It’s not just all about the negative when it comes to writer’s block. In fact, I think writer’s block can be a blessing in certain circumstances. We’re too hard on our creative selves to create, create, created, and sometimes there is a point where you have to stop.
You might need a break
Last month I wrote a guest blog about how to find inspiration when you can’t find any. In some ways, this blog was inspired from my writing exploits in May and June. A way to try and remind myself that inspiration can still come when you’re feeling uninspired, that you can create what you want, when you want.
But you know what? Sometimes there are times and days when no matter what project you flick you, inspiration isn’t hitting. In fact, sometimes writing can feel like a chore that takes you away from other activities you might want to do.
That’s the point when you’ve got writer’s block. The point were it is good to step back and go okay, I think I need a break. Whatever the reason is for needing that break, it is important you take it. You can’t just keep on going, that’s the way you end up falling out of love with your project or writing (or worse, end up completely burnt out).
This is why writer’s block is a blessing – it’s your warning light on the creative dashboard to stop.
There is a reason why you have a block
Sometimes, writers block happens because of a reason. I tend to find that this happens with a particular project – I find I have a block with Project A, but any other writing doesn’t seem to be affected.
For me, this tends to happen when I’ve written myself into a corner, or there is some part of my brain that know whatever plot I’m writing doesn’t quite work.
Being able to identify the reason why you’re struggling with a project can help unlock your story, and in fact make your story better! And you’ve got writer’s block to thank for giving you that little pointer!
Something else is taking your focus – and that’s okay
Life, like anything, isn’t perfect.
This is especially true for many writers, who are juggling multiple commitments outside of their writing projects. As much as you want to push through to meet your writing goals, sometimes you get creative burnout when you’ve been burnt out by something else. Maybe it’s a deadline for work, or pressures on your time from family or friends. Whatever the reason, that’s your cue that maybe, just maybe, you need to re-prioritise your time and put your writing on the back-burner for a little bit. It’s okay – your project will be waiting for you when you return!
What’s your views?
Do you think writer’s block can be a blessing or a curse? Share your top tips of how you handle writer’s block!
Alex.J.Cobalt is a fantasy writer from the UK. When she’s not working away at her fantasy novel series, she posts free flash fictions on her website, along with regular blogs about writing.
Photo Credit: Gabrielle Henderson on Unsplash
Alex.J.Cobalt 
I myself am lucky that I had a gig as a journalist, and that’s where I learned that writer’s block doesn’t exist. As ‘blocked’ as I was, I still needed to adhere to a deadline to keep my job, and I realised that I was more capable in terms of writing than I thought. Anyway, thanks for this post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s amazing how deadlines and external pressures can make you work through a “block”! In fact, I think “blocks” can happen whatever you’re doing – just sometimes we work through them so notice less!
LikeLiked by 1 person