heart a few months later).
I'd done my research and knew how I wanted to end the series. I was very happy with the plot before I started writing. But suddenly, about a third of the way through, I knew something was wrong with the manuscript. Days went by when I couldn’t even bear to look at it on the screen.
Usually, if I feel the novel isn’t working, I go off and explore other plots twists. I dream about the characters or think up new scenes and events on the bus or on the tube, or while out running. But this time, I just didn't want anything to do with the new book. I just couldn't get back to writing the novel. I was suffering from the (in)famous Writer's Block.
But I got over it. Here's how I did it.
1. Network
In order to get back to writing, I decided to go to every bookish event going. Mainly because I was bored!
Talking to other writers really helped. Luckily my Block started over the Christmas period, so I had a lot of drinks parties and other networking events to attend.
When you talk to other writers remember to be honest; if you admit to being blocked, you'll be amazed how many other authors will share with you their own stories. Many will be able to give you tips on how they got over the dreaded Block. One of my writing friends suggested that I might not be able to finish the book because I didn't want to say goodbye to the characters. I hadn't thought of that.
2. Learn a new skill
To do some more networking, and to take my mind off the Block, I took a seminar in How to Make a Living (and a Life) from Writing with Orna Ross and Joanna Penn. During this excellent day-long seminar, I realized I had a terrible relationship with money. I guessed this might be another reason for my problems with writing – and confidence. To explore this relationship further, I read 'You are a Badass at Making Money' by Jen Sincero. Wow, did this book make me think! I recommend you read it, even if you think you and money are all OK.
But it wasn't until I did a Truth Works session on public speaking with fellow DrivenWoman, Emma Stroud, that something clicked. I've always thought that I am a pretty awful speaker, which is why I usually spend a lot of time practicing beforehand. I write my presentations well ahead of time, I hide behind PowerPoint images, and generally get into a terrible state before book readings or public speaking events. But during the improvisation session with Emma, I suddenly realized I was actually quite good at talking on my feet.
Who would have thought?
Even though public speaking and money have nothing to do with writing, they seemed to have everything to do with my self-confidence. And this was the crux of my Writer’s Block.
I lacked the confidence to write.
After six fiction titles, it seemed strange to lose one’s confidence, but I’ve heard since from my fellow authors, that this isn’t at all unusual.
3. Read Nonfiction
In addition to Jen Sincero's excellent book, I also read The Chimp Paradox by Professor Steve Peters. In this brilliant self-help title, Peters explores the Chimp inside all of us. He gives us an incredibly powerful mind management model that can help you become a happy, confident, healthier and more successful person. Prof Steve Peters explains the struggle that takes place within your mind and then shows how to apply this understanding to every area of your life.
With the exercises, I began to understand how the Chimp inside of me was working to sabotage my dreams, my writing goals and generally created havoc in my life. I began to apply The Chimp Paradox principles and saw that I was able to do what I wanted to do, rather than listen to the Chimp inside of me.
Do read this book even if (like me) you thought you were a well-balanced person with just a few hang-ups ... ;-)
4. Research
During my MA in Creative Writing, one of the tutors told us to use research as a tool when you are unable to write for some reason or another. The True Heart is set in the 1990's, so I began researching the music, fashions, and news of the era. Some of this I had already done, but walking through Soho in London I found a shop selling old women's magazines (now sadly closed). I bought a couple of publications and leafing through these I got a new idea for the plot.
Princess Diana with Captain Toby Elliott
Researching through photo archives of the time also gave me this picture of the late Lady Diana with one of my husband's (the original Englishman) Captains. I got the idea of adding to the book a Royal submarine visit by the Princess, something which eventually, through more research, gave me a whole new and much more dramatic plotline.
5. Apply your behind to the chair
Someone, perhaps it was Ernest Hemingway, once famously said that
The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair.
Whoever said it, this is excellent advice and this is – truthfully – what eventually got me to finish the manuscript. The most common advice given to writers for a successful career, and something I also tell my coaching clients, is to write, write, and write some more. How can you sell your books for a living if you have only a few products out in the marketplace? You are a writer after all, so go on and write! Even if you sit at the desk and think you’ll never be able to write anything, you’ll be surprised how words will flow after a few minutes (or hours). Just make sure all distractions are removed. Turn off your phone, social media and email notifications, and tell everyone to leave you alone.
I promise the words will come!
Over to You
Have you suffered from Writer's Block? Comment below and start the conversation.
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