Writer’s block is real

 

For the first time in a while, I can’t seem to come up with something to write about. I’ve searched through the nooks and crannies of my mind, but nothing’s coming up. It’s like my inner writer’s ink needs a refill.

If you’re new on the streets of writing, let me bring you up to date. According to Merriam-webster dictionary, writer’s block is a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece.

Let me break it down.

You’ve been writing consistently for 6 months, and you wake up as usual, ready to get the pen rolling and bam! There's no signal. I like to think of it as psychological paralysis. Every part of you is ready to write but your creative mind and hands are not catching up.

Now, you’ll ask why this happens. You might even ask questions like “have I lost my touch?” or “do I need to try harder?” Wait! Why is this even happening to me?

One of the causes of writer’s block is the obsessive need for perfection. I believe you’ve heard the saying ‘little drops of water make a mighty ocean’. I think writing is a cumulative thing. The more you write, the better at it you get. You can’t just wake up one morning and write a piece like Chinua Achebe. Don’t think of the big stuff you want to write about and then spend half the time obsessing over how good it is. Get started already! Write about what interests you. It can be books, art, fashion, faith, food, politics, family, love. When you do this, you build more interest in them, and you want to learn more. It’s a cycle.

I love the outdoors, so I draw a lot of inspiration from natural stuff. You might be an indoors person, so this might not apply. However, you might just need to change environment. Maybe your balcony, instead of your room. Or a café. You can even shake things up by writing stuff while on commute.

Another cause of writer’s block can be comparison. You see the work of someone who has been in the writing business for longer time than you and you think you’re not doing well. Snap out of it, dear! You’re doing absolutely well. These people you compare yourself to were once like you. The fact that you show up every day says a lot about where you’re headed.

Finally, writers block can be indicative of burnout. You just can’t keep churning out written content without taking needed breaks. Now, let’s not confuse this with indiscipline. There are times you know that you’ve worked hard and consistently for a given time. Your body will always give you signs when you need to rest. If you’ve taken a break (for a time duration that works for you), you’ll notice that you are rejuvenated when you continue.

That will be it for now.

What were the active steps you took to reduce writer’s block? Were they helpful? Let me know in the comment section.

Thank you!

‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

Philippians 4:13 NKJV