Blogger Thoughts on Writer’s Block

Whether writer’s block is real or not – totally depends on what you believe. Here was the article that debated what a writer thinks about writer’s block and it gained much popularity amongst readers back in December last year.

I believe,

that there are such stretches of time when you strive to scribe. Motivation plays a paltry role. It feels as though the pool of imagination inside you has dried out and you are merely scraping the bottom to no fruition. That may or may not be writer’s block or call it by any name you fancy, the fact remains that when the storm comes, we need not give in or seek escape. Tonight, thus, we talk of possible effective ways of tackling writer’s block.

In my journey so far, I have always learnt new things and have gladly shared them with the writing fraternity through my blogs. But as a writer, where do I get my motivation? How do I look deeper into my perspectives? I realised, even I need to learn to be able to up my game. So this time over, I wanted to be on the student-side of the story; not so much as saying but listening.

For my plan to work out, I approached a few proficient bloggers who’ve been in the game for an impressive period of time; whom I follow religiously. They were kind enough to share few words from their pool of experience on how to tackle writer’s block so that I could bring to you, tricks not just from one mind, but multiple minds.

Here’s what they had to say. (In case their words intrigue you and you wish to know them better, you just have to click on the blog link next to their names.)

Joseph, who writes mesmerising poems at ‘Seeing the Whisper‘ believes,

Writer’s block to me doesn’t exist. Your cup is empty more or less and it is up to you to fill it. For me I have gardening which I am kindred with and I find my cup fills quickly with gardening not to mention other menial tasks such as washing dishes, weeding, ironing or any other tasks we find boring.

The other piece for a writer to keep in mind is to write for yourself and forget about what others say. These are your thoughts, your expressions, and who is worthy to judge. Only you.

What Anne, the aspiring herbalist, from ‘My Herbal Adventures‘ has to say,

My main ways to keep myself from writer’s block are journaling, photographing, jotting down ideas on a virtual notepad, or beginning drafts in my blog; adding to them little by little until concluded. Reading (books, articles, research material, other blogs) is essential to keeping my head full of new content & ideas for later.

Manuel who writes at ‘Emotions of Life 2016‘ has something interesting to share,

I had to face the devil once or twice in my short writing career, but instead of stopping and thinking about my inability to write, I write about that inability and then the emotions start to flow. So as Bukowski said “writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all.”

Kaushal, the avid reader and reviewer at ‘Errors and Kaushal‘ condensed his thoughts with this – Draft the Draft First. He goes on to explain,

As a full-time working professional, it is difficult to figure out some peace where one can sit down and write to perfection. I face this problem almost every time and to overcome the same I have figured out what works for me, Drafts.

Yes, I write a blog draft covering the important points with a minimum of 4-5 lines for each point. Doing this, takes considerably very less time and assures me of completing it when I want to.

Yasmin, the terrific poet at ‘Yaskhan‘ speaks her mind,

I overcome the malaise of not getting the words out by reading poetry of the great masters, for example, I read Basho and other Japanese haiku poets. Also, Allen Ginsberg, Marie Corelli, etc.

Music helps sometimes and walking rejuvenates too. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I wake up and lines are popping up in my mind. I grab my phone and put it down on notes. Last of all, my constant companions are my notebook and pen. Can’t do without them.

Proud Pradita of ‘The Pradita Chronicles‘ brilliantly sums it up,

I have an ‘Ideas book’ where I keep writing down what I feel could make a good story, or could make a good dialogue/scenario in my book. Prompts help a lot too. Music has often prompted me to write.

Bottomline is, when you are in the grip of Writers Block, you have to ask yourself – can I take a day or two off from writing and then get back to it with the same fervour? If the answer is yes, take some time off writing. But if the answer is no, then get down to write and write that Writer’s Block off.

Shaz, the fervent blogger from ‘For the Love of Sass‘ writes,

My biggest idea for combating writer’s block is: Think about something you yourself may be interested in reading. Do you need inspiration, do you want to read something funny? Write that!

Finally, what the writer at The Musing Quill had to add,

Go back in time. Revisit your older posts, perhaps, the ones where you began. The train of thoughts that follow will beat any damn block. Nothing has helped me more; well, except, a glass of good wine.

Put together here, are pearls of ideas tried and tested by ingenious minds who never gave up when a bad day gatecrashed. Take them or leave them, but never forget them.

That’s all folks!

Find the ideas helpful? Tell us. Do also share your own stories on tackling writer’s blocks. I’d love to hear them out.

Happy writing, till we meet next.

Until then, carpe diem! 🙂

~~~~~

Asha Seth