6 Simple Ways to Beat Writer's Block in 2023
I have been writing actively for 3 years now. While, in the beginning my head frequently overflowed with ideas and inspirations, this was not always the case. I mistook it for procrastination. I assumed I was being lazy. Then there was a point when I was convinced that I was “depressed.” Although everyone's experience with writer's block may vary, it is a common phenomenon among writers. It took me a while to figure it all out, but I did. And, while I had no clue what it was at the time, I explored it on my own and, through trial and error, discovered some mind-blowing ways to beat it and be productive in the process.
In this article, I'm sharing six of my own personal techniques to beat Writer's Block, which I still use today. And let me assure you, they are all tried-and-true solutions that will unquestionably help you in your writing journey. Even if you don’t trust me, just try them out anyway!
1. Taking a Break
While being stuck on a significant chapter might push you over the brink, making you feel anxious, annoyed, and frustrated, it is preferable to let it rest for a while. After a few days, whenever you feel motivated enough, you can always pick it back up.
And this is also fair since, after a few days, you will be able to assess it more objectively and comprehensively.
2. Making the Most Out of Your Break
If you're anything like me, taking a break may seem unproductive to you, and you can't bear being unproductive even during a break. And in that case, WATCH A MOVIE, TV SERIES OR READ A BOOK! Yep, you read that correctly. I always do the same.
Here’s how you can make the most out of it:
- Search for novels, movies, or television series in the same genre as your story. - Don't just watch them. Instead, study them.
- Consider what aspects you loved about them. Note them down.
- After that, you wouldn't even be aware of when or how you'd come up with intriguing, creative ideas for your story.
3. Freewriting or Brain Dumping
Brain Dumping or Freewriting is the most helpful yet underrated way to cope with Writer's Block. Whichever chapter or portion your present idea is applicable to at the time, simply note it down somewhere. You can always use it later when writing or editing your work.
4. Using AI
It would not be incorrect to say that AI is a TABOO in the writing community! Because I never heard anyone talk about it. And that was until I learned how helpful it could potentially be. An AI writing tool may be used by anybody for any purpose. There are many of them available online, and many of them are also free.
While AI does not provide you with a finished piece that is ready for publication, it does require your input here and there to refine it. What it basically does is, saves you the time which is otherwise spent on brainstorming and looking for the appropriate metaphors and synonyms for specific phrases. At the same time, it helps with the generation of outstanding descriptive paragraphs and poems that you can use in your drafts with a little customization. Quillbot, Ryter, Hyperwrite.ai, etc are some of my Go-To AI websites. More on the topic will be posted in another blog dedicated entirely to AI and how I use it.
5. Make a Playlist that Suits the Mood and Theme of Your Story
This is my personal favorite. Who doesn't enjoy listening to good music? This technique also serves as a holy grail for those who like making their music time productive by listening to music that inspires creativity and imagination.
6. Plan Your Entire Story Before Writing
Before beginning any writing project, it is essential to have a well-planned and thorough plot structure in place. It helps you in staying organized about what goes in which chapter so that when Writer's Block hits, you don't feel lost and unproductive.
Conclusion:
Writing is an art and just like any art form it features individuality of the artist, and just as how each writer experiences writer's block is unique to each of them, so do the methods for dealing with it. While the strategies listed above can be very helpful in your writing journey, I highly suggest to all of my writer friends that they explore and experiment with what works best for them.