Writer's Block

Hailie's informative article describes in detail the causes and effects of writer's block, as well as the methods that can be used to endure it.

Bane of a Writer's Existence:

The Ins and Outs of writer's Block

By Hailie Zintzun

Ah, yes. It’s time time again. Whether it be for an English assignment or due to a spark of creativity, you find yourself in the position of starting to craft a piece of writing. Everything is ready. You have the overall idea, make time to work, sit down with your computer ready to type… and then the mind is wiped of all inclinations of how to write. The blinking cursor stares at you, and you stare back. Nothing. Perhaps the inspiration will come back tomorrow? Tomorrow comes and goes. Still nothing. If this situation sounds vaguely familiar, then it is possible that the phenomenon of writer’s block has been present in your life at some point. For any writer, the last possible complication to be desired is the inability to produce work. There are multiple factors that can contribute to an instance of writer’s block, which can in itself lead to further symptoms. However, there are methods that can be used to combat writer’s block and persist in the pursuit of creating a fantastic formation of wondrous words.

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While writer’s block can be frustrating and difficult to manage with one’s needed tasks, it can be a sign of concerning conditions that one is unknowingly enduring, or possibly choosing to ignore. According to the University of Illinois, “Writer’s block can be broken up into two main categories: motivation/distraction or writing anxiety.” It is not uncommon to have dips in motivation from time to time. Even when one is certain of their goal to write a specific work, there can be outside distractions from this scenario. Indecisiveness, doubt, and issues with finding one’s own voice in writing can lead to further distress that inhibits a disinterest in completing the task at hand in order to neglect the tackling of these complications.

Fear can also be a strong component in the causation of writer’s block. There can be fears of “failure,” inadequacy, and unoriginality that damper one’s ability to be able to continue on with a project that might enhance such concerns. Both these anxieties and lack of motivation are examples of internalized setbacks, and yet, there are cases of external distractions that can prove to be just as effective. In the constant hustle and bustle of the modern world, there are many moving components that, when stacked together, can build an immensely difficult opponent to overcome. Noises can be particularly upsetting to a writer. If one is aware that they are taken away from their writing by a pen click, text message, or particularly overbearing music, it could be in their best interest to find a proper location for their writing. Preferably, one that is quiet with the assurance that all electronic devices and sounds can be reduced or silenced until the writing is finished. While music can be a distraction, instrumental tunes can create a peaceful background noise that gathers less attention from the mind due to the absence of lyrics.

One of the most frequent causes of writer’s block is “burnout,” or the tendency to overuse one’s creative capacity for an extended period of time. In these instances, obtaining writer’s block can signal that one may want to consider giving themselves a longer leash, allowing more time for rest between projects, or perhaps scheduling them in a different manner that allocates for fewer back-to-back writing tasks. Mental health could also potentially play a part in the effects of burnout. If one is feeling particularly unwell, especially if for a great amount of time, their mental state may impair the opportunity for that person to give full attention and commitment to the job at hand. Paired with overworking the creative cogs of one’s mental machinery, the decline of the health of the mind could overlap and assist in producing writer’s block. As Dudley Court Press states, “Humans aren’t made to operate at full capacity all of the time.” Remembering to take a break every now and then is crucial to finding a balance that suits one’s responsibilities whilst preventing overwhelm that impairs those same duties. This includes seeking help when needed, whether that be from a mental health professional or simply having an honest conversation with someone close to oneself.

Symptoms of writer’s block can be present in an individual through a variety of means. Restlessness in both the mind and body can be present during a case of writer’s block. Finding small chores to do around the house, for example, can be a way of delaying work on the writing and facing the belly of the beast. Fidgeting can be a good indication of restlessness. While it is normal to have some movement in day-to-day life to avoid stagnation, if one finds themselves incessantly moving to distract themselves from working on their writing, it may be another symptom of writer’s block. Insomnia is an issue that can often come along with the plight of writer’s block. Leaders Press addresses this: “There may be times when your mind feels active just when you’re going to sleep and sluggish when you want to write. At the end of the day, all of that mental activity can make it difficult for you to drift off and get a good night’s sleep.” Contrary to what one might assume, writing can be a very strenuous undertaking. The stress that can stem from this pursuit is able to lead to muscular tension, which is frequently present in the neck, shoulders, wrists, and hands. Headaches and migraines are common symptoms, as well. On the more mental side, writer’s block can increase procrastination, self-doubt, and form poor writing habits. When faced with writer’s block, some might very well choose to rely on the repetition of old ideas, increase their editing, or become inconsistent with their writing routine. Despite the many setbacks that arise with writer’s block, it is possible to overcome such symptoms and get back to one’s prior state of regulating writing habits and abilities.

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Since distractions in the writing environment can cause writer’s block, finding a comfortable space away from disrupting noise, people, and objects can lessen the impact of their influence. One may also take into consideration the time of day they find themselves to be most productive. It is better to rest when one is not in their most productive state than to force themselves to continue their attempts. Purdue Global sights the “Pomodoro Technique,” as a way to increase productivity in times of lack of motivation. This technique, developed by Francesco Cirillo, suggests that the productivity of a majority of the population is able to be especially productive during twenty-five-minute periods. This can be accomplished by using a timer to write, with no interruptions, for the allotted time before taking a break.

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In the process of writing, one can easily forget that is expected and understandable to have an imperfect first draft. Giving oneself grace can help to conquer certain doubts that can wind up, causing writer’s block. Having confidence in one’s writing can not only aid in preventing writer’s block but can, in some cases, cause the writing itself to be a better product because of it. Reading the works of other writers can also be beneficial in these trying times. Purdue Global claims, “If you’re an avid reader, you can glean inspiration from your favorite writers. Even if you’re not always reading, try cracking a book before you sit down to write. Read poetry for 10 minutes, or a chapter of a book, or a short essay. This will put you in the right mindset to write your own words—or at least imitate those of your favorite writers.” It may seem like copy-cating or even cheating, but the truth of the matter is that nearly all ideas are contrived as variations of similar ones. There is no harm in taking creative inspiration from others, as long as one is not directly stealing their work and trying to claim it as their own. Ultimately, the writing is the creation of the individual, and should be a reflection of their own thoughts and ideas.

Keeping this in mind, it could be of use for one to consider taking personal time away from writing. By doing hobbies or activities one enjoys, people are essentially taking a break and rewarding themselves for all the effort that has been previously put into their works. In turn, this could rejuvenate one to the point where it is more manageable to take on writer’s block and eventually be rid of it entirely. Author India Hill Brown of Writer’s Digest University once described this point in her article, “5 Ways to Help Beat Writer’s Block,” “Do you enjoy running? Throwing around a football in your backyard? Baking? Little moments like feeling the sun on your face, smelling freshly baked bread, or laughing so hard that tears fall down your face, are the real-life experiences that will help inspire you to put pen to paper.” There are several strategies available for dealing with the dreary downfalls of writer’s block. Even while it may seem that it will never end, writer’s block can be confronted by using such methods in order to return to the glorious days of productive writing.

Writer’s block is no one’s dream and, for the common writer, it can seem like a complete nightmare. However, it is crucial to recognize that there can be certain causes that prompted this state, and allow oneself to treat symptoms with time and care. It will never be a pleasurable experience, but writer’s block can be an unexpected way of reminding one of their abilities, while having the opportunity to take a step back and further develop them after returning refreshed and re-motivated. So perhaps writer’s block is actually less of a “block” as it is a stepping stone in the right direction. After all, a story wouldn’t be quite the same if the obstacles were removed from the path. It is these moments that make the story stronger, and may just as well do the same for the writer facing their own barriers on the road to success.

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