So this is interesting, because I agree with your conclusion that writer's block is a figment of our imagination (I could write a whole book about this--and I just might at some point LOL) but I did not get there through the same thought process, nor do I fully agree with your arguments.
I mean, sure, you don't *have* to write everyday. What's important, as we've discussed before, is consistency. So whether you write 10 minutes a day or 2 hours per week, that's fine, so long as you stick with it.
But here's the thing, having a routine (whether it's a daily or weekly one) is in my mind totally separate from those moments of daydreaming. In fact, I made it a point early on to have "writing hours" during which I do nothing else but write. However, I don't write 12 hours a day. So there's still plenty more time during the day to do some daydreaming.
Maybe it's just me, but my mind is always (or almost always) working and thinking about my current project. I don't have a car, so maybe that helps LOL, as I'll think about an upcoming scene while I walk to the grocery store, for instance. Or in between writing sessions. Or, like you, while I cook. Etc.
I realize that folks with a day job (I'm a full time writer) might not always have this luxury. But I'd argue that it comes down to scheduling. Just like you should put time aside for writing, you should work out what are the best moments for you to do some actual thinking. I mean, you can't actually schedule that stuff, but what you *can* do is figure out what types of activities do not need your full attention and could allow your mind to wander off (walking, cooking, etc.) and then stick by it. You'll be amazed the number of opportunities that will pop up, even if you have a day job (during work breaks, while you're commuting if you use public transportation, etc.)
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend using writing time to do your thinking. The problem with that approach is that it'd make it way too easy to slip into not writing for X time and use "oh I was thinking of my project" as an excuse (instead of the more typical "I can't find time to write.")
If you're blocked on a story, try doing an outline. If that doesn't work, there's likely some issue in your concept. To get unstuck, just switch to a different project--maybe write a short story. Incidentally, this is why I don't believe in writer's block. It's always connected to one specific project. But authors tend to remain focused on that one and to force themselves to write it... and so they stay frozen in front of a blank page. Just move on. Let that project rest, and at some point you'll find a way to tame it. Just don't let *one* project stop you from writing.
Really interesting points. :) Whatever works for people works, at the end of the day. There's no right or wrong approach, really, as long as it's getting results and isn't killing you in the process. The switching projects thing doesn't quite work for me, because I then get too distracted and never finish anything - but I can 100% see how it could work for people who don't have my brain. P
I'm not really suggesting that people let themselves off the hook and use 'thinking time' as an excuse for not writing. The writing absolutely still needs to happen. My main point is that ALL time is valuable for a writer, so we shouldn't feel bad about the time in which we're not actively writing. But there's a limit to that, as you point out - at some point, the words do have to start appearing.
I totally agree. In fact, I think it's good to make daydreaming part of my routine. It should also be part of your characters' routines as well. They all have to sit and think about things as well. Maybe one of your characters is stuck or overwhelmed on a tough question of what to do in a situation. Have that character do some daydreaming about it. Make it an inner monologue thing wherein he or she can sort it out. You as the writer can sort it out through your character's own ponderings and meditation. Something will eventually come to him or her. And even if it doesn't, the delay will cause something to HAPPEN. Either way, something's got to give. And, when that something does happen, your story is off and running again. Being stuck is just a way to take a short break from the fast-moving stuff. It's a way to vary your pacing, like a song. Slow. Fast. Medium speed. Fast. Slow. ... and etc.
Absolutely. I’ve been meaning to write something about pacing for a while, you just reminded me. Especially in genre fiction, I feel like it’s very easy to fall into an action-first mentality that leaves little room for smaller moments.
Yes, yes, YES! when it comes to word counts. I always suggest that people sit down to write for a certain amount of time rather than a certain word count. Because as you say, there are good writing days and not-so-good writing days. If I sit down to write for an hour and things aren't working and I only get 100 words, that's okay if I put in the honest effort. But if I'm trying to get to 1,000 words per session and it's not working, either I'm spending waaaay too long chipping away at it or I go away feeling like a failure. Neither result is good for the ego -- or creativity. Best as you say to walk away to write another day.
We seem to have very similar ideas on writer's block, too. I'm not a big fan of the term either, but it is a (sometimes) useful shorthand to describe some of the many things going on that you touched upon: imposter syndrome, fear, and more.
My whole SubStack newsletter is dedicated to unpacking all of these issues. It's based on a workshop I present about writing -- I'll be addressing many issues including what you call "real writing" here (I call it "serious writing" -- but we mean the same thing...!) The core belief of both the workshop and the newsletter is that writing should be fun. That's what writing with wild abandon is all about.
