Writer's Block: In and Out of it.
By Adrian Bauza
I have a confession:
It's been two months since I stopped working on my novel.
Apart from corrections, research, edition, structuration, voice design, art design and major planning, the story stays exactly where I left it two months ago. The characters haven't moved or talked since then. The people haven't moved and actions are still in progress.
Recently, I started writing fiction again, and having ideas for new articles.
I had a case of writer's block.
Since you, reader, are also a writer, I encourage you to think about the following.
All over the internet you'll read "writer's block is BS", almost every college professor will tell you the same and all of your peers will say "dude, you're just being lazy".
Yet, still, no words come out of you. How do they dare to say writer's block is no more than a lie when you're clearly experiencing it? Reasons are diverse, but what they think is not of importance. What really matters is: Why are you not writing?
Because you're waiting for inspiration
Let's be honest here: Can you write (creatively) without inspiration? Yes. Can you write quality material without inspiration? I highly doubt it. There must be something driving your desire to create and simple will is not enough.
Most, if not all great works of literature have been inspired by events, problematics and ideas that have changed not only the world, but the authors themselves. The story does not need to address the situation directly, propose any change or be relatable, but it does need inspiration. Creativity is fed by external influence, so inspiration is essential.
Despite inspiration being spontaneous, simply waiting for it won't do the trick. One has to look for it. What inspired you to write in first place? Do some research, read about what got you interested in first place, read about related topics. Find material: Movies to watch, books to read, albums to listen, and if possible, go and experience things by yourself.
Inspiration is particular, for it's structure is usually built before its foundations. A wealth of knowledge is the basis of great inspiration.
Because you don't know what to do next
It happens. You finish a chapter and you don't know where to go next. You start a conversation and you don't know where it leads. Even after the first line, things can seem confusing and knowing where to go or what to do becomes difficult.
It's not a "beginner's mistake", everyone goes through it, and there's no exact or "easy" way out of it. The first thing to do would be finding out why the story has stopped moving forward, and from there, find a solution.
If writing were formulaic, giving advice for this situation would be easy. But creating literature is a complex process, and no way is better than other. Analyse it: Would your story benefit from a certain literary device? Is X part really necessary? Is Y character pivotal? What's the message of what you're writing? What techniques do you think will make everything flow better? I could go on, but the only one who knows what questions to ask yourself is no one else but you.
Writing is a game and it's up to you to solve the puzzle.
Because you don't feel like writing
You feel your work has the potential, you know there's something you can do to make it progress, yet not a word comes out of you. Unless you have a contract, either as an author, journalist or a columnist, there's no real deadline but the ones you set. When money (or your word) is on the table, there's no other way out, you have to find a way to force yourself to write. But if your work is not due anytime soon, having days when you don't feel like writing is a normal thing.
In my experience, the best thing to do is to lay it off, relax, consider the reasons why you're not writing and once you come up with a solution, start writing again. But never stop working.
A writer's job is not only to put words on paper (or a text processor). It goes way beyond that. Writing requires a lot of investigation, conceptualisation, tons of inspiration and planning, et cetera. Not all good works require these things (see Finnegans Wake), but writing requires a holistic approach.
There are a thousand things you can do for your writing that don't involve writing. Find which one is best for you and do it.
Because you came to a dead end
You knew what to do, what to write, yet, inevitably, your writing took a course towards a dead end. The dilemma here is not what to do next, because you know there's no "next", but how to end the show (or revise the path in order to make it go on).
Think about it. Do you really need to keep writing? Much like unnecessary sequels, some extra material can be fun, entertaining and even thought provoking, but it ends up being crap 90% of the time. I know how hard it is to picture your work finished, but remember writing is not the only thing your works need. After edition and corrections, you'll probably see it take shape. Try closing the plot (or leaving it open, whichever you prefer) and see if it works.
Also, edition. Rephrasing and rewording can alter the flow of the story. What once looked like an ending, after edition, may seem like the end of a chapter. The way you use language influences directly the flow of the story. Always keep it in mind.
If nothing works, take a break. Write other things, experiment. Some works need time to sit and take form, others, you'll realise, aren't worth working on anymore. As painful as it is, it's a sign of maturity to acknowledge it.
Because you don't feel like going on with this
Even if you have committed for a long time to a certain work, it doesn't automatically mean it's worth continuing. Humans are ever changing. One day you love one thing, the next you hate it. Same happens with literature.
If you don't feel right working on something, just don't do it. Don't force yourself to write crappy stories when you know that energy you're wasting could be put to use starting new projects or retaking on older ones. You have no obligation to finish what you start just because (unless you have a contract), use your right and freedom to start over, or start another. Whatever you feel it's right.
You can also take a rest. It happened to me with this blog. Since I never wanted to write daily articles just for the sake of keeping a readership, I took the time I needed for myself and other tasks. If work call you again, you'll feel it, but be sure to always re-read what you have written. It's the best way to check on your motivation.
Or maybe you could take Bolaño's approach. Write 2, 5, 10, 20 things at the same time. Be them stories, poems, articles or experiments. Will it work for you? I don't know, but Roberto was a prolific writer and also internationally recognised. Think about what other heterodox methods could help your writing and apply them.
Writer's block is a thing, but the scenario is not the same for everyone. Find out why you're not writing and face the beast.
Remember, writing is not always about words coming out of your fingers, but a global experience of research, inspiration and other thousand elements. As long as you're gaining experience and learning, you're doing your work. Finding a way to use those things in practice is another step.
You may have a reason not to write, but there's no reason not to become a better writer. Go work.












