How I overcome creative writer’s block
We all might know this feeling- staring at a blank screen and waiting for that lightbulb moment. But it just doesn’t seem to come, its the point called a “Writer’s Block”. Though its a common scenario and happens to almost everyone once in a while, that doesn’t mean we should stop, instead try to understand the reason. This would make it easy to adapt to certain changes and overcome creative writer’s block.
I have been struggling hard to feel motivated and write, but there was something or the other keeping me away from the screen. This started post-Diwali (November 2019) last year when my son who started his preschool and needed some extra attention. Later I started enjoying the 2.5 hours of me-time, I got exactly after 3 years. That time around, I had too many thoughts in my mind, but it still left me staring at the blank screen. I was so frustrated on losing my muse that I didn’t feel any doing anything. Then I asked myself- What kind of woman I am? Is this it for me? Am I giving up? The answer was No.
So, I tried talking to a few friends and discovered that this phenomenon is not something new in the creative field and is called Writer’s Block. And it was high time I work to overcome creative writer’s block in me.
Various Types of Writer’s Block
- A Mental Block– When one can’t think straight and get trapped in their own thinking.
- An Emotional Block– One may feel scared of discovering or revealing something about self.
- Work Routine Block– When one is trying to work in a way that isn’t compatible with their creative process. eg: Starting work too early in the morning or too late at night, leaving less time for your creative juices to flow.
- Personal problems Block– During personal problems like moving house, switching jobs, dealing with a situation at home or dispute between partners. All such situations may take your focus away.
- Monetary block- although the lack of cash is a perennial problem, it can be more than just about money. It could be an equipment shortage or no internet connection leaving you with constraints.
- Overwhelming Block– Sometimes a block may come from having too much, not too little. One may have taken too many commitments, but get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of incoming demands and information.
How I overcame my creative writer’s Block
I have always been an Independent strong woman, who had an eye for perfection. Even during perfecting everything, I had always found time to do things that made me happy. But somehow during this early motherhood phase, in order to perfect my happy mom life, I kept myself at the back foot. Every year, the New Year resolutions were made and achieved but most were about my child and not me. So I told myself that this is not the kind of woman I want to be. Everyone needs me and even I need ME and its time I stop adapting to what’s coming my way to start making my own way.
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Changed my Monotonous life
Doing the same things day in, day out may often make us thinking the same things. So, I mixed a few things up. Tuggu starting his pre-school changed our daily routine for almost 2.5 years and gave me a fresh start. The new year was also round the corner, so I started a new habit. I put my smartwatch to better use and started clocking #10KStepsaDayChallenge to start a better, healthier and fitter 2020. This definitely helped me find a new inspiration around the next corner. Read this Instagram post, I wrote to keep up with my challenge to self. I also took a social media break and read books. I was surprised to read 5 books (2 are kids books by the way ) in a little over 1 month. Thanks to Christmas and New Year break, my husband took over baby duties. It was indeed a refreshing change and gave me a new perspective on my monotonous life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B59y81LFmwO/
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Forget Self-doubt
The best way to overcome self-doubt is by silencing it with your own action. So, I went ahead and tried new ideas out. It is true when said, that the more challenges you face, the more you’ll have to employ creative thinking to work your way around them, and the more creative you’ll be. I started engaging in #DIY activities with Tuggu. In order to find, something easy, engaging yet fun, I searched and followed a lot of new interesting pages and websites. All this boosted my confidence, motivated me to try some new and write about it our experiences. Follow #TnM_Activities to know what all fun we had been doing all this while.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B74zUgMl249/
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No Fear for failure
Well, nobody like to fail and probably that’s why we don’t like changes. But I would suggest you go ahead and try something new anyway.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B8NrqlklGOH/
‘Never trying’ would mean never learning and that would lead to never improving. Even if you do fail, you will definitely know more than you did when you started.
Easy Solution which works for all types of Writer’s Block:
- Step away for a while and try something new. Change your mind and question your assumptions, like …“What if…?” to self can also help change the chain of thoughts.
