Writer’s Block: 8 Proven Steps to Deal with It
If I say it’s proven, then it has indeed been proven. I have become an amateur Indonesian content writer since 2015 and still counting. Of course, I’ve been through this damn writer’s block.
Writers’ block sucks, yes. We have to write, but we don’t know what to write.
Almost all professions in this world have their own ‘block.’ Boring, confusion, laziness, dizziness, pain, and all. Because of this, I want to ask you to be grateful first.
If you have nothing to worry about, then there is nothing you are fighting for.
Okay, let’s talk about writer’s block more seriously. These proven steps are based on my experience. You can try it and thank me later :P
Here you go!
1. Don’t Write
I never read a similar article with this that talks about writer’s block. I am also never keen to read the tips to get rid of it.
What I do first is not writing at all. Don’t write. You have to be away from the keyboard. You can do fun activities apart from writing.
Cooking, baking, listening to music, watching movies, traveling, illustrating, animating, creating an explainer video, or just sleeping.
Refresh your mind. You may get bored. Take a break.
2. Don’t Even Write!
I emphasize again, don’t even write!
If your boredom has reached the most boring stage. Stuck. Please, don’t even write!
Not even write a WhatsApp status. If you can’t stand to grasp your pencil, you can try to draw. Draw anything randomly. It may help.
Words can bore you, moreover for professional writers. Take a moment away from the dictionary. From what you have collected. Rest enough. Drink more mineral water.
3. Eat candy
Studies say that by eating candy, the brain can also spin as we chew candy. I don’t know what the correlation is, but I used to do this a lot.
Just choose the candy you like. Lollipops is okay, as you want. But not snacking, it’s different. Snacking can distract you from writing.
Candy is really magical. It can actually help you.
4. Write From Yesterday
I mean, you might have to be highly experienced. If you are used to writing and continue to do it, you will be familiar with writer’s block.
You just understand the pattern — no need to memorize it. At least, you will remember what you should do when someday you get stuck writing.
By diligently writing and trying to become an expert in writing, you will be able to find your soul. Find your own version of the solution.
5. Read A Lot
You will never be able to write if you don’t like reading yourself. This is an old adage. But it will continue to be used until the end of the world (Hosh, I’m overreacting).
Read more, and complete your vocabulary. This will help you to be fluent in writing. Trust me, it works!
6. Phone A Friend
No, it’s not a TV program. I really suggest calling your friend. Maybe your best friend. Or a close friend. A long-time-no-see friend. Or yes, call your family.
Talk to people. From there, you might get inspired. Alerts! Avoid gossip talks.
You may find new stories that you have never heard before. It is also good for your mental health, refreshing your mind, especially if you are an extrovert.
Speak up and share your life story a little won’t hurt, right?
7. Go Ahead
Take a deep breath. The time is ripe. If you feel better then you’re ready to write again. Go ahead!
Don’t be put off anymore when you have found an idea of what to write about. If you are away from the device you usually use to write, write down those idea points anywhere.
It can be in notes on your smartphone or maybe on small paper, and then keep it in your wallet. When you have had the opportunity to write it down completely, write it down immediately before the mood is gone.
8. Deal With It
Yup, how to deal with writer’s block is just a deal with it. Relax. You will definitely suffer from boredom, laziness, and whatever you name it.
We’re just a human anyway. It’s normal. It’s totally normal.
Realizing it’s bound to happen and may happen again and again is the wisest thing, in my opinion, to fight writer’s block. Being a good writer takes time.
Just enjoy the process, as long as it is still in the way of Allah, inshAllah, the rewards will always flow.
Well, I’m writing this today because last night my husband had writer’s block. Cool, isn’t it? He’s the one who’s confused about what to write, but I actually have an idea from his confusion. Get well soon, Bi. Happy writing!