I wonder if it's also related to how we see 'day jobs'. If we're in an office doing 'proper work' the expectation is that we're 'actively' working a significant amount of the time, and writing is then expected to do the same. Except, of course, anyone who has worked in an office knows that a huge amount of time is taken up with idle chatter, going to make tea, and so on - which I'd argue are not wasting time but a core part of helping humans be productive without going weird.
Ha - yes - that's a great and interesting point on two levels.
I work from home, and keep careful track of my hours. I used to be amazed (and frustrated) at how much work I didn't get done. But I think about people working in offices, and you're absolutely right -- everyone is chatting and dropping in and making tea. Not "work" per se, but an important part of the work environment.
The other point is that I think writers *do* think of "real/serious" writing as work. I've always said it should be more like play -- at least the first draft. Editing is more the work side, but still not completely. Working hard at being creative is almost an oxymoron -- and doesn't usually work in any case. Creativity comes from play.
I don’t believe in writers block, per se. I do believe that we get in the way of our writing. We overthink it, we fear it, we struggle to get past difficult parts, we try to do too much… There are so many things they can happen to a writer, sometimes all at once! But I’ve found that if you sit in front of a blank computer screen or piece of paper and just start writing words, even if they’re just “I don’t want to write today. This is stupid. Why am I doing this to myself?“ etc., eventually real words do come. It may not be a 5000 were day or whatever, but I believe anybody who wants to write can get past the “block” by writing through it, even if has to start with garbage.
Agreed! Anxiety and other external factors and your surrounding context can absolutely create challenges around writing. I think the reason I'm suspicious of the term "writer's block" is that it implies it is something unique to writers, or that it is a scientifically researched or medical term, in some way formalised and confirmed to exist as A Thing. That then morphs it into a looming spectre hanging over the head of all even slightly nervous writers.
It’s also frequently used as an excuse. “Oh I can’t write right now. I have writers block.” Just say you’re not feeling inspired or you don’t want to write. But if you really do, don’t give the concept any power. Just start putting words down on the page.
I agree. Just because you are not putting words on a page doesn’t mean you are being unproductive. We need time to ponder, imagine, work on outlines, figure out plot lines, etc. I go days without writing.
I think “writer challenges” and daily commitments are mainly stress inducers and joy stealers. I have seen writers quit writing after a 30 day challenge because they were burned out.
I never had a problem writing until I started the paid option on my Substack and way overcommitted. Promising a weekly new serial episode and two or three new short stories every week for paid subscribers. On top of my free weekly newsletter and novel in progress. The deadlines totally stressed me out and I could barely write. It was a chore. I wasn’t enjoying writing anymore. I was burning out. Something had to change.
I dropped the deadlines (except my free weekly newsletter which is no problem since it is mainly old stories), and switched my Substack to a patronage only basis. The stress immediately went away, and within a week, I was enjoying writing again. The amount of money I was making was not worth the stress. I may go back to adding paid benefits someday. But I am in no hurry to do so. It is not worth it for me. And what I was doing wasn’t working anyway. Almost all of my paid subscribers have told me they just wanted to support me. They did not expect anything extra.
Aaah, 'joy'. Such an underrated word. :) I've never believed in the 'suffering artist' thing....maintaining good mental health and happiness while still being able to write should be possible!
Curiously, some light deadlines have really helped me. It wasn't until I started publishing weekly chapters of my books online that I really began to be properly productive. I do have to be VERY careful not to increase that workload too much, though, for the exact reasons you mention.
At the moment I'm writing my weekly fiction chapter plus the weekly writing tips, which is the most I've committed to for a long while. I'm also hoping to launch a podcast soon, which may well prove to be my undoing. :)
A manageable deadline is fine. And when I had a buffer, I was good. But the buffer ran out and I was writing the chapter and stories the week they were due. That was when I felt the self-imposed pressure. Of course it was all in my mind and my own doing. But the stress was affecting my ability to write.
Some people thrive under a deadline, but forced creativity wasn’t working for my writing. I need to want to write to be really creative. Lesson learned the hard way (as usual): don’t overcommit to creative work.
A lot of my Monday 'writing tips' content has come from a revised and re-written edition of my "How to write serialised fiction" guide that I put together last year. I am a little nervous about what happens when I finish with that buffer, which will happen in about a month.
Feb 1, 2022·edited Feb 1, 2022Liked by Simon K Jones
Having a buffer is great. It takes the pressure off. If you end up running out of buffer, I (my opinion, so take it for what it's worth) would reduce the frequency (monthly?) or make them "specials" that happen only when you write them.
Sound advice. Keeping the fiction chapters going at the normal pace is important to me, but reducing the non-fic stuff if necessary is definitely a healthy approach.
