Writer's block
Also called: writing blockage
A writer's block is a state in which a writer fails to come to writing. In Dutch, this temporary inability to write is also called a writer's block. It occurs both in writing texts such as books, articles and blog posts. The phenomenon can also occur in composers and other creative professions.
The cause of writer's block is almost always psychological in nature. The writer is under pressure to deliver copy, but instead of words coming to mind and sentences appearing, he stares at a blank screen or white sheet of paper. In writer's block, lack of inspiration and lack of motivation usually go hand in hand or they reinforce each other. Insecurity, fear of failure or stress due to time constraints can also cause writer's block.
By what do you recognize writer's block
The impediment to writing can manifest itself in several ways:
- The writer does not know what to write about
- The writer knows a subject but not how to tackle the story
- The writer already has a text but does not know how to finish it
A natural way to respond to writer's block is to procrastinate and seek distractions. Taking distance from writing can provide new inspiration, but there is also a danger in this. While avoiding writing, time pressure increases. It is not said that having other things to do provides new ideas and inspirations for writing.
Overcoming a writer's block
When inspiration and motivation to write don't come naturally, discipline will have to save you. The best way to deal with writer's block is to just start writing anyway. Agree with yourself to spend a certain amount of time working on your text without distractions.
Create a format for the text so that you have a handhold and don't necessarily have to start at the beginning. Don't be too critical when the first words appear. As the text progresses, you can do plenty of deleting and fine-tuning. It can also help to agree on a reward with yourself as soon as you finish a chapter or certain section of your article.