Serina Hartwell
Writers block is just an absolute part and parcel of being a writer. It's not something to be ashamed of, but is something to be accepted. There isn't just one cure for it and it varies for everyone. I usually find that it's down to outside influences like stress.
So far, I've not really run out of ideas, I've just found myself stressed out or distracted. Losing focus is the biggest problem I have to deal with. I do a number of things to get back on track.
When dealing with short term writer's block, I firstly switch off the TV. This is one of the biggest distractions for me, as I am a visual learner and so my attention is immediately taken by visual things. I switch off my social media too. Although I need social media to run my business, it can become a massive draw away from the work and hence another form of distraction. It takes a lot of my creative energy, which defeats the object of having it. I will do all my jobs before I start writing, so my mind isn't wandering off to the things I haven't done and finally, I will listen to Florence and the Machine. Her music cleanses my thoughts and takes me to the place in my mind where I write. I find using cleansing music is my most valuable tool. It enables me to block out everything else around me.
If the writer's block is caused by something more substantial, like stress, I will change my environment. Taking a break and getting more sleep is usually the best way forward for me. Changing the place where I write often helps too. Sometimes, changing around the room where I write can really help. My furniture can often be seen in different locations. A change is as good as a rest.
When all else fails, I address the source of the stress and usually take some time off from writing. I create all my own artworks, with the exception of the book covers, and find that turning my attention to these for a while will still keep me working on the project, but allows me some space to think and come back stronger. And I have some great artworks as a result as well.
So far, I've not really run out of ideas, I've just found myself stressed out or distracted. Losing focus is the biggest problem I have to deal with. I do a number of things to get back on track.
When dealing with short term writer's block, I firstly switch off the TV. This is one of the biggest distractions for me, as I am a visual learner and so my attention is immediately taken by visual things. I switch off my social media too. Although I need social media to run my business, it can become a massive draw away from the work and hence another form of distraction. It takes a lot of my creative energy, which defeats the object of having it. I will do all my jobs before I start writing, so my mind isn't wandering off to the things I haven't done and finally, I will listen to Florence and the Machine. Her music cleanses my thoughts and takes me to the place in my mind where I write. I find using cleansing music is my most valuable tool. It enables me to block out everything else around me.
If the writer's block is caused by something more substantial, like stress, I will change my environment. Taking a break and getting more sleep is usually the best way forward for me. Changing the place where I write often helps too. Sometimes, changing around the room where I write can really help. My furniture can often be seen in different locations. A change is as good as a rest.
When all else fails, I address the source of the stress and usually take some time off from writing. I create all my own artworks, with the exception of the book covers, and find that turning my attention to these for a while will still keep me working on the project, but allows me some space to think and come back stronger. And I have some great artworks as a result as well.
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