Both examples you give (writers burning out after a 30 day challenge or you stressing out when you committed to paid content) seem to me linked to the same underlying problem. To me, it's not so much about not allowing yourself time to think as it is about trying to force yourself to be more productive than you physically and/or mentally can be at this particular stage in your life.
So say, for argument's sake, that you can comfortably write 1000 words in a day. If providing all the content you committed to requires you to write more than that, you have a problem. Likewise, someone taking on a 30 day challenge might find themselves having to go beyond their limits.
This is why a lot of folks doing NaNoWriMo have to take a break afterward, because a lot of people have to strain themselves to get those 50k on the page.
It's kinda like trying to run a marathon when you've never done any running in your life.
I think what's vital here is to know your own limits. Figure out how many words you can write in a day (or in a week) without taxing yourself. If you are careful not to go beyond that figure (once in a while is fine) then I suspect these problems would disappear.
Note also that a writer's limits can change overtime. The more you write, the easier the process becomes, and the more words you can put out. But that change has to come naturally, otherwise you risk burnout.
I agree. I got swept up in serial fiction fever and I was trying to write more than I was comfortable writing. Adding the pressure of having paid readers who I promised too much to, and having no buffer on my serial, it became a toxic situation. The stress shut down my creativity. It was totally my fault. Now I focus on my weekly shorts newsletter, which I still have hundreds of stories in my buffer for, and the rest will come when it is ready.
So this is interesting, because I agree with your conclusion that writer's block is a figment of our imagination (I could write a whole book about this--and I just might at some point LOL) but I did not get there through the same thought process, nor do I fully agree with your arguments.
I mean, sure, you don't *have* to write everyday. What's important, as we've discussed before, is consistency. So whether you write 10 minutes a day or 2 hours per week, that's fine, so long as you stick with it.
But here's the thing, having a routine (whether it's a daily or weekly one) is in my mind totally separate from those moments of daydreaming. In fact, I made it a point early on to have "writing hours" during which I do nothing else but write. However, I don't write 12 hours a day. So there's still plenty more time during the day to do some daydreaming.
Maybe it's just me, but my mind is always (or almost always) working and thinking about my current project. I don't have a car, so maybe that helps LOL, as I'll think about an upcoming scene while I walk to the grocery store, for instance. Or in between writing sessions. Or, like you, while I cook. Etc.
I realize that folks with a day job (I'm a full time writer) might not always have this luxury. But I'd argue that it comes down to scheduling. Just like you should put time aside for writing, you should work out what are the best moments for you to do some actual thinking. I mean, you can't actually schedule that stuff, but what you *can* do is figure out what types of activities do not need your full attention and could allow your mind to wander off (walking, cooking, etc.) and then stick by it. You'll be amazed the number of opportunities that will pop up, even if you have a day job (during work breaks, while you're commuting if you use public transportation, etc.)
Honestly, I wouldn't recommend using writing time to do your thinking. The problem with that approach is that it'd make it way too easy to slip into not writing for X time and use "oh I was thinking of my project" as an excuse (instead of the more typical "I can't find time to write.")
If you're blocked on a story, try doing an outline. If that doesn't work, there's likely some issue in your concept. To get unstuck, just switch to a different project--maybe write a short story. Incidentally, this is why I don't believe in writer's block. It's always connected to one specific project. But authors tend to remain focused on that one and to force themselves to write it... and so they stay frozen in front of a blank page. Just move on. Let that project rest, and at some point you'll find a way to tame it. Just don't let *one* project stop you from writing.
Really interesting points. :) Whatever works for people works, at the end of the day. There's no right or wrong approach, really, as long as it's getting results and isn't killing you in the process. The switching projects thing doesn't quite work for me, because I then get too distracted and never finish anything - but I can 100% see how it could work for people who don't have my brain. P
I'm not really suggesting that people let themselves off the hook and use 'thinking time' as an excuse for not writing. The writing absolutely still needs to happen. My main point is that ALL time is valuable for a writer, so we shouldn't feel bad about the time in which we're not actively writing. But there's a limit to that, as you point out - at some point, the words do have to start appearing.
I totally agree. In fact, I think it's good to make daydreaming part of my routine. It should also be part of your characters' routines as well. They all have to sit and think about things as well. Maybe one of your characters is stuck or overwhelmed on a tough question of what to do in a situation. Have that character do some daydreaming about it. Make it an inner monologue thing wherein he or she can sort it out. You as the writer can sort it out through your character's own ponderings and meditation. Something will eventually come to him or her. And even if it doesn't, the delay will cause something to HAPPEN. Either way, something's got to give. And, when that something does happen, your story is off and running again. Being stuck is just a way to take a short break from the fast-moving stuff. It's a way to vary your pacing, like a song. Slow. Fast. Medium speed. Fast. Slow. ... and etc.
