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A Guide to Defeating Writers' Block

by C. Zollinger ( A.K.A. Davy Havoc)


Desperation shows in the writer's dulling eyes, or maybe its just exhaustion sinking in. Underneath his dark eyes, puffy bags sagging off his face. He looks straight out of Star Wars. He is Emperor Palpatine, Darth Sideous; his disposition seems to fit the black cowl drawn over that loathsome, skeleton of a man. Darth Sideous craved power, the writer craves progress. The scowl permeating the lower half of his face snaps open in rage, letting out a string of obscenities. Desperation shows in the writer's bullying actions. Underneath his shell he's created for himself-- a dark room, door shut and locked filled with nothing that could prove to be a distraction. He is Anakin Skywalker, Darth Vader; brooding and angry he roars at his questioning wife, and shoves her away. His heavy breathing mirrors that of Darth Vader's respirator, the only thing that keeps him from dying. Darth Vader craved to save his wife, the writer craves to save his career. Slamming his tired fists against his keyboard, the writer gives up. He is defeated by Writers' Block.
Have you found yourself in a similar position? Tired and defeated caught in your own literary prison? I know I have. "Writers' Block" is often blamed for an unproductive session of so-called "writing." Believe me when I say this, I have found a cure and a vaccine for this dreadfully frustrating disease. Excited? You should be, because now you can write feverishly into the night, instead of sitting on your rump, painfully uninspired and way behind schedule.
I have discovered several fool-proof battle plans for the war against this lurking terror. Let me share them with you.
First, I want to clear up a misconception many writers have about their work. You don't have to work on the same project everyday. Putting some distance between you and your work can do wonders. This doesn't mean just physical distance, but emotional distance as well. THINKING about a certain part of a story or poem or song (or whatever you may be writing) endlessly usually does no good. As a writer you must not do that, as it may be unhealthy. It may cause unwanted health problems such as ULCERS(I am only joking, but it is not good for your mental health). Just like grudges, dwelling on things can only make them worse. Try writing something else and get your mind off of your troubles, or do something else entirely. Then, a day or a week or a month later (however much time you need), swoop back in with fresh ideas and a fresh mind. Doing so may just solve all your problems!
Secondly, music helps bring just about everyone's inner muse out. It doesn't matter what you listen to, but it has to inspire YOU. Don't listen to something that inspires someone else, just to join the crowd or something. If the Star Wars soundtracks don't help you don't listen to them. Likewise, if a little In Flames or Shadows Fall makes you feel uninspired, don't listen to it. Personally I listen to a mixture of acoustic music, RUSH (a progressive heavy rock/metal band) a several other bands while writing, but you may have to listen to something else. It's your writing and your muse, listen to your music. Music is meant to make people feel emotion, and in so doing can really inspire one while writing. Find your own little niche in music and use it. Listen to it while writing and you may find yourself writing more than you ever thought possible before.
One of my least favorite, yet extremely effective, solutions is to take a nap. I don't use this one myself, but others tell me this is the best way to strike back at Writers' Block. It makes sense because when sleeping, humans dream. Dreams can be very useful in writing. I have, in the past, come up with some very interesting plot ideas and twists becuase of dreams. Daydreaming, too, has given me much to write about. This is a very simple and productive way to battle back at the beast.
Lastly, My grandparents, who live next to me, have a gorgeous yard. It is full of wildlife and flowers. I love to go there and just sit and listen to the animals and the wind. Nature can be an inspiration, so take some time to go outside. Take a notebook with you and write. This can clear up just about any case of writers' block.
If you ever feel the disease-like Writers' Block coming on, try one or all of these surefire ways to overcome it. They can and will help you Battle the Beast, if you choose to use them. These are proven ways to give your writing a boost. Now get out there and write something!