Where Does The Magic Come From? – Overcoming Writers Block

As writers we are often asked, how do we do it? Where does the magic come from? Well, I’m sorry to break it to you, but there is no magic. We just sit in front of our laptops or with pen and paper… and bleed. We bleed figuratively, even though sometimes it feels quite physical, we think, we curse and then if we’re lucky, the words come. And not always the perfect words, just words and the perfection or semblance of it comes only after reworking what we wrote a hundred times after that. So, we have no magic potion or secrets to share to those among us that dare to write. But what we can offer though are tips. Tips for those times when it becomes hard to get those words flowing on the page an for those who experience those writers’ block moments.

Tip #1: Write Anything

I know this sounds like I’m mocking you by telling you to write when writing is the problem you’re having. But as most writers might be aware, starting is the hardest part. So sometimes its good to see some words on the paper, even if its not the right words yet. You can think of it like brainstorming or freewriting. At this point you shouldn’t focus on the outcome. The aim is just to get those first words out, which can then inspire you to go on.

The aim of free writing is to put words on the page. To write without restrictions and fear. With this technique you write without thinking about spelling or grammar mistakes. You also write without focusing too much on the topic. I know for those of you who usually like writing with a plan this might sound scary. But remember there is no fear in freewriting, just trust the process, its usually quite fun. Give it a try!

Tip #2: Try Reading

Many writers have said reading a good book when they are experiencing writers block is their go to move. One of the benefits of reading a good book is that good books usually have good writing involved and this can give you insight when it comes to your own writing.

There is also a specific way to read when it comes to reading with the intention of releasing your writers block. In this situation it is helpful to read with an intention of learning from the author, that is reading not only for fun but also with the goal of learning. The author becomes a sort of guide and teacher. This helps you to navigate your own writing by taking note of style and technique in the work that you are reading.

It also makes sense to read work that you genuinely love and are interested in. This is not the time to try something brand new to you, even if it’s a new story, it should be a genre that you love or one of your favorite authors.

Tip #3: Look Back at Some of your Best Work

Looking back at some of your past writing work that you’re proud of can really help to motivate you to keep writing. Seeing that you’ve done it before can help you to build your confidence that you can do it again.

You can take this time to look at some of the writing styles that you used previously and how well it worked. You can then replicate some of these techniques that you used before in your present writing.

Tip #4: Change of Scenery

Get up from your desk, or your bed or lawn chair, basically wherever you are presently working and move around. Change of scenery doesn’t have to mean a grand change, for instance, going to your non-existent cabin or a lake house. It means exactly what it says, a change of scenery, and it can be any new scenery.

Going for a walk or going for a coffee can help to give your mind a break from writing as well. You just need a change. Moving from one room of your house to the next can help to give you a change of scenery, which can help to give you some inspiration to continue writing.

Tip #5: Reworking Some of your Old Ideas

To get out of a writing slump a good boost is to review old writing and rework them or developing one your old ideas that you didn’t have the time to fully work on. Doing this might help to reenergize your writing spirit.

When experiencing writers’ block, it helps if you don’t have to come up with new ideas in that moment, just following an old format that you had previously set out is very useful. Writing this will get your creative juices flowing and your mind in a mood to write. Completing this easier task will help to propel you to moving to the one that you have been avoiding.

Conclusion

Writer’s block is something that is experienced by all writers at some point in their writing careers. But the key is to keep trying and to keep writing. There is no magic potion or special action to be taken, you just need to write. Write until it becomes second nature. Writers write and that is the only magic there is.