How to overcome 'writer's block'

Inspiration and creativity are two words that are dear to the heart of any author who is in the process of writing their book, the idea for which will have formed many weeks, months or even years ago, but after the initial stage of getting those first chapters down the process can stall.

This is where some encounter writer’s block, a dreaded condition which many famous authors have suffered from and which can feel like a massive hurdle placed in front of you (and one which seems impossible to climb over).  

However, there are many who believe that ‘writer’s block’ is nothing more than an illusion, something which is self-imposed by the writer when faced with an obstacle, this is done at the subconscious level and can be as a direct result of deeper issues going on within your life. By understanding that you have placed the ‘block’ there yourself (subconsciously) you can understand that it is possible to give yourself permission to remove it too.

Now if you are going through this stage you may read this and think that it’s simply writer’s block and that there’s nothing you can do about it (also, who is anyone else to tell you otherwise). But by being open to look upon the issue in a different light you can start the process in overcoming this block and finally moving on with your book, and you really don’t need to do much either.

All answers to the questions of where your book is going, how to push the story forward, developing the characters, ending the chapters and making sense of the book are deep within you, after all, you will finish the book and you’ll do so with your own creativity, you may just need a little help in getting your flow back again and giving yourself permission to do so.

So here are some great techniques to help get you writing again when you feel like you’re stuck.

1. Brainstorm – Take sheets of paper and a pencil and start writing out as many ideas as possible, it really doesn’t matter how crazy or irrelevant you think the ideas are, just free write, draw, doodle and scribble what comes to mind. Also, it’s really useful not to place any restrictions upon yourself when doing it, if you want to take a couple of hours or even a day or so, do it, the more free you are with the process the better it works.
   
2. Turn off your phone, tablet and other distractions – Facebook and other social media platforms are great and have their place but can be the biggest creativity stealers, when writing make sure that your environment is completely distraction free.
3. Go for a walk – This is such a simple technique but it is fantastic, stepping out into the fresh air and getting your blood pumping has proven benefits which will have you back in a far better frame of mind when you return to your book.
4. Change your environment – Most writers are using something portable to create their manuscript upon and this gives you the opportunity to change where you write from, you could even wander into your local café and see if this helps your creativity (over a latte of course).

1. Routine – Get in to the habit of writing at times of the day which suit you and your style and stick to them.
   
2. Read – This is a great way to get inspiration from authors who you admire, reading classic works of literature (both contemporary and period) really helps with creativity.
   
3. Listen to music – Music has a great way of helping any creative to focus on their subject, mix up your play list and try a genre which fits the style of book your writing, you’ll be surprised how helpful it is.
4. Meditate – Fifteen minutes of mediation per day helps to clear your mind and has so many benefits that some of the most successful people in the world swear by it.
   

Just remember that any form of block when being creative is temporary, the ability to create is still within you and always will be, giving yourself permission to overcome this block will get you back on track and writing brilliantly again.