The next time you have writer’s block, do a little self-psychoanalysis. Relax, ask yourself “Why do I have writer’s block?” and then see what your mind tells you.
Often you’ll find that there are one or more reasons that hinder you from getting going on that important project. Here are a four of the biggest:
Fear of Failure?
This is very common and it has definitely happened to me. When I wrote my first feature article for VIA many years ago, I was very concerned that the editor wouldn’t like my writing and that she would either ask for a total rewrite or, much worse, tell me I wasn’t good enough to be in the magazine. The reality? She really liked the piece and made only minor changes.
Fear of Success?
This does affect some writers. They may wonder how their lives will change if they do become very successful and well-known. Some really value their privacy, so they may not want to be approached when they’re in public. Others may wonder if success will change them in bad ways – perhaps they’ll become like some of those unpleasant famous people they detest. Still other people may wonder if they’ll be able to follow up on an initial success with a string of other successes.
Concern About What Others Will Think?
This still happens to me, and it’s related to fear of failure. Just accept that there will always be people who don’t like what you write, but there will be far more people who do like what you write. I get around this by thinking about a specific sympathetic person who does like my writing (see #5 below for more on this).
Lack of Interest in Your Topic?
Many freelance writers wind up working on topics that bore them. For example, if you keep getting assignments dealing with finance, yet you have no interest in finance, it will be hard to make yourself complete those assignments.
Look for the cause or causes, and once you get your finger on them, question their validity. Frequently you’re blowing something way out of proportion, or you are viewing the project from a negative perspective instead of a positive perspective.
About 50 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block and Procrastination
This post is an expansion of one of the 50 methods for getting your writing done that I explain in my Kindle ebook 50 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block and Procrastination. It’s just $2.99 on Amazon.
Your Take
Do you ever ask yourself why you have writer’s block? Is it any of the four reasons discussed above, or do you have different reasons? Tell us below in the comments.
John, although I recognize every one of those reasons, I don’t have writers block… at least not as I understand some have it. While there may be a day or two when I don’t write, or even procrastinate, somehow I end up sitting in front of the computer and getting it done… I’m grateful.
Good for you Anne! As I’ve gained more experience as a writer, I’ve gotten much better at getting my work done.
Maybe it’s that simple… enough practice 😉
Practice is the key to mastery!
Truth? Lack of interest stymies me sometimes. Rarely these days, but early on it was “Oh gawd, not another workers compensation article.” Then again, who wouldn’t say that? 😉
It’s about finding something interesting in it and making that my focus. That’s how I overcome it, and how I give readers something that interest them, too. If I’m bored, how the hell will they feel?
Lori, I’m fortunate that I’m always writing about subjects that interest me, but I can see how that would be an issue for many writers.
It reminds me of grading papers back when I taught college. I enjoyed the really good papers, but most of them were not in that category.
Yes, also the lack of concentration will put yo in block. Writing is very tedius job. One should get involeved in, who have real interst in writing.
By the way nice points have been shared here. Thanx a lot!
Regards,
Astha
I think many writers get writers block in some form every now and again. For me, it’s a good excuse to take 5 minutes out and have a cup of tea, by which time I have usually filled my head with lots of ideas.
Writers block…hmm. I think I’m having a little right now:) lol. Nice article!! Fear of success and failure are very real, but this can be over come by daily affirmations! Keep up the great writing:)
Lack of Interest in Topic is the first reason since many many bloggers now write for money and not for passion.
I don’t have writers block because i love what i do.
Hi John
“Fear of failure”as I stared at a blank screen used to be my problem.
I cured it by just typing the following questions:
What? Why? How? When?
The act of just writing those questions kills both the “blank screen” syndrome and starts the creative juices flowing as I try to answer each question.
Hope this method helps some folks.