Do You Recognize These Early Warning Signs of Writer’s Block?

Posted by Hope

If you are a writer, you already know about writer’s block. If you’ve experienced writer’s block then you know what a heartache it can cause. The good news is that you can stop writer’s block cold in its tracks. The key to doing this is knowing the warning signs of writer’s block.

The seven early warning signs of writer’s block are:

1. Feeling tired. When you start to feel tired, save your work and take a break. Tense muscles, aching neck and shoulders and a headache are just a few signs that fatigue is setting in. Don’t ignore these aches and pains.
2. Long hours at the keyboard. Writers commonly suffer from pain in our hands, fingers, wrists, and elbows. This comes from long hours at the keyboard. If your arms or hands feel numb or tingly, take a break from the keyboard. Performing simple hand and arm exercises regularly can help, too.
3. Several looming deadlines with no plan for completion. Is your plate so full that you feel like you can’t breathe? Don’t pile on too many deadlines close together.
4. Procrastination. This is quite possibly the biggest warning sign of writer’s block. When blocked, writers tend to deflect by doing other things. House cleaning, laundry and cutting the grass suddenly seem like better tasks than writing when you are blocked.
5. Jumping from one project to another. Are you having trouble staying focused on one thing at a time? Are you jumping from one writing project to another, instead of finishing a single project at a time?
6. Starting several new projects at once. The worse thing you can do when you feel blocked is start another new project. However, many writers tend to do this so they don’t have to think about the work that needs to be completed.
7. All work and no play. Too much work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy…right? Right!

While these early warning signs may seem ridiculous, stop and think about it. At some point, if you’ve ever been blocked, you most likely found yourself in one of these positions. Pay attention to yourself and your work habits.

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Writing Ruts - What To Do When You Get Stuck

Posted by Hope

I know you’ve heard about writer’s block. You might even think you suffer or have suffered from writer’s block. But what do you do when you get stuck?

Do you just stay in the rut? Do you whine and complain about not being able to write? Do you seek inspiration or do you hide away hoping it will find you?

I’ve been a writer for many years. I can honestly say that I’ve been stuck many times myself. Sometimes, I’ve allowed that block to stop me in my tracks. Thankfully though, I’ve learned to pull myself up and out when I start feeling stuck. Here are some things you can to help pull yourself out of your rut, too:

- Take a break. Sometimes you just need to walk away. Step outside or just walk away from the computer for a little while. When you return, you’ll most likely find that your head has cleared and you can think and write again.

- Go for a walk. Taking a 10-minute walk can do wonders for you when you’re stuck. It’s even better if you can walk for a longer period of time. Go to a park or walk in a heavily wooded area. Nature’s sights and sounds will open up your senses.

- Refill your well. How long has it been since you refilled your creative well? All work and no play will cause you to become blocked quicker than anything else. Feed your starving artist: buy a new paint set, take horseback riding lessons, visit an art gallery.

- Brainstorm for ideas. Keep a notebook handy at all times to write down ideas. This will quickly become your rich source of inspiration when you can’t come up with a new idea.

- Write with pen and paper. Technology is great, but sometimes it helps to do something different. Shake up your routine by writing with pen and paper. Even better, take your notebook outside and write to the tune of a song bird.

- Ask a friend for help or ideas. Get some input. It never hurts to ask for help. Call on a few artist friends to have a brainstorming session. You’ll really get the ideas flowing fast!

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