You're here:
Break Writer's Block To Reignite Your Creativity
Author: Karin Beery
Nothing halts a writer's creativity like an honest critique. I've been writing essays and articles for years, but I'm a newbie to the world of fiction. For almost two years I studied the craft, immersed myself in novels, went to writing conferences, and joined writer's groups. And even though I knew it could take years to get published, I thought I was different.
As a full time wife with no children there was nothing to distract me from pursuing my passion so surely my accommodating schedule would produce faster results. I also assumed that my ability to quickly produce a manuscript meant I had quickly absorbed all of the information I needed to know. So to “test the waters”, I entered my manuscript in a contest for unpublished novelists.
I expected above average scores. I thought I would place in the finals. When I got the results, however, my world crumbled. Not only did I not final, I didn't even come close.
My drastic miscalculation crippled me. I couldn't read or write anything. Novels taunted me. I could barely look at a novel, much less open one. And how-to books on writing frustrated me. I tried to force myself to keep writing. For hours at a time I sat at my computer hoping for inspiration. But nothing about writing appealed to me.
I had critique-induced writer's block. The stress of it effected every aspect of my life. I barely slept, rarely ate, and I despised writing my non-fiction articles. Writing was no longer fun.
I knew I had to do something but I didn't know what so I chose to focus on relieving the depression and the stress. That first step led to a series of steps that not only helped me relax, but eventually reignited my creativity and love for writing. Soon, every novel beckoned me to flip back its cover. Every how-to writing book I came across caused me to salivate. And I couldn't wait to start writing again.
If you, too, are experiencing a bout of writer's block—whether it's due to a rejection or the craziness of life—you may find these steps helpful in setting your creative spirit free.
Take A Step Back
Sometimes your brain just needs a break. Give yourself permission to walk away. Though you want to keep writing, you need to stop. While it's important to persevere and not simply wait on “the muse”, it is also necessary to recognize when you need a break. It's okay to step back...for a little while.Find A Distraction
If you can't open a book, find something else to enjoy—a good movie, an audio book, a workshop, a sporting event. Whatever activity you choose, allow it to become the distraction you need to relax and gain perspective on the situation.Choose A Different Genre
Don't look for inspiration in your distraction and don't look for a distraction that will inspire you to start writing again. Just let yourself relax and enjoy your time away from writing! If writing romantic comedies were your thing, absorb yourself in action and mayhem. Instead of turning to You've Got Mail or Must Love Dogs, turn to Iron Man 2, Robin Hood, or The A-Team.Become A Daydreamer
After allowing some time for your mind to rest and relax it's only natural that you'll start plotting new stories or articles. Don't force yourself to stop daydreaming, embrace it. Take the time to start conjuring up characters and laying out plots. Allow yourself to imagine sequels to other people's stories and start formatting my own, but don't write anything down—not yet. Just allow the creativity flow.Get Back To Work
Once you muse starts beckoning you to write. Once it won't leave you alone, it's time to start writing again. You don't have to pick up that failed story. You don't have to rewrite that complicated non-fiction piece. But you do have to start writing.
Read more on being a freelance writer
Want to tell us what you think about this article?
Email Us | Tweet Us | Comment on FB
If you found this page helpful... Share it with a friend.