How to Get Rid of Writer's Block

Where the Hell is my Muse?

Writer's block... it can creep up when you least expect it. Hiding in the shadows, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. A day when you've cleared your schedule, the kids are gone for the weekend, hubby is on a fishing trip, the house is quiet and there you are, staring at a blank screen or sheet of paper. Great. Now what? Where's a muse when you really need one? Six hours have passed and you only have two words that you can actually use — Chapter One.

Yes. This has happened to me, time and time again. This thing called writer's block will halt my plans in obtaining my goal of writing 50,000 words for the month, and have me snuggled on the sofa drinking green tea and watching Netflix. Yes, this has happened to me. But what is this thing called writer's block, and why has it invaded my world?

Writer's block is nothing more than a lack of inspiration and imagination at the time when you should be writing your compelling story. The only thoughts you have on your mind are, what happened the day before, what happened last week, what will happen next week, the secret your sister told, and a song by Fergie. What a combination. But how do you get rid of writer's block? By getting rid of the unnecessary debris in your life... if only for a short while.

Stress in one of the most hindering problems for a writer. Your thoughts are all over the place, but yet nowhere. If it can't be resolved today, then cast it aside for today. If it is a problem that is completely out of your control, why think about it at all? Hand it over to a power greater than you. If it is a problem that can be resolved and will be resolved, why ponder it? Let it go. If you do not have stress, yet your mind is still overwhelmed, turn off the news and don't listen to any sad news whether it be from television or in person. Unless you're a writer on current events, daily watching of mainstream news can invade your imagination and inspiration, leaving you with a new friend called writer's block.

Speaking of friends, God bless them, sometimes you have to closed the blinds, don't open the door, turn off the phone, there's no one home. I know it's a little harsh, but it's perfectly okay to say, “Not today.” If they're your true friends, they'll be around tomorrow, but in the meantime, if you have set aside a day to write, then that is what you'll do — write. This doesn't mean we cast our friends aside. No way! As writers, we still interact with our friends. After all, some of our inspiration comes from being around others and observing others, and if you are a comedy writer, much of your inspiration is from being around others. The main objective is, set your priorities when it comes to your friends, to not add another friend called writer's block.

So, what do you do when all else fails and writer's block is now your new best friend? As I mentioned in Writing Tips for African Americans, I read teen books for fresh ideas. Hey, don't knock it until you've tried it! You'll be surprised how many adults read teen books to get inspired. A favorite of mine is Auggie & Me by R.J. Palacio. This particular book is from her Wonder collection. I usually do not have to read the entire book again, usually a few chapters will spark my imagination allowing fresh ideas to flow effortlessly. This happens with any teen book I choose to read. There's something about teen, young adult, even children's books that will get a writer in the zone to do what he or she loves — write.

Still doesn't work for you? How about this. Will you find your characters in a cheeseburger? Probably not. Did you know that certain foods can kill your writing mood? It's true. You've heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” When was the last time a pig or cow wrote a book? Fresh foods, healthy foods, stimulate the brain, bringing fresh ideas that turn into fresh stories, and memorable characters. It's true! So, next time you're experiencing writer's block, try eating some fresh fruits and veggies. It really works!

Well, I'm sure you have other ways of ridding yourself from writer's block. Whether you're a novel writer or a songwriter, writer's block can sneak upon us all. How we deal with it is the question. What's your solution?

Until next time,

Happy Writing