You Can Fix Writer’s Block

by Rochelle Melander

There’s no such thing as writer’s block. That was invented by people in California who couldn’t write.”

-Terry Pratchett

I don’t have time for writer’s block. Nearly every book I’ve written has been completed in less than six weeks thanks to publishing contracts with tight deadlines.

Writing books fast with children and dogs underfoot has given me tools to prevent, diagnose, or overcome the infamous writing disease—writer’s block—and finish my assignments on time. While movies portray writer’s block as something you’d kill to get over (Secret Window) or drink your way out of (The Lost Weekend), I’d prefer to see it as something manageable, like a headache.

Prevent It

You can prevent writer’s block by prewriting. Often writer’s block is simply a moment of panic—what do I say? Eliminate that fear by planning. Before facing the blank page, record ideas for your article or chapter. I like to use mind maps (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map) as prewriting tools because I can brainstorm freely without worry about what comes first. Once I get to the computer, I have a whole page of ideas to work from.

Diagnose It

Writer’s block can also be a symptom of a deeper issue. As writer-in-chief, it’s my job to dig around and find the problem so I can fix it and finish my assignment. Here are four common issues that present as writer’s block:

Content

When you hit a speed bump in your writing, check to see if you have enough information to write the article or book chapter.

The fix? Research! Take a day to read articles and interview experts in the field. When you go back to the computer, you’ll have plenty of info to wow your readers!

Structure

When you feel bogged down or muddled while writing simple concepts or stories, chances are the structure does not fit the type of information you’re writing or the audience you’re writing for.

The fix? Ask yourself, “Could I write this if I structured it as a . . .” and then give yourself several options. Look at books or articles in your field and note the structure. How can you borrow their structures to make your article work?

Audience

Often we get writer’s block when we do not know who we are writing for. We struggle to put together a book or an article for the amorphous “everyone.”

The fix? Forget everyone and find your ideal reader. Once you know who you are writing for, you can shape your work just for them.

Distraction

Some of us get stuck simply because we’re distracted. We might have other projects to finish, children or partners or dogs in our office needing help, or an insane news cycle.

The fix? Figure out when you’re most focused. What’s going on? How can you repeat that situation regularly? For me, it’s not checking email or social media before I write. But it’s also taking on just one assignment at a time.

Need more help?

If you’re struggling with writer’s block and none of my fixes work, it can help to talk it through with someone. Come to my writer’s block class or schedule a consultation.

On March 31, I am teaching a class on overcoming writer’s block next week and I’ll be teaching YOU how to diagnose and deal with writer’s block. Sign up here: https://writenowcoach.com/workshops/

Use the code DEFEAT50 to get fifty percent off.