Coincidence? Perhaps, we can say so. A few days back, I had to struggle with writer's block. I wanted to write on a prompt here on Hive and by my plans, I was supposed to make that post that day. But the issue is, the words weren't flowing as they would or used to. I also need to mention that it had been a while since I experienced such a disruption to my flow of words. Though I experience it sometimes, but not usually like that day.
That was a clear experience and depiction of what writer's block could be like. This is one issue that happens to everyone in the craft, regardless of your expertise or years of experience. Even the best of writers experience it, which shows that it's a normal thing and occurrence to anyone who calls themself a writer and is into the craft of writing. To deal with it, we have to first accept that it's a part of the writing skill.
Surprisingly, some of the most entertaining, interesting, appealing, beautiful or engaging writings we might have come across went through a tough struggle with writer's block. Yet, the piece, book, article, novel or blog post came out published in the end. This also tells us that as much as writer's block is part of this writing skill and can't be eluded, it's never an obstacle to that which you wish to pen down. It's a temporary barrier.
Since all writers experience this, and I'm a writer, who has also experienced writer's block, how do I deal with it? As I mentioned, there's a need to accept it as part of the writing skill. That's what I do. I recognise and accept that this is what is happening and that I'll need some way to get out of it. Though not always do I jump to that. Not even likely. Most times, I still try to wiggle my way around my ideas, especially when I have a plan to keep to.
Well, I don't know if that's a good thing. But you can't beat the block most times. So, it leads to accepting the situation. When I do that, I turn to other things to help ease my brain, so I can come back refreshed. It could involve taking a step outside. Not far from the house, but just around. In other cases, it could involve a walk, connecting with nature and people. I like the nature part most, because nature itself is therapeutic. It helps in this quest.
When I decide to stay indoors still, I do other things. But these things are those with little or no stress on the brain. Just something to ease the brain and be in a relaxed state. I could resort to watching some videos, doing some things online, or importantly, listening to some good music. That surely helps. In other cases, I could use that time to do my undone chores or other activities that require little effort from my brain.
After some or any of the ways mentioned above to arrest writer's block, I return to that writing task. At that moment, the words do come flowing. Writer's block is one of the struggles of writers, and knowing how to deal with it in one's own way as a writer is necessarily important.
Image is AI generated.
