The theme for my blog this month has been writing productivity and inspiration. Regarding writing productivity, I discussed aspects of writer’s block. I touched on writing inspiration and the impact of the Muse. I’ve highlighted some key points.
Writer’s block is more than just a matter of ‘not being able to write anything.’ It can often be episodes of actual writing. However, stuff gets on the page or pages, and you hate it: every word, every sentence. Sometimes it’s a matter of being unable to assume the proper mindset to put anything on paper. So, it goes beyond the mind simply drawing a blank. A writer can have stuff in their head, but that ‘stuff’ isn’t necessarily what you’re trying to put down; you’re ‘blocked’ from getting your true message, what it is that is ‘supposed’ to be on the paper, out. Writer’s block is also not necessarily for an extended period (months, years); sometimes it lasts for only an hour or so. Any time the act of translating ideas from head to page seems ‘impossible,’ a writer is ‘blocked.’
Causes for Writer’s Block:
1) Tired. With all that passion driving you, a writer’s brain still gets tired.
2) Relationship woes (not necessarily romantic). As discouraging as it sounds, letting go of a said relationship or putting it on ‘hold’ may result in words flying off the pages.
3) General distractions. Wanting to write but needing to address other pressing matters, throws the writing mindset off and the page or screen stays blank: you’re blocked
4) Nothing left to say. Forcing yourself to write more (unnecessarily) is sort of like that square-peg-round-hole thing: it’s frustrating because it won’t work—and now you’re ‘blocked,’ liking none of what you’ve written. Alternately, writers get determined sometimes: determined to make that good idea be the pages of good idea it wasn’t meant to be.
5) Great Expectations. That great idea equates pages-worth of good idea: too many pages, maybe—creating a daunting writing project looming before you.
So, how to maintain writing productivity while waiting for resolution of those underlying issues?
Suggestions for Surviving Writer’s Block:
1) Change the setting. Write in a new place or at a different time than ‘normal.’
2) Lower daily word count. When it’s hard to even get a sentence down (let alone a page)—let that sentence be the goal for the day.
3) Jam! Put on some music in a category unfamiliar to you, and let the music stimulate new inspiration.
4) Walk away. Step away from writing for a bit. The passion will bring you back.
Well, who (or what) is this impetuous entity of motivation/inspiration, anyway? Muse is an abstract concept with some very tangible or concrete representation.
1) Objects. The rabbit’s foot; the picture of a sunset or pet or loved-one; the trinket from the amusement park; the painting purchased at a flea market that somehow inspired completion of novels two through five.
2) Music. When in ‘artiste’ mode, some writers need absolute silence (Muse is persnickety about some things). But some writers woo Muse close with the likes of melodic classical symphonies, seductive jazz winds, or a cacophonous-yet-rhythmic blend of guitar and drums playing in the background.
And that’s a wrap on my take regarding writing productivity and inspiration.
Until next week, read and/or write on!
