Writer's Block - Pulling Yourself Out of a Slump

We've all been there; staring at a blank computer screen, feeling like every word you type is trying to find it's way out through a dense fog. Sentences are impossible to string together and when you do write something you look it over and discover it could be the worst thing you've ever written.This happens to me more than I would like to admit. For someone trying to build a career writing, I get writer's block an awful lot.

But, the beginning of your career is when you need the most discipline. 

You may not have immediate deadlines, no one waiting on your next project or blog entry, but you still need to write. So, what do you do when words just won't come? When you've been starting at the screen for an hour, your brain feels like mush, yet you haven't written a word?

Everyone has different techniques to get them writing, these are some of mine;

• Force It: Keep writing. Keep your pen moving across the paper even if what is appearing is crap. You can always go back and fix it later, but the only way to fix a rusty wheel is to oil it and make sure it keeps moving. Once you stop writing, it's even harder to start back up again.
• Read: Read books that inspire you, books about writing or just books that have a style you admire. Whenever I read a really good book I know it's good because it makes me want to write. Read books you don't like and ask yourself why you don't like them. What would you have done differently and are you doing it in whatever you are working on? This may seem like a technique more for those writing novels but it's a great philosophy for anyone trying to write for a living. We already mentioned this once in Read and Write...A lot, but it's worth repeating.
• Get Up and Move Around: The beautiful thing about writing is that even when you aren't sitting down and writing, you can still be working. Sometimes it just takes a little change of scenery to get things moving again. Get up, stretch, walk, let your mind wander. I usually clean; this makes me feel like I've accomplished something and gets me motivated to keep accomplishing things.
• Turn off Facebook: Or Pinterest, Tumblr, Twitter..whatever. Anything that is going to keep pulling you away from whatever you are working on; turn it off. If you're someone that knows you can't go long without checking, set yourself goals; you can check after you write 500 words, and then close it again. This is something I desperately need to work on; I have Facebook open in another tab right at this moment. Even though I don't follow my own advice, I know I need to, and you should to. 

These are just a few things you can do to get your creative mojo back. What do you do? Let me know and maybe I will make a revised list and include your suggestions.

Leave and comment and tell me your best writer's block cures! 

Writing is Not Solitary- Join Other Writers

Like I said on the "home" page, contrary to popular belief, writing is NOT a solitary profession. When we treat it as such we run the risk of losing out on valuable insights and opinions from people who are, or who have been, in the same boat we are.

Reaching out to other writers can not only help you learn the tools of the trade, it can also simply give you someone to relate to.

That, to reach out and help writers reach their goals, is the goal of the writing group I am part of, Capital City Writers. The group is "designed to provide support and learning opportunities for working and aspiring writers in their publishing pursuits." Whether you write fiction, non-fiction, romance, thrillers or essays (or are looking to freelance) the group is there to help you figure out the best way to make the most out of your writing career. 

Reaching Goals:

The group focuses on:

• craft and career support through workshops
• networking
• recognition of member accomplishments
• accountability, so you can achieve your goals 

To me, the most appealing aspect of the group was "accountability to achieve goals." Sometimes, I have a hard time sitting down to write. If I don't have a deadline breathing down my neck writing can be next to impossible. I love writing, but life's distractions simply get in the way. When I have people surrounding me with the same distractions, and sometimes more, who are still writing, I am able to see that it's possible. When I tell someone, "I will have 1,000 words written by the end of the week," I'm more likely to do it. The group offers unique ways to hold each writer accountable for reaching their goals.

Find a Friend

Now, you may not all have access to a group like this, and that's ok. Grab a friend, a co-worker, a loved one, and make them listen to your goals. If they share your love of writing set goals together and hold each other accountable. If they don't, tell them your goals and make sure they hold you accountable. Give yourself a small reward for each goal you reach, celebrate, give yourself a reason to write.

If you don't have anyone in your life who you can do this with, go online. Find groups and pages for writers and join discussions. Sometimes just talking about writing is enough to get the creative mojo in gear.

For serious writers, joining a writing group is one of the most important steps you can take in your career. Adding it to your resume or query letter shows future employers or publishers you are serious about taking your career to the next level. As many charge yearly dues it shows that you are willing to invest in yourself.  After all,

If you won't invest in yourself, why should someone else?

The best thing a writer can do is reach out to the other writers. That's why I joined the Capital City Writers, that's why I started this blog. That's why a fellow writer and I meet once a week to set weekly goals and make sure the other is accomplishing them. Even writers need to emerge from their writing caves every once in a while and make contact with the outside world...