06 What to do when the words don't flow
Small activities to help you get words on the page again.
You’re staring at a blank page. Or thinking about it. Yet the thought of getting words onto the page is so daunting.
Thinking about writing is the best and worst bit – so helpful, Lizzie.
But don’t worry.
Here are some small activities that have helped me push through writing blocks.
Stick with me on this.
Even before writing this post, I sat and just stared at my bookcase thinking; what am I doing? Why am I writing a book that may not even get finished, read or liked by anyone?
Words don’t always come naturally nor easily. If they did, everyone would be doing it. Everyone has their niche.
Mine is writing. It’s just a mental activity that requires a lot of endurance and patience. Sometimes your mind doesn’t know where it’s going next.
My words aren’t flowing. What do I do?
Just write.
Honestly, I know how infuriating that is to hear, but sometimes all it needs is discipline and to ‘just do it’. Thinking about what you’re going to write for too long can be the most damaging part, until you see the words on the page. Even if you think it’s poop, congrats! Words on the page are better than no words: you’ve created a melody you can play around with.
Getting into spirals like this makes me not want to write until I realise 500 words later how much I’ve been enjoying writing a specific chapter. I can now see the words; my characters developing. Words that can now be restructured on the page.
A change of scenery can help – hugely. I wrote about it recently, where I’m fortunate to visit my parents’ new home in the countryside: worlds away from the hustle and bustle of working in London.
There have been times when I’ve taken my notebook and pen somewhere to describe my thoughts, feelings, taste, smell… you name it. If I see it, I write it. Not only does it make for great setting-and-character-development, but I soon find I can’t get my words down on the page fast enough. Back to basics by hand is often a great way of getting the mind-muscle connection in full flow.
Be disciplined but don’t force it. You should only do something because you enjoy it. If something isn’t working for you, maybe rethink: what’s not working? Why? How can I change this?
Good luck with your writing! x