Writer’s Block: Why It Occurs and How To Overcome It
As a writer, have you ever felt that feeling where you have no idea what to write or how to write it? When you are struggling to find out where to start? When you are unsure about which words to use? Take comfort in knowing that you are not the only one. No matter what you’re writing or what it’s for, every writer faces one common problem: writer’s block. Writer’s block has many causes, but there are also a plethora of ways to overcome this hurdle. So, here are symptoms, causes and solutions of writer’s block.
What is writer’s block?
All writers experience writer’s block at some point, but what exactly is it? As Richard Nordquist, English and Rhetoric professor at Georgia Southern University, explains, “Writer’s block is a condition in which a skilled writer with the desire to write finds [themself] unable to write.” The term was first coined in the 1940’s by American psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler, and has become popular ever since.
MasterClass also confirms that writer’s block is a rather common issue among writers: “…it is best described as [a] feeling of being stuck in the writing process without the ability to move forward and write anything new.” Feeling stuck in this way due to writer’s block can be incredibly overwhelming and overpowering, and can stop writers from unlocking their true writing potential, thus making it one of the most significant issues for any writer.
Why do people experience it?
There are many causes for writer’s block. One of the most common causes is fear. Open Colleges reports that many writers struggle with fear and a desire for perfection. They worry about judgement and criticism from others and because of this, they want their writing to be “perfect” and flawless. Fear is likely to be the most prominent reason that writers are not able to achieve their writing goals.
A less widespread but equally as obstructive cause for writer’s block is distraction. Jane Friedman, an experienced journalist and author, states that few writers are lucky enough to be free from distractions. There may be just too many things that you are thinking about that may get in the way of your writing, but you may also be exasperated or irritated. Either way, until you get rid of these distractions, moving forward with your writing will be incredibly difficult.
Writer’s block can occur due to exhaustion as well. Eventually, your brain, body or emotions are going to need a rest from writing, as it may be more strenuous than it seems. Finally, Dudley Courtpress includes that medical conditions may be a cause for writer’s block, and undiagnosed medical conditions may come in the way of your creative flow and focus while writing.
How can you overcome it?
Writer’s block may be a large and widespread problem that can get in the way of your writing for days, weeks, or even months, but luckily, there are ways to overcome it. Penguin Random House suggests that one way to overcome writer’s block is to rest for some time. Additionally, looking to certain books for inspiration when you have found that you are struggling to write can be impactful.
Grammarly adds that it may help to have a reward system for yourself. First, set up your milestone or goal that you will work towards. For example, your milestone can be to write for some period of time, write a certain number of pages, or write a certain number of words. Afterward, choose your prize or reward that you will work for. Increasing the amount of rewards that you work for may further help to get rid of your writer’s block.
Finally, Purdue University explains that when you are worried that your writing will be incorrect or unsatisfactory, remember that your first draft will not be your final draft. You can always delete or re-write parts of your draft that you decide that you do not like, so there is no point spending time checking each detail as you go along. You can even write the parts of your draft that you feel most comfortable writing or that you are the most confident about first.
Ultimately, writer’s block is an issue that writers across the globe struggle with, but it is up to you to take the steps to overcome it, even though this may be difficult. After all, writer’s block is often caused by a fear or desire for perfection, as well as distraction, exhaustion and fear. Therefore, solutions such as having a reward system, remembering that your first draft will not be your final draft, or looking to books for inspiration can be highly impactful. As the African proverb states, “Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.”
