Q&A: How do you deal with writer's block?

As you hopefully know, I'm always on the lookout for questions and topics for my blog. Since day one of this journey, I've had awesome people hit me with a few here and there and THIS is the one question on everyone's list. When asked in the past, I've always given tips that I felt were useful, but to be honest, I only said those things because I would sound like a pompous liar if I said “I don’t get writer’s block.” When it came to writing “The Dreamer,” I have never really had this problem. If anything, the hard part has been trying to write my ideas fast enough. Well, that streak ended once I started posting things on a weekly basis.

For the past 20 years, I've mainly written when I felt the urge. Even the last few years of rewriting and editing, I really FELT like doing it! I was in the mood! I enjoyed it! If I wasn't in the mood, I had already done enough to feel I earned a break! However, I no longer have the luxury of not writing for several days. I have deadlines and goals. I have missions that must be accomplished. When writing becomes a chore with a looming deadline, I finally had it... writer's block. Taking my old advice was hard, but it worked.

Here are my three most reliable methods of defeating writer's block. Method number one is also step number one, reach out to people you trust. If you're lucky enough to have a muse or two, hit them up for inspiration. I like to ask people questions similar to, but not the same as the issue I am handling. Doing this will often yield responses that are paths different from what your mind was already traveling. With new angles in mind, I tend to get a burst of inspiration. I call it "Step One" because I do it in conjunction with the next two techniques. You see, the best tip that actually works for me is to take a break... but two specific kinds.

The first kind of break that I suggest is a 'Hobby Break.' This is more of a legitimate break. The goal is to get your mind completely off topic and to relax. A lot of times, creative people don't give themselves breaks. Unlike 9-5 jobs, there is no time when you're officially off work. Any time spent gaming, napping, or enjoying your hobby is often tainted by that little voice that says "You should be working right now." If you're like me, you need to tell yourself "I DESERVE A BREAK!" then friggin TAKE one! After an hour away, make a hot cup of tea, coffee, or whatever it is that makes you relax and set into work mode... then sit back down and get to it. It's the equivalent of a 'soft reset.' If you ever call me and tell me you're stumped, I'm gonna switch to I.T. Crowd mode and say "Did you try turning it off then on again?"

My number three tip is by far the best. I call it a 'busy-work break.' This involves performing repetitive, tedious, mindless tasks like dishes, laundry, mowing the lawn. First of all, you're letting your sub-conscience take a crack at it. I have legit stopped in the middle of cutting grass to run in the house and jot down an idea. Secondly, it lets your mind feel less guilty about the thought of wasting time. The best part is that you can look back and feel a sense of accomplishment because you'll have a task completed! There's a huge difference between staring at a screen or blank paper for an hour with nothing to show versus looking at a stack of folded clothes or a well-groomed lawn. Even if you don't have a "Eureka!" moment, you aren't feeling lazy... and once you sit back down, ready to get back at it, you'll have a message or two from step one waiting on you!

So there ya have it... my three favorite pieces of advice on the dreaded writer's block problem! I highly suggest you try that 1-2 or 1-3 combo the next time your brain is on the fritz. Have you ever had writer's block or had a blank when trying to do an assignment? What techniques have YOU used to overcome this? Comment below!