Is Writer's Block Real?

 Writer's Block is one of the most hotly debated topics in writing. Some say it's real, some say it's not. The ones who say it's real accuse others of being unfeeling, the ones who say it's not accuse others of being lazy.

I fall on the "writer's block is not real" side of the spectrum. Hold up--that doesn't mean it's always a consequence of laziness. "Writer's Block" is a too-general name for a wide variety of issues. Usually, the phenomenon falls under one of a few categories:

Resistance 

The Issue: This is the "laziness" perspective of the Block, although I prefer to call it human nature. The writer doesn't want to sit down and write. There are a million more urgent things, more practical things, more exciting things that have to be done; there are a million ways (Internet, social media, a good book, a pile of unanswered letters) to distract oneself.

The Solution: This sucks, but you just have to sit down and write. I don't like it, either, but sometimes the only thing stopping you from writing is yourself. Two additional tips: first, choose a relatively distraction-free environment. There's a century oak in my backyard where I can sit for hours without seeing another human. If you don't have a special place like this, then a locked door or a Do Not Disturb sign (or both!) can function the same way. Second, if there are extremely urgent, practical matters that need attending, get to it! Scrub the toilet, bake cookies, fold laundry, text your piano teacher. The sooner you finish your everyday tasks, the sooner you can write--and the less will weigh on you when you finally sit down.

Stuck!

The Issue: This is perhaps the most common form of writer's block. The writer has written herself into a corner and doesn't know how to go on. There are numerous causes for this: maybe the dialogue has become stiff, a bout of exposition has driven the narrative to a halt, the characters feel like cardboard, or the writer has put his characters in a situation they can't get out of. At any rate, the writer is scratching her head over where to begin.

The Solution: If dialogue is the problem, then ask yourself: are the characters' voices unique? Are they talking like real people? Am I info-dumping? Where are the dialogue tags, and what's in them--"said," and adverb, a different verb? Do I stop to show where the characters are, what they're doing, their body language? Sometimes you just need to vary things a little to make the conversation come to life. If exposition is the problem, cut out the exposition (but save it elsewhere) and start writing where the action ended. Can you tell the reader what they need to know in another way--an argument or a flashback, for example? Does the reader need to know this right now? If you decide that yes, you need straight exposition, then hold off for a bit. Write the rest of the action first. Get yourself through the scene and insert exposition later. If characters are the problem, then spend some time getting to know them better. Maybe write a short story from their POV, interview them, or try writing the scene you're stuck on from a different POV. Un-cardboard your characters before you try to write with them. If the plot itself is the problem, back up to the last major decision in the story. Consider alternate paths the story could have taken. There is a multiverse of storylines out there. Maybe you've been writing the wrong one. Even if you decide to pursue the version you've been writing, you'll have insight about the could-have-beens, which deepens your knowledge of the characters and world.

Insanity

The Issue: The writer cannot stand writing for one moment longer. He wants to rip his hair out and scream. He's tried sitting down and writing, and the story's going fine, but he feels like he's losing his mind!

The Solution: Step away from the desk, set down your pencil, close your laptop. Go do something else. Read a good book, make a tasty dessert, hop in the pool, pet the cat. I like to dance to fun music. Take a break (be it ten minutes or a week) from all that writing and come back to it later a with a fresh mind, bright eyes, and strong fingers.

None of the Above

Still can't write? Try the following:

• do a fun writing prompt (There are several on this blog. Look under "Write It!")
• switch to a different story (if you have more than one going at once)
• if you're handwriter, type up your work
• if you're a typer, go through looking for typos
• exercise (There is science behind this--exercise helps your brain. Seriously.)
• eat chocolate

If eating chocolate didn't work, then you may be beyond help. ;)