The pen stops racing across the page, the words don’t flow, the paper looks extra empty.
It’s happened to you, it’s happened to every writer.
Do you know what I think about writers’ block? I love it.
I was moaning while I was trying to write a first draft, and my brother said, “Pain breeds creativity.” I wanted to say, “Are you crazy?!” But, after a moment, I realized that I completely agree.
Writers’ block is a gateway. It’s a mountain that has to be climbed to see the view. There is so much ahead of that block, but you have to do the work to get there!
I write full-time. (I know that’s an opportunity not many of us get.) I have to write everyday. I have to work. I have to be creative when I feel the juices aren’t flowing and I’m all dried up. When we’re not at a stage when we can write full-time, we need to use the time we do have even more wisely.
You need to actually write when it’s writing time!
I believe that the ability to create even when you don’t feel particularly creative is a skill that we can learn. We don’t have to feel inspired every time we write, but we can still write.
Being able to do that, starts in your thoughts.
Yep, these are mental games friends. Are you ready to learn?
I’m going to give you three golden nuggets. But, first, what is your first thoughts when you sit to write? Imagine yourself sitting down with your notebook or at your computer, talking into your phone, whatever you do when you are going to write. What are you thinking? Are there sentences going through your head?
There are probably a lot. It these thoughts have anything to do with “not feeling creative, so you can’t write,” keep reading!
These are three new thoughts for you;
one: “I am a writer. I have the skill of writing. This skill has been cultivated, I’ve practiced. I can write if I want to right now.”
two: “I have a plan. I have a lot of words in my head, but I have the ability to organize them, even when it takes time. I’ll accomplish good things during this time.”
three: “I write for me first. These are my words. I understand what I want to say, but I am constantly going toward having my audience understand these thoughts. The process is as important as that end goal.
There you go.
Use those thoughts, any that resonate with you, or think up your own. This is about the skill that you have, and using that skill in your writing time. You can do what you want to and accomplish your goals. But, the goal for today’s writing is that you get onto paper (or screen) some of the words and ideas inside your head.
Go for that goal today, writer!
By Rachel Trusty 