Battling Writers Block
Everyone has experienced writer's block; if you have ever written anything, whether non-fiction, fiction, or academic, you’ve probably had your brain shut down on you in the middle of a sentence or paragraph.
I know I have. Writer's block is typical, and it is pervasive among authors who write fiction. Creating swoon-worthy stories that activate your senses while making sense is an art and a skill, and sometimes our brains die on the spot.
So here are my tips on preventing writer's block.
Outline: If you also write fiction, I highly suggest outlining a couple of chapters. I know, if you’re a panster, you are probably screaming at me, but trust me. Having a rough outline will help keep the story on track and prevent your brain from farting.
Build Your World: If your writing fantasy or Sci-Fi, it is highly suggested that you build your world before writing. Have an excel spreadsheet open with the working parts of your world, their leaders, their names, and who they are rivals against. This will allow you to focus more on the writing and give you a quick snapshot of all the critical details when you need them. There’s no reason to keep the name of the six kingdoms and their leaders in your head, so just write it down.
Know your genre expectations: Before you begin writing, make sure you have read a handful of books in your chosen genre. You will face significant hiccups if you have no idea how a story should be written. So get familiar with story expectations as a reader before you start.
Turn off Word Count: I know word count is a big thing in fiction writing, but sometimes the numbers you see at the bottom left of your screen can hinder your creative juices. If your goal is to write 3,000 words and you’re lingering at 2,000 words, the added stress to get those last 1,000 words on paper can cause your brain to fog.
Take a break: Sometimes, we just need a break. It’s okay to step away from a story and come back to it.
What are some of your writing block tips? Comment below!