Overcoming writer's block

I do not believe that writer’s block exists… at least until I attended a writing workshop where the respectable speakers said there is no such thing and it all comes down to self-discipline… and maybe a couple of routines. But for the sake of this post, and of those who’ve been asking how to deal with writer’s block, let’s pretend it exists.

And if it really does, how do we overcome it.

As I write this, I am on a break from editing a fifty-thousand word draft I finished writing in three months. This is the second book I’ve written this year (and a first in this genre so that’s saying a lot), proof that writer’s block can indeed be combatted.

A change in environment

Sometimes, a change in environment is necessary. Not just in writing but I guess in other life aspects that give us insurmountable (insurmountable???) amount of stress. For example, I went to this cafe in the nearby mountains just to be in the mood to write the final battle scene in my book. It wasn’t spectacular by any means, but I was able to write a decent amount of words considering that I would mostly write romantic scenes. What’s more, I got to work while munching on good food and taking a not-so-healthy dose of my favorite caffeine fix.

But change in surroundings does not have to be outside of home. In a country where the traffic is unforgiving and the price of coffee is equivalent to a home-cooked meal for a family of four, it’s just too unreasonable to frequent in a coffeeshop. Decluttering your work station at home is one thing, moving your laptop to the kitchen when everyone is asleep is another. If you have a backyard or a balcony, even better.

Keep in mind that the goal is to be able to write and finish the story in your head, nothing more.

Set a routine

When everyone was forced to stay home during the pandemic, I got lost. I didn’t feel motivated to do the things I used to work on with enthusiam. Then it hit me—routine was what I was lacking.

Routines force me to work on things accordingly. It effectively tricks my brain that “we are now entering the work hours” when I sit on my work table with coffee set in front of me. Same goes with writing.

I finished writing Marahuyo through sitting on my laptop after my skincare routine every evening. It was my brain’s cue to conjure up at least 2000 words for that writing session. Not gonna lie, there were evenings when I could only write 500 words, but progress is progress whatever number of words I could produce at the end of each session.

Take breaks in between

Breaks are much needed when working on a story. It refreshes the mind and helps spark new ideas. Taking a walk usually does the trick, especially when you notice the little things you see on the road.

I believe that your current state of mind will radiate on your writing. If you were happy and inspired, it will reflect on it. When you’re stressed and pressured, your readers would feel it. So always take a break and then come back to your manuscript with fresh ideas and renewed energy.

Love yourself a little bit more

Self-discipline is the greatest form of self-love, but that does not mean you should do the disciplining the way your Asian mother disciplined you and your siblings. Like I said, there were writing sessions when I could only write 500 words (sometimes even less). And that’s okay. Again, progress is progress no matter how small or big.

Not all achievements are created equal, but all of them should definitely celebrated. Buy yourself a cupcake for a finished chapter. You can even look forward to a cake when you finish the initial draft. This is what I always do. Positive reinforcement isn’t too bad at all.

Join a writing group

I wrote two stories during the pandemic, both of them unfinished as of writing. Creativity usually comes out naturally when you have someone to talk about it with. And joining a writing group has allowed me to experience this.

The Pinoy Indie Authors Collab is the only writing community that forced me to write something a bit far from my usual contemporary romance stuff. Believe me when I say your fellow authors are all procrastinators when it comes to writing, but trust them to give you the motivation and accountability you need to finish your story.

Always be writing

It is really frustrating when you can’t get the words out of your head. I’ve been there, and I know how it feels. But I also know that it shouldn’t derail my creativity. Maybe I just got lucky to have discovered the things and routines that work for me, because the words just come out naturally now.

I hope you discover yours too.

Remember, finishing your draft is not a destination. It is a journey and you should enjoy every moment of it. Have the best luck in your writing!

 xo