Comments on: How to beat writer’s block

By: Charlie

Charlie — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 21:32:32 +0000

Just keep writing, even if it’s the worst stuff you’ve ever written. It’s easier to correct then it is to create.

By: Megan

Megan — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 15:35:04 +0000

I just try to remind myself that if I’m going to be my own boss, I have to listen to me when I say that it’s time to get to work. Generally, that does it.

If not, writing something stupid (even if it’s answers to a MySpace survey or something along those lines) can get my brain rolling.

If all else fails, Belgian chocolate tends to work.

By: Jim C

Jim C — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:29:46 +0000

I let irritation and/or jealousy take hold. For instance, if I see that Paris Hilton (or some other vacuous celebrity) has “penned” another book, it drives me to write. If nothing like that is immediately available, I will seek something out, even if it’s old news. While it’s irritating, it certainly lights a fire under me!

By: Me

Me — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 01:22:15 +0000

Folks–just have a running list of projects and then limit yourself to working on 3-4 per month. That way, you always have something you can be working on.

By: M.Christian

M.Christian — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:26:37 +0000

Pish. I don’t believe in writer’s block, muses, or any of that. A writer writes, period. If you can’t write it just means you aren’t writing what you want — not that there’s something divine that’s missing or a disease you’ve caught.

By: gus

gus — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 21:03:53 +0000

As a lazy writer, block does not bother me. I lost my muses when I got a new shift at work. I was a night custodian in a school library and used to leave poems for the librarians. I know work in the gym, no real insperation there. Perhaps being surrounded by the written word had something to do with it. As a foot note I was written up for spending too much time reading and not enough time cleaning.

By: Lindsay

Lindsay — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 20:36:07 +0000

While I was writing one of my novels a couple of years ago, I found a way to beat my writer’s block. I just opened up a blank Word document and started typing to myself. I know, crazy, but it works! I just talk about what I’ve written so far, what my problem is (why I’m stuck) and possible solutions. Within minutes, I always come up with something and continue writing! :D

By: Katrina

Katrina — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:54:27 +0000

I talk to my 7 y/o son; he almost always helps with my writer’s block. His mind is like a sponge, he always has a crazy thought or idea, that in turn gives me an idea / thought, but definitely something to write about.

By: Karen

Karen — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 17:26:24 +0000

My job requires basically involves writing the equivalent of research papers – one after the other. Nothing else. Other than surfing the web (which I agree, doesn’t really help), my main solution to write’s block is to crank up obnoxious punk or rock music really loudly. I actually work better with lyrics. I don’t know if I should admit this, but in high school, it used to be soundtracks to musicals that would get me unstuck. Scary.

By: tona b.

tona b. — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 16:57:05 +0000

Showering/bathing/driving/walking/swimming/cleaning/meditation (with steady chimming or Oms) – the rhythmic brainlessness of these tasks primes the brain for ideas!

“Morning pages” writing 3 pages every morning of whatever, no editing or re-reading (one of the techniques from the book ‘The Artist’s Way’) – clears away clutter from the brain, but also seeds ideas sometimes.

“Input, Input!” Like Short Circuit’s robot, you need to feed your eyes and brain with stuff you find wonderful and fun – dancing, travel, new people, new situations, concerts, movies, etc.

No using drugs or alcohol – those are just a crutch and eventually stop working!