Posts Tagged ‘writer’s block’

Why Butt-in-Chair Doesn’t (Always) Work for Writers

Do you wonder why butt-in-chair doesn’t always work for writers? I mean, in theory, it sounds great, right? You just show up at your tablet or notebook and let the magic fly!

Oh, if only that were true….

Instead, you may find that, while you do show up, sit down, and fire up your laptop, the results of your enforced writing sessions are anything but inspired. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Simply disciplining yourself to commit to a regular writing schedule is great for building the writing habit. But it doesn’t always lead to creativity—or even progress.

Here are some reasons that just putting your butt in your chair may not garner the results you’re hoping for. And some strategies to help you do something about that.

Problem 1: Butt-in-Chair Can Feel Like a Chore (Ugh.)

Why it doesn’t work: After a while, sitting down every day—or even most days—can feel like a repetitive grind. This is especially true when you’re not getting new ideas after showing up so diligently. Creativity can’t always be scheduled.

What to try instead: Don’t just sit there! Involve yourself in activities that are likely to coax those fresh ideas out to play. For instance, you might try doodling scenes from your story or mind-mapping your idea with colorful markers. You could read an article on the topic you’re writing about—or even take a quick walk to gain perspective. You don’t need to produce scads of words every time you put your butt in the chair. Just showing up and courting your creative spirit may serve you better in the long run.

Problem 2: Butt-in-Chair May Overlook Your Creative Rhythm

Why it doesn’t work: If you’ve scheduled your writing for a time that doesn’t align with your natural rhythms, trying to produce good work can feel like pushing a boulder uphill.

What to try instead: If you notice you feel tired as soon as you sit down to write, experiment with writing at different times of the day. You probably already know whether you’re a morning person or a night owl. Take that, and any other self-awareness you have about your biorhythms, into account when deciding when to write.

You might also try to work in shorter blocks. Schedule thirty- or forty-minute sessions during those periods that you know you’re naturally more creative. You may actually find these quick writing bursts can lead to more productive output—and more creative work—than that which you generate during more forced, extended blocks.

Problem 3: Butt-in-Chair Doesn’t Offer You Guidance

Why it doesn’t work: Sitting down to write without a goal—or at least a sense of direction— can leave you feeling lost. In addition to making you wonder if you’ve just wasted all that time, you might also begin to question the value of your project—or, worse, your ability as a writer!

What to try instead: As a warm-up, when you sit down in your writing chair, sketch out a loose plan for the session. You might jot down a few goals for your writing time (small and manageable ones!) or bullet-point a few question you’d like to explore. You could also bring a writing prompt related to your current project to get you started. For example, if you’re writing a memoir, you could do a ten-minute free-write starting with the phrase “I remember.” And, if you have an outline, no matter how loose, keeping it nearby can help you jump right into the writing—which can provide direction and make your session more productive.

Problem 4: Butt-in-Chair Can Lead to Burnout

Why it doesn’t work: Writing for the sake of “showing up” every day can lead to burnout. This is especially true if you’re not seeing progress. “Progress” can mean the number of words you write or how your project is developing. Or (and maybe most importantly), “progress” can refer to how much you’re enjoying your own writing!

What to try instead: Sometimes, we just need to take a break. That could mean—gasp!—leaving your writing alone for a week or two. Or, instead of trying to produce fresh material with a burned-out brain, editing what you have, rather than drafting something new. You might even start a small side project—writing a short story, blog post, article, or interview—to change things up. Shorter writing projects can offer a quick shot of satisfaction that could refresh you and lift you from your burnout.

Problem 5: Butt-in-Chair Doesn’t Factor in Reflection Time

Why butt-in-chair doesn’t always work for writers: Constantly pushing forward, forcing words onto the page without reflecting on how those words are fulfilling your purpose, can keep you spinning in circles—or digging yourself into a rut.

What to try instead: Allow yourself time for “prewriting.” This can consist of jotting down ideas to explore or considering ways to organize your material. You might also try to think metaphorically about what you want to say. This might help you extend the possibilities or scope of your project. You could set aside an hour each week to review what you’ve written, too. That’s a great way to assess what’s working and consider ways to adjust your approach where needed. Or (and this can be more useful than you might think), simply spend some time wool-gathering or daydreaming in the general direction of your project. However you do it, reflection helps keep your writing process alive!

