How to deal with Writer’s Block – The Penable Academy

Introduction

Today I’m going to explain what is a Writer’s Block, and no, it isn’t some type of cheese.

What is a Writer’s Block?

A Writer’s Block is the condition of being unable to think about what to write or how to proceed with writing.

And actually, many people have Writer’s block, almost every writer suffers from it!

It isn’t that serious or grave as it seems, it is a temporary condition, but it can make people really struggle with putting pen to paper and can’t write at all!

What causes Writer’s block?

Many things. Depression, physical illness or even a sense of failure, and the list doesn’t even end there. One of the main causes is when you put too much pressure on yourself.

Is it common?

Yes, it’s very common. Many great writers have suffered from Writer’s block, and it can be very painful.

And as writers, it is very, very frustrating to stare at a blank page!

Luckily, I’m here to help you deal with your Writer’s block and overcome it in ten steps.

Dealing with Writer’s Block.

Step 1:

DON’T BE AFRAID!

This is a common cause of Writer’s Block.

Writers are afraid of putting their ideas and opinions for everyone to see.

They’re afraid of the type of feedback the reader will give them.               

If you think that the reader is going to laugh at your work or screw up their nose, then that puts you off altogether.

Don’t worry yourself by thinking about what everyone else will say about your writing, just let the words flow onto paper.

Step 2:

ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT’S OK IF YOUR WRITING ISN’T PERFECT!

As writers, it takes a lot of hard work for us to read our own words and say to ourselves that it’s perfect.

Even I find it difficult to read my work and not frown or hesitate to publish it.

If you just look for perfection in your writing, trust me, you’re not going to make it past the first page.

You’ll scribble it out a hundred times before giving up altogether.

Instead, write first, pages and pages, then edit it all together. And don’t be your own judge, ask someone else to read it and give constructive feedback.

Step 3:

READ INSPIRING QUOTES!

Okay, I know this may seem like a tiny point or like it isn’t important or relevant, but really, it helps!

Read inspiring quotes online and get motivated to pick up the pen and write.

Step 4:

IT’S OKAY TO TAKE BREAKS!

I’ve mentioned this to a lot of people.

Writer’s Block isn’t always, always a bad thing.

Sometimes, Writer’s Block is probably your brain’s way of telling you to have a break.

Go for a hike, do something different and let out your creativity by painting or baking instead of being cooped up in your writing corner.

This way, when you come back, your mind will be fresh and clear and ready to write.

Step 5:

TRY WRITING IN A DIFFERENT ENVIRONMENT!

This really works. Changing your environment will give you more ideas.

Sitting beneath a tree in the park, or in your back garden amongst nature, or in a coffee shop, inspiration will hit any time!

Step 6:

WRITE SOMETHING ELSE!

Not forever, but just to keep the creativeness flowing.

Try something different instead of worrying your mind over your current piece of writing. Try keeping a diary, writing a shopping list, a letter or literally anything that comes to your mind!

Step 7:

SWITCH OFF THE INTERNET!

The Internet is very distracting. Perhaps your brain is filled with the latest YouTube videos or hilarious memes and causing you to have a Writer’s Block.

Turn off all devices and try writing on paper without getting distracted.

Step 8:

MAP OUT YOUR WRITING!

Don’t start writing first. Grab some paper, brainstorm, jot down ideas, outline and map it out. When you go back to putting pen to paper, you will find it much easier by looking at your map.

Step 9:

WRITE WHAT YOU WANT TO WRITE!

A common cause for Writer’s block is when the writer feels the pressure of people’s expectations.

Don’t write what you think the reader would enjoy – although this is an advice most people give.

And don’t write what you think would sell, if you do, more blocks are coming your way!

Write what’s been tugging at you to put down on paper. What you want to write. Follow your dreams!

Step 10:

TRY WRITING PROMPTS!

These will inspire and encourage you to spill the words on paper, and give you plenty of ideas!

Conclusion

If you’re suffering from Writer’s Block, remember to relax and not freak out.

You may be feeling stressed, agitated, frustrated, and hopefully, this course will help you get through it.

And it is definitely okay to talk to other people about it.

They can give you inspiration and help you out.

Many people find it easier to write when they have a partner to work with. A family member, or a friend to discuss with, you can even join a writing club.

As I mentioned on Step 10, writing prompts can give you some awesome ideas and encourage you to spill words on paper, so here is a list of fantastic writing prompts.

Feel free to use them, and I’d love it if you could send me your work at: penableme@gmail.com for me to review!

Writing Prompts

• You wake up and you’re in an empty lab. You walk around, look out of a window and discover that you’re in Space.

• A woman likes spying on her neighbours. When a new neighbour, an elderly woman moves in, she can’t resist. But she finds some strange goings on…

• You get a call from your Sister, she knows everything about you. The only thing is, your sister was murdered years ago…

• A boy wakes up and looks in the mirror. He finds an unknown, strange face staring back at him…

• It’s your birthday. You call all your party guests and discover that they’ve all been murdered. And someone’s knocking on your door…

Those are just a few, but you can search up some more awesome writing prompts online.

Thank you for reading, and happy writing.

Remember, Anything is Penable!

– H.R Phoenix, Author and creator of penable.net