Bryony Marsh
We might be talking about two different things here. Is “writer’s block” an inability to advance a particular story, or an inability to write anything?
If the former, go for a walk. Maybe go for a long drive (and don’t have the radio on). Think through the plot straitjacket you made for yourself. Perhaps set the document aside and work on something else: I find it good to have two or three stories in mind at any given time so you don’t feel like a failure just because one of them needs to marinate for a bit.
If the latter, perhaps you’re tired? Make a deliberate break from writing, get some exercise, tire yourself out and get a good night’s sleep. Maybe deal with the ‘real life’ things that are bothering you. Fiction can wait – and sometimes all becomes clear while you’re doing something physical and leaving your mind to freewheel, like painting the skirting boards.
If the former, go for a walk. Maybe go for a long drive (and don’t have the radio on). Think through the plot straitjacket you made for yourself. Perhaps set the document aside and work on something else: I find it good to have two or three stories in mind at any given time so you don’t feel like a failure just because one of them needs to marinate for a bit.
If the latter, perhaps you’re tired? Make a deliberate break from writing, get some exercise, tire yourself out and get a good night’s sleep. Maybe deal with the ‘real life’ things that are bothering you. Fiction can wait – and sometimes all becomes clear while you’re doing something physical and leaving your mind to freewheel, like painting the skirting boards.
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