Hello, fellow emerging and established writers,
The writing process can be difficult, even painful at times. Sometimes it can be hard to come up with exactly what to write. One can also feel inadequate or “not good enough” to write what is considered good or “proper” English, and this can be discouraging. There is also the timeless issue of writer’s block.
Writer’s block is when a writer (for whatever reason) can not come up with new work. This is especially due to a lack of creative feelings. It can feel as if nothing new is coming to mind at all to write about. Writer’s block is one of the hardest challenges a writer can face. And in some cases, it can last a very long time. It may seem some prolific writers are always creative and able to produce at will, but this is simply not true. Most writers experience writer’s block at one point or another- or quite frequently.
Many artists experience a similar type of block at times- for example, the painter who doesn’t have anything new to paint, or the songwriter who just doesn’t know what to say lyrically. You are not alone if you encounter writer’s block. Many tools and tricks can help get through these most troubling times. In this blog post, I will explain a few things that have helped me and others get past such issues.
3 Ideas to Escape Writer's Block and Improve Your Creative Writing Experience
#1 Write frequently
One of the best pieces of creative writing advice I’ve heard is to write even when you’re not inspired. In other words, don’t write only when you are inspired, rather try to write as often as you can. You will be surprised sometimes what you put down on paper when you're not expecting anything. This type of writing can be done in any format whether it be journaling, poetry, lyrics, short story, etc. I find that this helps immensely to release creativity within you. This also helps one to hone their writing skills such as regarding tone, style, and voice that each writer uniquely has.
Within this action of frequent writing, it is also important to write when you feel comfortable and when you have “real” time. Often it can be hard to take time out during the day to write, but some of my best work (or best ideas) have come out when I just took a few minutes to jot something down. Once you have the idea down you can expand on it next time you visit it. The process does not have to be a long and complicated experience. Ultimately it should be fun. Remember you like to write and you enjoy communicating this way. Sounds obvious but sometimes we forget how much we do enjoy writing.
Personally, I try to write every day in some way. This has helped me to create multiple poems that I like, as well as it has increased my output in general. This volume creates room to edit and add to previous ideas. This in turn creates more poetry. Before this, I only used to write when I was very inspired. What I found was this was not creating many polished poems. Nothing seemed finished.
Writing takes time and often needs to be reworked. The initial idea sometimes ends up being changed as different ideas come into focus. It’s important to keep at it. If you can’t write some every day, try writing a bit each week at least. Then work to write more frequently if possible. You will see that your work will become better as you continue to write. Just as a musician gets better with a piece of music that he keeps playing, so the same holds for writing. Writing is a personal work of art.
In any case, it is important to have some sort of routine when writing. For example, I set a reminder on my phone to write every day at 8 pm. Therefore, writing in the evenings has become a routine for me.
#2 Calm your mind
Another piece of advice to up your creative writing experience is to have something calming to help you relax and concentrate while writing. This can help you feel peaceful in a world that is very busy and often stressful. This “calming” can take on many forms such as other creative activities. I usually play some indie style or soft rock music in the background. This really helps me to zone into what I’m doing. I also use a lilac-scented candle to help me feel relaxed. Both of these things help me focus better.
Everyone is different, so find what works for you and stick with it. Complete silence can be helpful as well for many people. However, finding silence may not be possible in your household. If you can find your own “zone” and block others out, that can be very effective. Some writers do very well with this and others struggle. See how well you can (or can’t) do this for yourself. Being completely focused, no matter how you obtain it, will allow you to create to your highest potential.
#3 Writing prompts
The last piece of advice is to utilize writing prompts. This not only will help you spark your creativity, it will also help you to find subject matter. I used to think that writing prompts were not for me. This is because I wanted to come up with ideas completely on my own. I also thought it was not a very productive practice. That couldn't be further from the truth.
Writing prompts can be very beneficial. Once I started utilizing them, it helped. This is because I find that I often don’t feel very creative at times. Having an idea in front of me, helps me to become more creative by expanding on the prompt. Sometimes I can’t come up with a subject or I just have too many ideas swimming in my mind as well. Having a prompt may help to narrow down a subject.
Always remember your literary works are important even when it does not seem like it. Anything you write is original and is yours. Often my better work is pieces I didn’t feel were good but others have told me were fantastic. It is also important to keep in mind writing is subjective. You may be too hard on yourself and what you create. This is true of many artists. You are important and never alone. Your work is yours and is a beautiful creation. Your writing can only come from you and is unique to you. Each one of us has a different perspective and feels things differently. It is essential to share your view. Write for yourself, and maybe the world will want to read it one day. Write even if you have not written for a long time. It is never too late to start up again. Never give up on writing. No matter what, never stop sharing your words.
ABOUT NICOLE RISSMILLER
Nicole Rissmiller is a poet, abstract artist, and musician residing in Bethlehem, PA. She is passionate about all types of art and social justice issues. She has a B.A. in sociology from Moravian University. She likes to cook, bake and read in her free time. Instagram: @nicolethenostalgic
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