•• Posted on tumblr by @/burntoutdaydreamer
writers block is the WORST especially when you're really into a new book. many times its a mixture of these things.
perfectionism| the most common reason
what it looks like:
• You write one sentence and spend the next hour googling "synonyms for ___"
• Write. Erase. Write. Rewrite. Erase.
• Should I even start writing this scene when I haven't figured out this one specific detail yet?
• I hate everything I write
•Cringing while writing
• My first draft must be perfect, or else I'm a terrible writer
things that can help:
• Give yourself permission to suck
• Keep in mind that nothing you write is going to be perfect, especially your first draft
• Think of writing your first/early drafts not as writing, but sketching out a loose foundation to build upon later
• People write multiple drafts for a reason: write now, edit later
• Stop googling synonyms and save that for editing
• Write with a pen to reduce temptation to erase
• Embrace leaving blank spaces in your writing when you can't think of the right word, name, or detail
!! It's okay if your writing sucks. We all suck at some point. Embrace the growth mindset, and focus on getting words on a page
lack of inspiration| most easiest to fix
what it looks like:
• Head empty, no ideas
• What do I even write about???
• I don't have a plot, I just have an image
• Want to write but no story to write
things that can help:
• Google writing prompts
• If writing prompts aren't your thing, instead try thinking about what kind of tropes/genres/story elements you would like to try out
• Instead of thinking about the story you would like to write, think about the story you would like to read, and write that
• It's okay if you don't have a fully fleshed out story idea. Even if it's just an image or a line of dialogue, it's okay to write that. A story may or may not come out of it, but at least you got the creative juices flowing
• Stop writing. Step away from your desk and let yourself naturally get inspired. Go for a walk, read a book, travel, play video games, research history, etc. Don't force ideas, but do open up your mind to them
• World-building may come more naturally than plotting. Design the world first and let the story come later
boredom/under-stimulation| losing motivation
what it looks like:
• I know I should be writing but uugggghhhh I just can'tttttt
• Writing words feels like pulling teeth
• I started writing, but then I got bored/distracted
• I enjoy the idea of writing, but the actual process makes me want to throw my laptop out the window
things that can help:
• Introduce stimulation: snacks, beverages, gum, music such as lo-fi, blankets, decorate your writing space, get a clickity-clackity keyboard, etc.
• Add variety: write in a new location, try a new idea/different story for a day or so, switch up how you write (pen and paper vs. computer) or try voice recording or speech-to-text
• Gamify writing: create an arbitrary challenge, such as trying to see how many words you can write in a set time and try to beat your high score
• Find a writing buddy or join a writer's group
• Give yourself a reward for every writing milestone, even if it's just writing a paragraph
• Ask yourself whether this project you're working on is something you really want to be doing, and be honest with your answer