- Take a break from what you were doing and go out somewhere new. If that’s not feasible read a new book/watch or listen to something new.
- Make new friends- Online/offline and Talk to like-minded people, someone you can rely on. Someone who may disagree with you or offer an alternative point of view.
“This post is a part of ‘The Woman That I Am’ Blog Hop #TheWomanThatIAm organized by Rashi Roy and Manas Mukul #RRxMM. The Event is sponsored by Kraffitti.”
COPYRIGHT NOTICE –
© Gunjan Gupta Upadhyay. Unauthorized use or duplication of this material without express and written permission from the author is strictly prohibited. Any Excerpts or links to be used, provided full and clear credit is provided with proper links to Gunjan Gupta Upadhyay or tuggu.n.mommy. This is to be done with the right and specific direction to the original content.
Amazing post! I am now equipped to understand what kind of block I have and work around it.
Such an insightful post, first of all many people don’t know the various types of blocks that you’ve mentioned here. I personally go through old photos to get out of this.
The amount of mental strength and training a mind needs to overcome the fear of failure is insane! Very nice post!
This is informative! loved it
I really liked how you have defined the different kinds of blocks. For me, knowing what kind of block it is makes it easier to overcome it. And I loved the solution of starting a habit and reading. Reading I have found is my go to method for getting out of a creative slump.
I get frustrated with these blocks.. Your 10k challenge is nice way.. I too look at writing prompts for inspiration
Great tips Gunjan and I agree we all go through this phase once or more during our blogging/Writing journey. personally I fee we all need some creative challenges to break this writer block. i really liked your idea of 10kstep challenge. will try to follow for myself too.
I haven’t thought about classifying the creative block based on cause. Thanks, this will definitely help
I think stepping away for too long can also bring some kind of writer’s/blogger’s block. Once I wrote a post on blogger’s block to unblock my so called blogger’s block. After a few weeks I was back to square one! At times it is very hard to overcome it. Glad you could overcome it!
Especially with all the blogging going around and the initiatives to spur us on, it’s imperative to not just have great content to post time to time, but also to post periodically. These are indeed some great tips to help us out in a tricky spot. Thank you!
These are really great tips you have shared …It is going to help me a lot!!
Rightly said there are many kinds of writers block. Emotional one is quite vital. If we can break this then all things falls in place
We all get writers block at some point. These are some great tips to unblock it.
It is good to know your side of overcoming Writer’s Block. I toh simply go on a break regularly until my mind create 8-10 drafts to write.
Some good tips to get over the dreaded writers block, Personally, I’ve always found logging off and enjoying some time away from social media most beneficial.
It was so amazing to see the creative of the blog hop once again. I must say this is such a wonderful post that one needs to read again and again especially when they are having a writer’s block. Keep the great work going Gunjan ji.
#MyFriendAlexa #ContemplationOfaJoker #Jokerophilia
Loved these tips. I’ll bookmark this post for future reference.
As a fellow blogger , I can understand the situation and agree with the points mentioned in the post .
For me reading books and reading blogs help. Like if i feel i have creative block or writing block or self doubt, i take time to ponder on the block but at the same time I read blogs and books which help a creative flow… Reading blogs helps to motivate to write something or atleast help to get some inspiration out of some topic or discussion…
Loved reading this blog post. So many helpful tips. I will surely put them to use to deal with my writers block.
Much needed, really helped me how to deal with this. I just take a break for an hour and get back
As Bloggers we all face Writers Block at some time. These are great tips for overcoming it.
Great tips, Gunjan! So many of these would apply to any creative block, really!
Just the mention of the blog hop is such a nostalgia for me! I have read this before & this time I came here through the blogrolls. This post surely is worth reading and sharing again and again. Keep writing such awesome posts.
I have face writer’s block n number of times.Thanks for this motivating post.
These are very useful tips Gunjan. We all face blocks at some point of time and it is up to us to find new ways out to motivate ourselves.
Writers block is really irritating. I m facing it from sometime due to work overload. You post seems a saviour for me, i m surely changing my routine and getting back to writer mode.
