What is Writer’s Block?
It happens to the best of us. Every few months there comes a time when we struggle to write without explanation. The words we write don’t flow, our ideas are bland and feel off, or maybe no ideas come to mind at all. This might be a time when we profess that we have “writer’s block.”
Writer’s block is when a writer does not know what to write or how to progress their story. The ideas and words that once flowed easily onto the page suddenly feel like they are being blocked by a mental boulder. It’s an uncomfortable and frustrating feeling that keeps us from getting anything done. Fortunately, there are plenty of actions we can take to beat it. Let’s take a look at 8 ways to find inspiration when we are experiencing writer’s block.
1. Read!!! (And Steal)
The easiest way to find inspiration and defeat writer’s block is by reading! There are various books you can explore, whether it’s classic novels, ancient mythology, historical accounts, or modern-day stories.
Whatever your choice is, I suggest you read the genre you are trying to master, especially if you are a beginner. This way, you can learn what story beats typically work in your genre of choice.
Read closely and pay attention to what elements you can include in your story. There is nothing new under the sun. When Picasso said the quote, “Good artists copy, great artists steal,” his advice didn’t just refer to painters. He’s advising all creatives.
Through this quote, Picasso tells us that the mark of a great artist is not one who copies just for the sake of it, but it is someone who expands upon ideas. Do it masterfully. Don’t just take ideas from one author, but multiple. Turn your stories into something new.
Which writers and novels have you discovered that spark inspiration in you?
2. Look at Art or Listen to Music
Books aren’t the only source you can draw inspiration from. There are stories hidden in the paintings you see, and poetry hidden in the instrumental music you listen to.
It’s very common for writers to listen to music while writing or use paintings to inspire the setting they are trying to create. Feel free to look up artwork online or to go to a gallery in person. Or simply plug in your air-buds and write what you feel.
3. Observe the World Around You
Look at the news playing on your television or that article you typically don’t pay mind to. Ask your parents about their life experiences. Listen to podcasts sharing different experiences or perspectives on life and ask yourself what you make of it all.
Most times, fiction is a reflection of reality–a commentary on life. By observing the world around you, you can assign different characters to represent different perspectives and approaches to the main conflict of your story.
4. Refer to Your Own Experiences
What better way to get inspired than to reflect on your own life? Now I’m not telling you to create a self-insert character, but it is a great practice to draw from your experiences to convey the emotions that are appropriate for your story. Nobody understands you more than you do, therefore nobody would be able to convey what you feel in certain situations than you.
Think of your greatest challenges and think of how you can incorporate them in ways that make sense in the context of your story.
5. Study Story Structure & Character Arcs
When you are at a loss of where your story should start or how it should progress, it is a great idea to familiarize yourself with story structures and character arcs. By studying story structures such as “The Hero’s Journey” or “Save the Cat,” you can begin to brainstorm how to fill in the gaps you are missing.
6. Ask Yourself “What if…?” Questions
Asking yourself “What if…” questions can open up a lot of interesting plotlines for you to explore or even help develop certain characteristics for your characters by placing them in an unfamiliar situation. You would be surprised how many stories were developed by an author who simply asked themselves, “what if?”
You can start by asking yourself “What if…?” questions about a particular setting. Or ask yourself how your character would react in an unfamiliar situation. Asking yourself “What if…?” questions is a great way to develop unique ideas just waiting to be explored
Here are some simple “What if…?” questions to get you started:
- What if your characters were forced to live underground in a secret society?
- What if someone without superpowers lived in a world where everyone had superpowers?
- What if your character was abandoned on a mystical and isolated island?
7. Take a Walk
Go outside and take in the nature around you. Watch the people and the environment you want to immerse your readers into. Create a story inspired by your surroundings. Not only is it relaxing, but it will get your creative muscles flexing. Taking a walk outside is a free and easy way to get over writers block.
8. Find Creative Writing Prompts
Finding creative writing prompts or story starters are great ways to get the ball rolling on your next story or poem. Luckily for you, I create and share free writing prompts on Pinterest, Instagram, X/Twitter for all to enjoy. There are also plenty of apps that give you daily prompts for you to practice your writing.
Here are a few of my favorite writing prompts, written by me, to get you started:
- Write a story or poem that includes this line: “Darkness isn’t something to be afraid of.”
- Two lovers reunite after 3 years. One remembers everything, but the other lost their memory.
- Use the current weather outside to describe an emotion your character is experiencing.
Write your stories below!
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