Arrrrrgggghhh! I hate writer?s block! There really is nothing more stressful for a writer than to be facing a brick wall when it comes to ideas. And that?s where I?ve been for the last week.
One of the great things about getting paid to write is having editors who give you deadlines. At first you think, Cool! Somebody wants to pay me for my ideas! But after that initial glow of validation wears off, you start to think Eeek! Somebody wants to pay me for my ideas!
Nothing has changed, except that inner editor who starts his little nagging song: ?You?ll never do it! They?ll hate your stuff! You?re doomed! Doomed, DOOMED!!!? Panic quickly takes over. Everything you do is overshadowed by the looming deadline and the sackful of bad ideas that are crowding your brain, or worse the vast emptiness of not having a SINGLE idea.
This happens to me every month when I start thinking about my next Max Finder Mystery. I love writing a monthly comic strip, and I know it?s making me a better writer, but I swear it?s going to put me into an early grave. The trick with Max Finder is that the mysteries are open-ended, left for the reader to solve. This adds another dimension, turning the story into a puzzle as well.
So, for the past week Ive been struggling to create fresh puzzles for the readers. And after losing much sleep, pulling out much hair, and drinking much coffee, I think I finally came up with some good ideas. Whew!
The key for me to beat writer?s block, is to calmly walk away from the problem. I used to cling to it tightly, carrying it always at the front of my thoughts. But then I learned to relax, walk away and find something else to think about. The trick is finding the proper thing that will distract you. You must find an activity that only mildly distracts you. You still want your brain to be working on that subconscious level.
Here are some tips on how I get around writer?s block:
Do the dishes. Standing around methodically scrubbing pots is a great way to relax the mind (seriously.) My notebook is smudged in many places from those ?ah ha!? moments when I race from the sink, soap dripping from my hands, and jot down an idea.
Go for a walk. Mail a letter, buy a paper, whatever. Just get out of the house and get some fresh air. It helps with blood circulation and gets you thinking about other things (like not getting run over by a car.)
Play video games. For me this works (honest!) FIFA Soccer is a sure bet to get me thinking again. Shooters or roleplaying games are too immersive and my whole brain gets swallowed up looking for that blue key to open the blue door. I save these games for after the idea is submitted.
Brainstorm with a writer friend. I used to be terrified of asking for help. But, I?ve learned that we all get stuck and having someone else talk over the problem gets me thinking about it in different ways.
I never overcome writers block when I:
Surf the internet. My whole brain goes into netland and I rarely think up ideas when surfing. Social Network sites are also killer for writing ideas ? orkut is distracting and flickr chat requires too much typing to get your mind relaxing.
Sit at the computer waiting for inspiration. It never comes and my butt gets numb.
Go visit friends or have a friend over. Unless we?re talking about writing (and then specifically my current dilemma) I?m usually far too distracted to think creatively.
Stay up all night It?s been proven that we don?t think well when we?re tired. I usually go to bed thinking about the problem, and in the morning it?s worked itself out (seriously ? it happened this morning and I can?t believe how well this one works.)
Now that Im unblocked, Im good for at least another month and then the cycle starts all over again. But I also get to work in my pajamas, so Im not complaining!
If anyone out there has any other tips for getting around a creative block, let me know. I need all the help I can get.
