Blocks in the Writing Process

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines writer's block as "a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece of writing." The key word in this definition is "inhibition." Blocks in the writing process can be due to a variety of causes, but ultimately, all of the causes boil down to one thing: Something is inhibiting you from being creative and productive.

The actual trigger for this inhibition may or may not be relevant. If there is something going on in your life that has you depressed or feeling numb, then there may be psychological issues that you need to work through before those creative juices start flowing again. However, if you are simply having trouble putting the words down on paper for no apparent reason, then your key objective is simply to become "unblocked."

When a sink is clogged, what do you do? You remove the obstacle that is blocking the flow of water. If there is a tree in the road and you need to get by, what do you do? You get rid of the tree. The same principle holds true for blocks in the writing process. Something is obstructing the flow of words and ideas from your brain to your fingers. You need to remove that obstruction, or all your ideas will just keep crashing into the blockade until you have a major pileup.

The good news is, those ideas are still being created. In fact, they are trying desperately to get out. So you can take comfort in the fact that once you do remove that obstruction, you will have an overflow of great ideas pouring out of you.

So, how do you remove that tree or that clog that is stifling your creativity? Here's how:

Remove stress

Remove noise

Remove expectations

These are the three main components that form unwanted blocks in the writing process. In order to get rid of the barrier, you need to get rid of these three blockades.

Stress, whether it is directly related to your writer's block or not, is a major deterrent to the creative process. Try a hot bath, listen to your favorite music, run on the treadmill, or do whatever eliminates stress for you.

Noise refers to any type of distraction that breaks your concentration. Sometimes it is the actual noise that surrounds you, like the television, your co-workers gossiping, or the traffic outside. But sometimes the noise is in your own head. Breathing exercises and meditation are excellent ways to quiet those internal noises down.

Finally, do not put such high expectations on yourself. Every sentence you write cannot be a masterpiece. And don't forget that you can always go back later and tweak something you've written if you are not satisfied with it.

The point is, if you want to eliminate those blocks in the writing process, then you first have to eliminate their catalysts. Once you do that, your brain will be able to breathe again, and so will your ideas.