Block Busters!

[ladyseishou]

Writing is easy: All you do is sit staring
at a blank sheet of paper until
drops of blood form on your forehead.

- Gene Fowler




We received a wonderful response when we asked Nano Writers to tell us their best cure ever for writer's block. Here are their answers!

Nano Writers' "Block Busters"



source: community introduction posts

Taking the lead, there was very strong vote for music as a way to ease the writer's block blues. This was followed closely by recommendations for activities (1) that challenge the writer (competing against other writers, like Words Wars or the writer alone, like Write or Die) and (2) the adoption of a "Just Do It!" attitude (included here too was advice for prompt-inspired and descriptive writing). The last suggestions offered suggestions regarding time management, tools for writing or rewards and treats.

We'll look at all of these in more detail over the coming weeks to help everyone find a good fit to help them cross the finish line this November!

Karen Peterson, author of Write. 10 Days to Overcome Writer's Block. Period. offers the following advice as a way to appease the childlike right-brain to bust through writer's block:

• Breakdown big tasks ("write a novel") into more manageable to-do items (i.e. "write character sketch for the protagonist").
  
  
• Reward your right-brain (and yourself) after writing for a manageable length of time (5 minutes, a half hour, etc.): coffee from Starbucks or answering e-mail (whatever works for you).
  
  
• Try to write during your "calm-energy"/"calm-tired" times (the time of day when you are most calm and focused) if possible.
  
  
• Experiment with writing in public or in a place of solitude. Perhaps both. Discover which works best for you.
  
  
• Experiment with "mood-shaping" choices like physical exercise, meditation, and healthy, well-balanced meals which include complex carbohydrates and lean proteins.
  

These choices may be checked/validated by making lists similar to the ones provided yesterday and reviewed using first your dominant and then your non-dominant hand, a process that allows your right-brain to "show" what it needs and wants to be happy. Forms are provided in Dr. Peterson's book as well as a detailed 10-day plan that applies all the left-brain/right-brain theories discussed in the book. It is a fascinating read!

Next up: The Power of Music! Until then - keep writing!


Bibliography

Peterson, Karen E. Write. 10 days to overcoming writer's block : period. Avon, Mass: Adams Media, 2006. Print.

Comments

[ovalencia]

What a helpful entry. I've found that lots of good music, a clean environment, talking about it with people who share my interests and a good amount of rest usually do the trick nicely.

Taking breaks from writing to do a little bit of light reading or web surfing usually keep me from going crazy during the season as well.

[ladyseishou]

You list some great suggestions! I especially like your advice about getting enough rest and taking short breaks - I know it's very easy to fall into a self-destructive spiral if you push too hard!

Thanks for responding!