Indeed Gunjan, prioritizing self is very important. For me, sketching, painting and taking social media break somehow helps me get over various mindset blocks.
This post is a complete guide for budding writers. Well written Gunjan !
I am sure every writer at various stages in their life encounters a writer’s block and each have their own way to come out of it. This is a good one where you discover various types of blocks and how you overcame it yourself. A pretty informative one.
#RRxMM #TheWomanThatIAm
These are valuable tips to overcome writer’s block. We all have been here at some time. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for providing everything in such a meticulous manner. Surely, we all go through these phases and it is tough to come out of the writer’s block. Will surely keep these points in mind.
This one aptly talks to the writer in me who often gets blocked )) well penned
Beautiful blog and so well articulated. This is something most of us writers suffer.
Hey Gunjan, really appreciate your professionalism towards blogging. Even under those circumstances you ensured your post is shared as per the slot. That in itself is highly inspiring. The points you covered in this post are sure to help many who struggle with writer’s block. Glad you are a part of this blog hop 🙂
Gunjan, very valuable tips here. You are right is saying to start a new habit. Must try it. Even though we detest the routine there is something very comforting about it at the same time. Trying to fit the new habit takes a while.
Thanks for sharing Gunjan. It happens with me many a times. This post really going to help me or others facing this issue.
Thank you so much for your blog. I still have problem in making new friends and therefore end up being lonely mostg of the times. I started writing to over come my loneliness but still still I doubt myself. Great work.
Writer block happen many time with me. then usually write on occasion coming or happening incident. Great write up
Good pointers to find the lost us!
Tuggu mommy just keep rocking mom stay blessed
Interesting post. All of us have gone through a creative block at some point. Usually I like to take a break and read a good book or go for a jog and clear my mind. Helps those thoughts flow freely.
Thanks for this piece
This is a much needed one. Many speak about Writers block, but it isn’t only about going blank it is also about understanding the reason behind.
And you brought that element through your words.
A very helpful post
Such a detail post on writer’s block.i have been there mostly it’s burnout or emotional block for me.
This post is a lovely glimpse into your life! Firstly, I had no idea there were so many types of writer’s blocks. Secondly, another way to combat writer’s block, which you have done successfully, is to participate in a bloggers challenge!
WOW I am finally you on insta and never imagined the reason behind all those updades. Kudos to you for breaking your blocks and winning over it.
loved your post. Woman have lots of creativity power but we need to utilize that in our own way.keep writing more and more.
The dreaded writer’s block. Agree with you and identify with it. Very well written.- Yatindra Tawde
Social media break always helps!
Hi Gunjan, your tips are useful – will try some of these next time I am facing a block! Thank you!
This intervention is needed not just for mommy bloggers but for all mommy’s out there. We forget the importance taking a break and realigning our purpose with our souls. Fear and self doubt is our biggest enemy. I have started realising now that health is mist important. Sharing with all on Twitter.
Urvashi
Kudos to you for posting this in this difficult time and hoping your kid is doing better.
I dont know if I have a block but I have a time and organization problem. I have the moving house problem, and an inability to achieve either multitasking nor prioritizion.
But like you said making your life more interesting definitely helps in giving ideas for writers block
So glad you were able to overcome the block and get onto becoming and expressing yourself as the Woman you are! Good luck!
This post was quite informative and interesting too. Some of your tips for overcoming writer’s block are easy to implement. I’ll try them in case I need them Thank you!
Meena from balconysunrise.wordpress.com
These are great tips, Gunjan. All of us face a writer’s block time to time. I am going to get back to this list the next time I face one. I completely agree on “Never trying would mean never learning and that would lead to never improving. “
I have myself suffered a writers block for a long time, I am working on the same. Your post has some helpful tips.
Helpful tips. Thanks for sharing. This is something we all writers deal with every once in a while. Glad you found out the way and now helping others with your insights.
