Turn Writer s Blocks Into Stepping Stones
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Writing Speaking -> subcategory Other.
Turn Writer's Blocks Into Stepping Stones
Introduction
Years ago, during a presentation at the UCLA Extension Writers Program, I promised the audience that I'd teach them how to conquer writer's block once and for all. Another instructor later questioned my promise, asserting that it wasn't possible.
Poor woman. What she revealed was her own struggle with writer's block, which likely stunted her career. After a promising start, perhaps with an award-winning piece, she likely faced creative frustration.
Contrary to her belief, it is entirely possible to overcome writer's block and even use it to your advantage.
Understanding Writer's Block
Let's define writer's block in a practical way. It is the inability to:
1. Produce new text.
2. Edit and polish existing text.
3. Finish projects on a reasonable schedule.
4. Submit those projects for editorial review.
5. Persist in submitting until the work is sold.
The root of writer's block is a confusion between two mental states: the Flow state, where you create, and the Editing state, where you refine.
Writer's block is challenging because most of us have read far more than we've written. We often compare our initial drafts to the polished masterpieces of great writers. This leads to self-doubt and creative paralysis.
Novice writers are said to produce about a million words of rough drafts before finding their true voice. You can't get through this if you're constantly judging your work. Learning to silence that internal critic is a significant lesson about the human psyche.
Embracing the Flow State
What is Flow? It's a psychological state where time seems to vanish. You become completely immersed in your writing, similar to moments before sleep or during activities like running or dancing. It's akin to the meditation sought by spiritual practices.
Strategies to Overcome Writer's Block
1. Separate Work Modes: Alternate between flow and editing sessions. Use different settings or even wear different hats for each. Never mix both in the same session.
2. Set a Daily Goal: Aim for a daily word count that lets you hit a million words in under five years. Writing 1,000 words a day will achieve this in about three years, equivalent to earning an AA degree.
3. Study Flow State: Research activities that foster flow, like running, dancing, meditation, Tai Chi, or yoga, and integrate them into your routine.
4. Use Music Wisely: Listen to sixty-beat-per-minute music like Vivaldi to induce the Alpha (flow) state. Avoid lyrical music; soft jazz can also be effective.
5. Visualize and Write: Practice visualizing scenes and describing them without self-criticism to strengthen the link between your subconscious and writing.
6. Meditation: If meditation is difficult, simply listen to your heartbeat for 15-30 minutes daily to calm the mind.
These techniques will guide you to ignore negative voices and embrace creativity. By learning to silence self-doubt on demand, you'll access the deep levels of your unconscious, enhancing both your joy and productivity in writing.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Turn Writer s Blocks Into Stepping Stones .
You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.