How To Deal With Writer’s Block

By Lev Novak

So, you have writers block.

Normally, this isn’t such a big deal, but you have stuff to do. If you’re not a writer, that could be a paper or any other assignment: if you are a writer, this could be anything. You’re a writer. Every spare moment is supposed to be spent improving your craft or writing more.

I get it.

I am a writer. I am an artist and a mercenary, a slacker and an employee. It’s a lot of things and a lot of collections to manage, but I somehow get it done.

And you will too.

1. Start Writing

About anything. If you don’t have a head or a heart for one project, transfer it to the next one. Start a new project with your energy if you have to, and, at the absolute worst case, write about writing itself.

Writing about writing is the ultimate cop-out, but sometimes it has to be done. If you want moral purity, volunteer. If you want to be a writer, write.

I also say “start” because it is way harder to start than to continue. Start with anything. Start with garbage. Because at the least muscle memory will take your fingers further. Trust in yourself, and if that fails, trust in your fingers. They know where the keys are.

2. Find Urgency

To find urgency, you have to do two things: cut out distractions and hype yourself up.

Beware iTunes shuffling by hand and Twitter binges. Do not confuse sitting in front of a laptop for writing upon it. Similarly, get hyped without those distractions. Remember what you want to do; read what you’ve written and love it, remember it, get into it. Because this isn’t a chore- this is a destiny, a success, a purpose and a strength.

Lastly, to paraphrase more than one rapper, stunt on them haters.

Find your motivation- excitement, love, desperation, or even spite, and simply embrace it. Get it done and make it happen. Even a bland, Spartan dedication to the job can suffice, but spice it up with emotion. Get amped and pumped and watch the results occur.

3. Set Yourself For Success

Do you have writing albums? I do.

Albums I write to are good enough to enjoy but not good enough to distract me. I listen to it all the way through as I write so I’m not tempted to distract myself and search for more.

Do you have writing snacks? I do.

Granola bars, a cup of water, and a Diet Coke should be within arms reach. That’s not a meal- you need meals and to live a normal life- but don’t let a little hunger or a little tiredness get in your way.

Have a desk, a a chair, headphones and ambition?

You do.

Get writing.

You are

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