All writers face writer’s block at one stage or another. You have a great idea, even a great title for your book. Then, as soon as you sit down to type, the screen stares blankly back at you.
Or you are a few pages in, and suddenly you do not know how to go on. This is normal. One of the greatest reasons for writer’s block is the fear of failure. Do not write it for an audience, write it for yourself.
“Discipline allows magic. To be a writer is to be the very best of assassins. You do not sit down and write every day to force the Muse to show up. You get into the habit of writing every day so that when she shows up, you have the maximum chance of catching her, bashing her on the head, and squeezing every last drop out of that bitch.” ― Lili St. Crow
If you wait for inspiration before you write, it will seldom come. Writers must have the 3 D’s; Desire, Discipline, and Diligence. You must force yourself to write each day, even if you don’t feel like it. Writing is like a muscle, if you do not use it, you lose it.
Write, even if it seems bad. You can and will edit later. Sometimes the going is hard, at other times the story flows. Do not try to write a best seller. Write the story that is inside of you. The characters that are clamouring to be heard. Once you do, you will be surprised at how the characters take off on their own.
“If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don't just stick there scowling at the problem. But don't make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people's words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, create a space. Be patient.” ― Hilary Mantel
Writing is hard work. You must make time each day to sit in front of your computer with your own self-doubts. Don’t wonder if it is good enough. It is your story, the one only you can write. Three different writers can take the same idea and come up with 3 totally different stories.
“Don’t waste time waiting for inspiration. Begin, and inspiration will find you.” ― H. Jackson Brown Jr.
Having writer’s block does not mean you are a bad writer. It means you are human. You have a dream, and it is reachable, if you are willing to put in the time. Never give up on your dream. Never stop writing.
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