How to Develop Your Writing Skills - Part Four

So you get stuck once in a while. Who doesn't? Often referred to as "writer's block", it's a nasty interlude to writing that is seldom understood, and just as often seen by outsiders as an excuse for laziness, or lack of intent. Several methods are usually recommended for getting past this barrier. You must choose what works for you. Whatever you do to break through the wall, don't allow your down time to open the gate to self doubt and the insecurities of those around you trying to bring you down. The writer's world is full of nay-sayers, and it's very easy to get sucked into their words of discouragement at this time.

One method of getting through the waves of writing repression is to blast back with both guns blazing. Keep writing, even if you know it's not your best work. Push forward and drive hard. This helps some folks get past it. Another benefit is that it keeps your mind in the writing mode. Very often, if you don't write on a regular basis (daily), your mindset can drift and float to other matters (kids, car, finances, your health, day job, etc.) I'm not saying that these other items should be ignored, not at all. But you must make your writing just as important as the other things. If not, you may find that when you come back to it after a long break, it's very difficult to get started again. I've heard it referred to it as the law of diminishing returns. The longer it takes you to return to writing, the more diminished your skills and energy will be.

Another thing you can do is write outside the lines. Simply put, it means to write something totally different than your current project or comfort zone. It might be a letter to someone you are angry with, calling them names that you wouldn't be caught dead speaking. (Don't mail it, please.) Write a fantasy about being small, about a giant, about nonsense. Ramble, be silly, be naughty. Just don't leave anything laying around that you wouldn't want others to read. Go wild! But whatever you do . . . . write! You may discover a new interest or story in the process.

Getting stuck will occasionally happen to everyone, especially during times of stress or physical illness. The secret is to keep telling yourself that you will get through it. This madness will end. It's only a temporary thing. Just knowing that is a relief to many a writer. Creativity is usually not something that can be forced during this time, but the door must be kept open for when it returns. Keep active in the writing life, especially when it seems like the darkest of times. Write every day if you can, even if it's only for a few minutes. The embers of creativity must be kept stirred in preparation for new fuel, whenever it arrives. Take heart, this too shall pass.