Any type of writing can lead to writer’s block. Sometimes you just aren’t in the mood to write. If you must continue writing during those times, there are steps to counter the phenomena. The following are different things that I’ve done to avoid burnout or writer’s block.
Read
One excellent way to overcome writer’s block is to read. You can study anything. It doesn’t have to be another erotic short story. Although a good erotica book can reinvigorate you for weeks. I’ve found inspiration from the news, Facebook Newsfeeds, book descriptions, books on writing, and non-fiction books. Taking a few minutes, or even a couple of hours, to allow your brain to go on a trip is a great way to blow past writer’s block.
Watch Something
Another option is to watch television or a movie. Seeing how a script writer works a plot is a decent way to unwind while still being open to new ideas.
Listen
Eavesdropping might be a no-no, but it is a fantastic tool for writers. Listening to how people interact with each other, their phrasing, and monitoring their physical movements to get ideas on how to write your characters, dialogue, and showing is a great way to learn. You never know what you will overhear.
People Watching
Even if you can’t hear what people are saying to each other, you can watch their movements and imagine what is going on with them – weave an epic story.
Read or Watch Crap
Every time I watch or read something that sucks, I play out how I would have made it better. Ridiculous ending? Make your own. Bad dialogue? Spice it up. Stilted acting? Replay it with feelings and emotions.
Outline
As I’ve previously indicated, a helpful tool that I use when I don’t want to write is to plot out three or four books. My favorite thing is to take a character though a story arch to a happy ending. In an hour, I can play out four happy ever afters. Ah….
Book Descriptions
Reading other author’s book description is a beneficial way to find inspiration. I’ve found words, scenes, character types, scenarios, themes, etc. that jump off the page, or device, and speak to me. In seconds, I’m using that word to develop my own completely different story.
Read Reviews
By reading reviews, you can discover what readers like and don’t like. With that information, you can improve your future works.
Read your own reviews. However, be careful not to fall into a swirling vortex of despair when someone writes that they didn’t get your book or couldn’t invest in the characters. Skip to the next review. It might be better. Furthermore, use your reviews to improve your future writing or update the book that the reader had concerns about.
I know the first critique I received sucked. I didn’t write for a year. However, during that year, I watched a lot of television, read a lot of books, and studied what worked and what didn’t. In addition to improving my writing, I grew some thicker skin. Each negative review stung a little less. Now, when I receive a less than stellar review, I devour it to see what I can do better.
If you aren’t at the point where you can read your own reviews and not get upset, take a break from reading the reviews.
Take Breaks
Write a scene or chapter, get up, and take a walk. Go to the bathroom. Go for a drive. I always come up with the best shit when I finish writing a scene and get up to walk around. As soon as I’m back, I’m furiously writing again.
Stop Being a Perfectionist
No one is fucking perfect, so stop thinking you need to be. You aren’t going to resonate with everyone, and that’s “perfectly” fine. You don’t like all types of books, so why in the hell do you think everyone should love what you’ve written? I believe that is the absolute best lesson that I’ve learned over the last three years. Don’t take it personally. That doesn’t mean you should write crap and not care what people think. You still need to strive to be better and to write quality material.
Write Non-Fiction
I love alternating between erotic fiction, contemporary fiction, and non-fiction. It keeps my brain guessing, and I don’t ever have writer’s block. I’ve written non-stop for over three years with 60 fiction and non-fiction books published, and I have 28 more fiction and non-fiction books written or plotted out.
Marketing
Another opportunity you have when you’re feeling blocked is to take some time to market. Set up book promotions. Contact beta readers. Use old work to post on your blog. Reach out to other’s struggling with writer’s block.
Join a Writer’s Group
Being around other writers can be both reassuring and inspiring. When you have someone else to commiserate with, it feels good to know that you aren’t alone. Moreover, when you are with people who are excited about their work, you can soak up some of their motivation and use it to your advantage.
Just Write
I do all my writing with pen and paper. I know, it sounds like extra work, and maybe it is. But there are some significant benefits. When I type, I proofread and get stuck on words and phrasing. When I write, I free flow and rarely edit. The amazing thing is that when I type up what I’ve written, it doesn’t need major editing. I use spellcheck, Grammarly, proofread once or twice, and publish. If I typed everything first, I’d still be agonizing over the perfect first paragraph. Just write.
Self-Care
If none of these things help you prevent burnout or avoid writer’s block; you should take some time off. Take a nap, you deserve it after spending months writing until two o’clock in the morning. Take a weekend off. Get a massage to eliminate that stabbing pain in your neck as you’ve spent too much time hunched over typing. Read, watch porn, and have sex instead of writing all night. Get your mind and body relaxed and/or stimulated.
Happy break time!
Don’t forget – Grab the companion workbook for your step-by-step guide!
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Alexia Chase
https://alexiachaseromance.com
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