Writer's Block

    

The dreaded writer's block.

I used to think that writer's block wasn't a real thing. It was just an excuse not to write. Boy was I wrong!!! 

   I have been struggling to write for the past couple years. I have over seventy books started but can't seem to finish a book. I have four that are almost finished but every time I sit down to write my mind goes blank.  So frustrating!!!

    

  Too keep some of my creative brain going, I tinker and make book covers for all those books I have yet to write.

  There are many causes for writer's block.

        Perfectionism, self-doubt, fear of judgement, imposter syndrome, burnout, lack of inspiration, plot problems, lack of time, poor writing environment, digital overload, lack of routine, ADHD, and anxiety or depression. The list is vast.

  

   There can be the continuous feeling of uncertainty about your writing, the fear it won't be good enough, and the fear you're not original are always running around in your mind. Plotting and planning can be overwhelming, and your mind can shut down.

  I am a total Panster when I write. Most of the time I don't know what is going to happen in my book until the characters do it. I find it a fun way to write. I've made attempts at plotting. I use the Plotrr program and though it's a good program, I find the idea of planning out a story overwhelming. Then I shut down.

  A lot of the time I have too many ideas far too many different ideas for too many different books rolling around in my head and I can't grab an idea and run with it. Opening an unfinished book and staring at the pages trying to think of how to finish it is stressful. Then I shut down.

      

  How to get out of the writer's block slump?

     Just write. It may not be what you are intending to write. It might be terrible and nonsensical. Just put things down on paper. Set attainable goals. Instead of forcing yourself to write the best scene of your life, tell yourself to write 200 words.

     Talk with friends or fellow writers. Bounce ideas off of them and get feedback on what you have been struggling with. My cousin is my "creative advisor".

     Face and overcome your inner doubt. An author is their own worst critic. 

     Always remember that you aren't the only one that struggles to write. Each author has trouble keeping focused at times.

    Identify what is holding you back is the key. I discovered something called the neurodivergent author. I fall into that category. So I've been digging into that and ways to overcome. I even discovered dyslexic friendly fonts.

     

   Lately since I can't seem to finish a western romance, I decided to just write nonsensical things rolling around in my head. Writing is writing and I hope to get back to my romance books soon. Instead, I've been writing things outside of my genre and am enjoying the creative diversion.

   I was listening to Radio Classics and Nick Carter Private Detective came on. My brain ran off and I wondered what if Nick Carter was a woman? What if she was half vampire and a detective in the 1920's? So I played with the idea and came up with a few book ideas and started writing. It's been fun. Something completely out of my comfort bubble.

Just for fun book covers.

  During Hallmark season, I kicked around a Hallmark movie style Christmas story. I have a good start on it and it's coming along nicely. Will I actually finish it by Christmas? I intend to. I'm putting my fear of deadlines to the test and will push through my anxiety and get it done.

Happy writing to all!