THE MONSTER WE ALL KNOW

On my bumpy road to writing for children, a monster got in my way. Actually, he got in my way several times! I really had trouble getting him! I know for a fact that you’ve encountered this monster yourself. All writers have. It’s the monster we call writer’s block.

 

What causes writer’s block? It can be just about anything. Stress, not sleeping (or not getting enough sleep), a family crisis, or putting yourself on a schedule to get a particular amount of work done each day. The list goes on and on! Have you had a breakup with your latest boyfriend or girlfriend? Yep! That will attract the monster. He’ll stop our words from coming just as long as he can.

 

I’ve been going round after round with the writer’s block monster lately. I have to admit that. How can we rid ourselves of this block? Luckily, there are several ways to do this!

1.    Go for a walk. That’s what I said, go for a walk. Go out, walk around the block, and talk to your neighbors.

2.    Go to the mall, Walmart, or a bookstore. It doesn’t matter if you shop or browse. Just get out there!

3.    Finish making your afghan, finish the painting you’ve been working on or work on whatever hobby you have.

4.    Cook. 

5.    Have lunch with a friend.

6.    Read that book you’ve wanted to read for so long.

 

I guess you’ve figured out by now that the thing that works best for me is getting away from the computer for a while and focusing on something else. Sometimes this will work for me in a matter of hours, sometimes it will take a day or two, while sometimes it takes longer.

There are other ways to chase this monster away. Some people have found that starting another story or article works for them. I’m happy if this way works for you! It only works for me up to a point. Don’t get me wrong, try this way each time that monster hits. Sometimes it works for me, and sometimes it doesn’t. When it doesn’t, I know that it’s time to step away from the computer. Besides, I think I’m giving my muse a break.

Below are other ideas that might help. One is called Ten Websites to Cure our Writer’s Block. I think you’ll find this helpful. The other is a YouTube video that claims to have an instant cure. Hey, it's worth a try, isn't it?

 

What works for you in the battle to beat writer’s block? Leave a comment and let me know!

 

Here’s a YouTube video I found that, in my opinion, gives the best advice of all. I think you’ll enjoy this. 

########

 

Links:

10 MORE WEBSITES THAT HELP CURE WRITER’S BLOCK 

 

YouTube Video: Writer’s Block Instant Cure 

 

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WRITE?

Some people say that you should write seven days a week until you get to a certain word count. They also claim that writers should use a flexible schedule. Then again, others say that you should only write when the muse inspires you. Do I do any of these? Yes. Should you or I? Yes.

I’ve found that I do best when I use the flexible schedule. I may or may not get some writing done on Saturdays depending on what my health allows. By doing a process of elimination and listening to my body, I’ve found it pays off for me to take Sunday off. After all, it is the day of rest. I do have to admit that there are Sundays when I’m on the computer writing away. That’s when I’m under a deadline.

It's been proven that like other muscles in your body, your brain needs a rest too. Science has found that you’ll be more creative and productive. The trick here is---again---to listen to your body. Your body will tell you when to give your brain a rest. Giving your brain a rest is taking time away from your writing and do anything that doesn’t concern writing. Don’t forget exercising and meditation. This helps immensely and even helps you with if you have writer’s block! But how do you know when to give you brain a rest?

Do you know the feeling you get when you’re so sleepy that you can hardly hold your eyes open?  You’re getting a message here from the brain to take a break. When you keep right on writing and get exhausted, tired, I-can’t-move-another-finger-on-the-keyboard feeling? Your body is screaming at you to stop! So, how do you rest your brain?

I know that the first thing that’s comes to mind is taking a nap. Believe it or not, that is a way! So are needlework, woodworking, going to the gym, watching movies, reading, or listening to an audiobook, cooking, or any other hobby. When the weather is nice, I like to take a walk and visit friends. The key here is to do what you like where it doesn’t involve your writing words. Don’t forget daily exercise and meditation.

Try the meditation video below called, Meditation for Writers: Meet Your Muse. Just sit in your desk chair, close your eyes, and focus on the music. I guarantee that you’ll feel 100% better!

You Tube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uqXl9W-F1jM

In short, how many days a week should you write? That’s completely up to your body. Try the different types of schedules above and your body will tell you!

Elves For A Day               

Where Can We Have The Party?