Yes, I used that phrase.
The dreaded writer’s block. It shows up when you least expect it, clawing its way into your mind and sucking all the creativity you’ve nourished throughout the past few months.
We’ve all been there, and we’ve struggled to get past this mental barrier to find our inspiration on the other side. We feel a sense of profound accomplishment when we finally overpower this blockade and arm ourselves with knowledge to beat it next time. Now we know what steps to take in case it returns.
Then, when writer’s block strikes again, we freeze. We forget all the methods we tried last time and succumb to the obstruction’s will.
Or maybe that’s just me.
I recently suffered from this creative ailment. When I finished drafting my first book, I completely lost momentum. I thought if I take some time away, I can come back to it refreshed and ready to start again.
However, this caused my writer’s block to flare and rear its ugly head. I became stuck for months. My original goal was to have the sequel to the first book outlined by May 31st, but I am way off schedule.
My confidence in myself grew shaky with each passing day as I either ignored my outline or found an excuse not to get to it. Now, as my deadline nears, I forced myself to face this writer’s block head-on.
I will not let it win.
Sure, I will have to push back my deadline. I can’t win every battle. However, I will make sure I beat writer’s block this time and get this task done.
With the help of my writer friends, I regained the momentum I need to complete the next step of my journey. I sincerely thank everyone who offered advice and encouragement along the way.
How do you handle writer’s block? Do you have any tried-and-true methods to help you out?
Jennifer Roachford 