A different take on the prompt. Writers block is for real and u have shared such beautiful and practical ideas to overcome it. Keep sharing dear.. 🙂
That was a very helpful and informative post. I never put my mind to it that the block also could be of different kinds. You have given some really useful tips. Will follow them. Btw i love how you have taken up the 10k challenge. It really motivates me 🙂
Finally got my part of advise to overcome the writer’s blockthanks
Useful suggestions.Making friends and reading books can help a lot to overcome writer’s block.
A very informative and enlightening post. I really liked how you described the various types of writer’s block and mentioned the solutions for overcoming it. It will definitely help the ones who are struggling with a block now.
Hi Gunjan
This was something different to read.
I can relate with writers block, I will never say I never experienced it but it was all for short phase not even for few days.
The block happens to every blogger/writer at some point and it is frustrating. But with methods to over come this stuck, stuck and stuck feeling, the block seems to be very temporary.
You have made some valid points here Gunjan. Especially the types of block one goes through. While there are many advantages of being a writer or blogger, there are few demerits too, like we completely lack social life as we sit with our laptop and upgrade ourselves to move ahead in this virtual world, but as you rightly mentioned there comes a need of self-evaluation which could help us.
This is an interesting take on the theme. Writer’s Block hits the best of us. You seem to have a great handle on how to deal with it in this post. I shall bookmark it for the future!
This is a must read for bloggers and writers like me. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Writer’s block is something I often face . As 2020 has started I am facing too much of it . You have well explained the kinds of blocks and how to overcome those . I will try out your tips.
Agreed with you Gunjan! I am glad you came out successfully from writer’s block. Motherhood is the phase which came with lots of challenges. After reading your story I must say you handled it so skillfully and the end results are in front if us.
Deepika Mishra
Much needed topic i.e. writer’s block, worth reading, max of the time dwelling in same situation, thanks for solutions, hope will work for me too, in removing monotony! Well written Gunjan!
Very informative and quite a helpful guide to the writers . Precisely written and interesting!
A very informative and helpful post about something we all face at one point or the other..I will be referring to it again and again when in self doubt..You have also written it in a very clear manner . All the best for your future writing..
Gunjan, we both are in the same boat. I am a huge procrastinator and hence I participate in blog challenges where I know I cannot give any excuses to myself. Good write up and glad to know you ha e made the much needed change. Good luck.
Janaki@beyondthefamiliar
Had read about writer’s block but never knew about various types and how to overcome it. The pointers that you have mentioned are very practical and useful.
That’s nice to know about your journey of getting over writer’s block. I didn’t knew there are these many types of blocks thanks for sharing about them. Bingo even I’m part of #10KStepsaDayChallenge and yes it helps boost our confidence for sure.
This is a unique take on the prompt where you explore your creative work as a woman and how crucial it is for your identity as a woman.
An extremely informative and educative blog. Many times we all face the writers block and are clueless. Good tips we all can follow.
Enjoyed this different flavored post, Gunjan. Overwhelmed to see you have researched so well on these variety of writer’s blocks! Kudos to you! Loved it.
Writers block is something all of us go through. I had it last year when I could not think of a single post. I have a food blog and I just could not think of a single food post which was horrible. Your points are really great and will help anyone going through a block.
It’s never easy to get rid of that writer’s block. But with additional responsibilities, it gets much harder. I’m sure your post is going to encourage a lot of mothers to get back on track (not just writing but self-care too). 🙂
So true we all need me time and being mom for the first time we forget to look after ourselves. Loved the way you wrote about writer’s block while explaining about the daily routine in a woman’s life.
Deepika Sharma
Wow ! This was an informative and inspiring post. It’s good you were able to overcome your writer’s block through the steps you described. Happy Writing !!
Though I agree that have almost all of the writers block every now and then, I accept that I have this writers block frequently 😀
this was very informative post Gunjan and now I know what to do when i face it again.
Nice reading your post. Wish you all the best 🙂
— rightpurchasing.com
I was buried under a Writers Block for 4 whole years, so I know exactly what you mean. Your tips are sure to help.
This is a super useful post! I myself have been facing a bit of a writer’s block and now know what to do. Thanks for the tips!