In BIRD BY BIRD, Anne Lamott Cover of Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott illustrates this discussion about why butt-in-chair doesn't always work for writersgives great advice about all aspects of the writer’s life. If butt-in-chair isn’t working for you—or you feel stuck or blocked in any other way—and you haven’t read this treasure, now could be your moment!

Why butt-in-chair doesn’t (always) work for writers

Butt-in-chair does work—for some writers, some of the time. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re finding it tough to stay motivated or make progress, try adapting your approach to fit your unique style. Writing is as much about finding what works for you as it is about getting words on the page. Whether your butt is in your chair or you’re running laps around your neighborhood, shouting into your voice-to-text device, find ways to make writing fresh and fun. You and your readers will both reap the benefits.

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Unlock Writer’s Block

Oh, my gosh! Yolanda needs help to unlock her writer’s block! writer's block causes figure under nine swords to have a nightmareShe’s tormented by worries of failing as a writer—yet can’t get any words on the page. While she’s allowed swords of self-recrimination to stack up over her head, it’s probably not as desperate a situation as she believes.

Like many writers, Yolanda feels that if she’s stuck with her current project—short story, essay, master’s thesis—she’s “blocked.” But if she looked more closely, she might find she’s facing a more manageable problem.

In my wide experience as a writing coach, I’ve seen writers like Yolanda free themselves from the dreaded block quite quickly. They just need the right strategies.

If writer’s block is threatening, check out these common causes and their cures. You, too, may be able to unlock writer’s block and write with ease again!

Start here: Is it really a block?

At a crossroads? Maybe you’re actually just confused about what to do next. “Confusion” is not a block! It’s a reasonable response to the many paths a writer can take at any given moment. Uncertain of which way to go?

Try this: Pick any one possibility, set a timer for ten minutes, and write as if you were committed to that direction. If it’s not right, back up and try a different option.

Empty tank? Exhausted? Pushing forward when our creative tanks are empty is a sure way to grind writing to a halt. While fatigue is not necessarily a symptom of writer’s block, it sure can feel like it.

So, take note: Too tired to write? Give it a rest. Whether you need an hour or a week to recover your mojo, take it. Your restored future self will thank you.

Says who? Okay. Here’s the truth: I hate being told what to do. Maybe I’m alone in this. Maybe not. But I have noticed that when someone is writing a memoir because other people have told them to—“You’ve had such an interesting life”—the would-be writer generally loses interest at some point. Likewise with fascinating topics about which a person is an expert. Or when someone is naturally funny or a great story teller.

If you’re struggling to fulfill someone else’s literary ambitions for you, chances are good you don’t have writer’s block. You probably just don’t want to write a book. Or, at least, not the book other folks are telling you to.

Mix it up to unlock the block!

Pushing an agenda? When we come to writing with a too-tightly circumscribed agenda, we can write ourselves into a corner. Rather than trying to beat our project into obedience, we can play a bit. Free-writing on our topic can allow fresh ideas to surface, unlocking our writing progress once again.

Traveling the straight and narrow? New writers—particularly new novelists—may think their job is to start writing at the beginning and continue all the way to the end. Makes sense, right? But more often than not, this approach leaves them in a rut, wheels spinning.

Instead, imagine which scene might be the most interesting to write today. A novel is a long haul. Making it more fun makes it more likely you’ll actually get it done.

Play hopscotch! Rather than committing your focus to a single writing project, have two or three on the go. When you feel stuck with one, move to a different piece. Hopping from a stalled project to a fresher one is sure to reinvigorate your writing process.

I hope you (and Yolanda!) try unlocking your next bout of writer’s block with some of these strategies. While a little angst can make for interesting writing, I’ve found it’s best to keep most of the drama (not to mention the swords!) on the page, not hanging over our heads and  inducing nightmares.

Would you like some more writer’s (un)blocking strategies from a top writing coach?

As a professional writing coach, I’ve boosted writers at all levels of experience out of their  writing block slump. Maybe I can help you!unlock-writer's-block-with-Jamie-Morris-writing-coach Schedule your free consultation.and check out Should I Hire a Writing Coach” in THE WRITER magazine.

Thanks to U.S. Games Systems, Inc. for kind permission to use the image of the Nine of Swords from the RIDER-WAITE (SMITH) TAROT.

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