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The Cure for Writer’s Block

Is there anything worse than staring at a blank screen and not knowing what to type? Whether you’re a Pantser or Plotter, writer’s block stinks! But believe it or not there is a cure.

Some die-hard plotters would say “if you plotted out your story before you wrote it then you wouldn’t have writer’s block.” But I’m sure even Plotters get a case of the block from time to time. And Pantsers, those adventurous souls who just sit down and type without knowing where their story is going, have written themselves into a corner or two. So what’s the cure for writer’s block?

Know your characters goals, fears, dreams, and noble quest (the reason they left their ordinary world to embark on their journey.) Once you understand what your character wants and needs to achieve in their journey, stick to a loose plot by knowing the major turning (plot) points in the story. You don’t have to know every detail of your story to start writing, but knowing where your character is headed will help clear those blocks when they come.

Think of your story like a road trip from New York to California. You know where you’re starting and ending, and you also know you’ll stop and rest (major plot points) along the way. But how you get to those resting points can look different. You can take travel by plane or train, or motorcycle, taxi or bus. You can even drive the entire way. My point is, at least know where you are going, but being flexible in how you get there can keep your creativity flowing.

So you have a picture of where your story is headed and what your major plot points are because you understand your characters goals, fears, dreams, motivation, noble quest. What if you still get blocked? That’s when you ask yourself “what is the worst thing that can happen to my character right now?” Remember your story should feed on conflict. It’s where the energy comes from and conflict can blast through writer’s block. Also remember conflict doesn’t have to be external, it can be internal.

Add the above points to good scene structure and not only will you avoid writer’s block (disclaimer: nothing is 100% fool proof,) but you will have a book your reader can’t put down.

Gina Conroy

They say those who can’t, teach. I say those who have a passion, inspire others to greatness. That’s why I teach. Sure, I have several fiction and nonfiction published books out, not to mention hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles. However, my passion is to inspire release the writer in you and take your writing to the next level.

I host a weekly podcast called Teen Writers Publish on writing for teens and adults. I’ve homeschooled my four children, taught in private and public schools, and mentored writers for years on Writer…Interrupted. I also teach and tutor elementary, middle school, and high school students in creative writing and composition as well as offering private classes and for adults. So even though I can and do write, I also teach. Because nothing is more satisfying than helping someone find their voice and write their story!

ginaconroy.com/

Dear White Page

Craft of Writing, Inspiration writer's block 8 by Rene Gutteridge

Dear White Page,

I’m writing you this letter because it seems appropriate and sort of proves a point I’m going to make later, if you’ll bear with me. But let me start from the beginning.

I don’t dislike you. I want you to know that up front. I actually consider you a dear friend. I mean, what’s not to like? You’re really beautiful. White—it screams purity, right? You’re bright and beautiful and in the sense of laundry, you’re bleached and sanitized. I use a word processor, as you know, but honestly, you kind of make me want to get out a calligraphy pen and write like the forefathers.

But let me get back on track.

As pretty as you are, you hold a dark secret, and that’s what I want to address today.

You and I have met many times, as you know. Mostly over coffee. And at first, you seem like delightful company. As I gaze upon you, I immediately think of what fun we’re going to have! What creativity we’ll produce together!

You seem unoffended when I ignore you for a little bit, gaze out the window, put my thoughts together. You just sit there, waiting on me, letting that black cursor blink its little heart out. (It’s in good shape! Am I right?)

But then…then something happens. It seems so innocent at first. I mean, it’s not like your page goes black or anything. In all appearances, you seem exactly the same—white and waiting. White and waiting…WHITE AND WAITING…WAITING WAITING WAITING—

Hold on. I’ve got to catch my breath.

Okay, I’m back.

That’s what I’m talking about. For lack of a better explanation, you kind of turn into a bully.

One moment, you’re inviting me in. The next moment, you’re taunting me. Don’t deny it. I realize you’re not the kind of playground bully that yells across the school yard, throws rocks and calls me names.

But honestly, you’re a little worse, because you do it so quietly. You start by disrupting my thoughts. And you know more than anyone, my thoughts are the most important part of what I do.

And sure, they’re jumbled at first. But you don’t have to point that out. Let me give you a few examples of things you utter in my ear:

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“Why would you even consider that idea?”

“Are you just going stare at me all day? You’re making me uncomfortable.”

“Susan doesn’t take this long. She’s already on page ten.”

“Maybe you should just give up.”

“Ugh—are you sure you’re a writer?”

And from there, the bottom falls out. I come off the rails. And then…THEN…you deliver the death knell…

“You must have writer’s block.”

Now…you and I both know that Writer’s Block might as well be the monster under the bed. If we think it’s there then we begin to hear strange sounds. Notice moving shadows. Our mind plays tricks on us as long as we believe it’s real.

But monsters don’t exist. And Writer’s Block is just a fable.

You say these horrible things knowing full well I’m vulnerable. Creatively compromised. Why must you make this harder on me than it already is?

I’m a writer. Beginning anything is a feat in and of itself itself. I’m already bleeding onto the page. Why be mean and give me a black eye too?

But, let me get back on track. Because there’s something I want to say to you today—the whole reason I’m writing this letter. Starting today, I’m standing up for myself. Today I say—ENOUGH.

The truth of the matter is that without me, you’re nothing special. You know it. I know it. Without me, you have nothing to show the world. You have nothing to offer.

I make you. Without me, you’re just sitting near a printer in a ream with other white pieces of paper, all of them exactly like you.

Through the thousands of years of writing, White Page, you’ve been a part of many special and world changing moments. Men and women have taken to you to pen extraordinary pieces of writing that have gone into the world and created the history we now all celebrate.

I’m one of those writers who thinks I can change the world. And in the process, touch the hearts of my fellow human beings.

I believe in the written word. But the truth of the matter is that the written word cannot be put down without you, White Page.

And so, we must learn to live with one another. Perhaps you’re not particularly fond of my creative process. But if you’ll work with me, instead of against me, imagine what we can do together.

So I conclude my letter by urging you to reconsider how you treat me from day to day. Surely you can muster the decency to let me be, to encourage me through the moments I struggle to find the words and thoughts I need to make whatever I write more amazing than the last one.

I’ll give you some time to consider all of this, and the next time we meet, let us see if can come together in harmony and better yet, together, change the world for good.

Sincerely,

Rene Gutteridge

Rene Gutteridge is the author of 24 novels, in the genres of suspense, comedy, and contemporary. She has also novelized the motion pictures Old Fashioned, Heart of the Country and The Ultimate Gift. Her novel My Life as a Doormat was adapted into a movie for Hallmark called Love’s Complicated. She is screenwriter on the movie Skid, now available on Amazon Prime. She is currently head writer at Skit Guys Studios.