This post continues on what I mentioned in my earlier post, Inspiration: Do you wait for it?
Like I mentioned in that post, it’s best not to wait for inspiration to come and go. The best option is to hunt inspiration down and get words down as often as you can – preferably every day.
Writer’s Block is a term most writers are familiar with and it’s commonly called every writer’s enemy. Most people have no clue how the block occurs, but for me, I do now. I can’t speak for others. However, when it comes to how it happens to me, I’m pretty sure about the cause.
- Image by photosteve101 via Flickr
While I’ve said before that it’s best to write every day, pushing myself too hard is what makes everything halt when it comes to my writing. The moment I fight on, it may go well at first, but then the words will stop. They won’t flow and I’ll be unable to even get a sentence on paper.
It sucks, for lack of a better way to put it.
Having no inspiration is one thing – you can hunt it down. Having even that not work is an entirely different story.
It took me years of writing to realize what exactly the cause of the blocks was. Now, if I feel one approaching, it’s easier for me to take a step back and prevent it from taking hold on me.
That’s one of the reasons why I’m trying to write only about a minimum of 500 words a day. If it’s more, great, if not; at least I got words down. Between college, my part-time job and this blog, setting a higher minimum is pushing too far. So, I have a small minimum daily goal and write more if my schedule allows for it.
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What’s your experience with Writer’s Block? Do you know what causes it to happen to you?
Related articles
- Writer’s Block (pagefarmhouse.wordpress.com)
- Devil thy name is writers block. (fromtherosesmouth.wordpress.com)
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August 28, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Writer’s block for me usually means I went wrong 20-30 pages back and have to go back and figure out where. Great post!
August 28, 2011 at 4:30 pm
That’s definitely another option. That you know you went wrong somewhere, but you don’t know exactly where.
Thank you!
August 28, 2011 at 4:33 pm
I thought this was really interesting. I’ve been doing a bit of formal writing for the first time since college and it has given me fits during some articles. I think you’re absolutely right that the key is to write regularly so you stay in the groove and habit.
August 28, 2011 at 4:36 pm
Thank you! I’m glad you like it. 🙂
Yeah, writing regularly helps you stay in the groove and makes it easier when you need to write longer pieces. You’re already used to it, so you don’t have to majorly change your schedule or anything.
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September 1, 2011 at 9:15 am
Great Post, got me thinking. I think Writer’s block for me is when I have something great to write but can’t quite get myself to sit down and put it to paper. When the mind gets hyperactive.
September 1, 2011 at 2:04 pm
Thank you!
That sounds about right. It’s horrible to have this wonderful idea on the tip of your tongue, but not being able to get it on paper.
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September 1, 2011 at 11:01 am
This is so true
September 1, 2011 at 2:03 pm
I’m glad you agree. 🙂
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