Absolutely. I’ve been meaning to write something about pacing for a while, you just reminded me. Especially in genre fiction, I feel like it’s very easy to fall into an action-first mentality that leaves little room for smaller moments.
Hey Simon,
Yes, yes, YES! when it comes to word counts. I always suggest that people sit down to write for a certain amount of time rather than a certain word count. Because as you say, there are good writing days and not-so-good writing days. If I sit down to write for an hour and things aren't working and I only get 100 words, that's okay if I put in the honest effort. But if I'm trying to get to 1,000 words per session and it's not working, either I'm spending waaaay too long chipping away at it or I go away feeling like a failure. Neither result is good for the ego -- or creativity. Best as you say to walk away to write another day.
We seem to have very similar ideas on writer's block, too. I'm not a big fan of the term either, but it is a (sometimes) useful shorthand to describe some of the many things going on that you touched upon: imposter syndrome, fear, and more.
My whole SubStack newsletter is dedicated to unpacking all of these issues. It's based on a workshop I present about writing -- I'll be addressing many issues including what you call "real writing" here (I call it "serious writing" -- but we mean the same thing...!) The core belief of both the workshop and the newsletter is that writing should be fun. That's what writing with wild abandon is all about.
Great advice here Simon!
~Graham
I wonder if it's also related to how we see 'day jobs'. If we're in an office doing 'proper work' the expectation is that we're 'actively' working a significant amount of the time, and writing is then expected to do the same. Except, of course, anyone who has worked in an office knows that a huge amount of time is taken up with idle chatter, going to make tea, and so on - which I'd argue are not wasting time but a core part of helping humans be productive without going weird.
Ha - yes - that's a great and interesting point on two levels.
I work from home, and keep careful track of my hours. I used to be amazed (and frustrated) at how much work I didn't get done. But I think about people working in offices, and you're absolutely right -- everyone is chatting and dropping in and making tea. Not "work" per se, but an important part of the work environment.
The other point is that I think writers *do* think of "real/serious" writing as work. I've always said it should be more like play -- at least the first draft. Editing is more the work side, but still not completely. Working hard at being creative is almost an oxymoron -- and doesn't usually work in any case. Creativity comes from play.
~Graham
I don’t believe in writers block, per se. I do believe that we get in the way of our writing. We overthink it, we fear it, we struggle to get past difficult parts, we try to do too much… There are so many things they can happen to a writer, sometimes all at once! But I’ve found that if you sit in front of a blank computer screen or piece of paper and just start writing words, even if they’re just “I don’t want to write today. This is stupid. Why am I doing this to myself?“ etc., eventually real words do come. It may not be a 5000 were day or whatever, but I believe anybody who wants to write can get past the “block” by writing through it, even if has to start with garbage.
Agreed! Anxiety and other external factors and your surrounding context can absolutely create challenges around writing. I think the reason I'm suspicious of the term "writer's block" is that it implies it is something unique to writers, or that it is a scientifically researched or medical term, in some way formalised and confirmed to exist as A Thing. That then morphs it into a looming spectre hanging over the head of all even slightly nervous writers.
It’s also frequently used as an excuse. “Oh I can’t write right now. I have writers block.” Just say you’re not feeling inspired or you don’t want to write. But if you really do, don’t give the concept any power. Just start putting words down on the page.
I agree. Just because you are not putting words on a page doesn’t mean you are being unproductive. We need time to ponder, imagine, work on outlines, figure out plot lines, etc. I go days without writing.
I think “writer challenges” and daily commitments are mainly stress inducers and joy stealers. I have seen writers quit writing after a 30 day challenge because they were burned out.
I never had a problem writing until I started the paid option on my Substack and way overcommitted. Promising a weekly new serial episode and two or three new short stories every week for paid subscribers. On top of my free weekly newsletter and novel in progress. The deadlines totally stressed me out and I could barely write. It was a chore. I wasn’t enjoying writing anymore. I was burning out. Something had to change.
I dropped the deadlines (except my free weekly newsletter which is no problem since it is mainly old stories), and switched my Substack to a patronage only basis. The stress immediately went away, and within a week, I was enjoying writing again. The amount of money I was making was not worth the stress. I may go back to adding paid benefits someday. But I am in no hurry to do so. It is not worth it for me. And what I was doing wasn’t working anyway. Almost all of my paid subscribers have told me they just wanted to support me. They did not expect anything extra.
Aaah, 'joy'. Such an underrated word. :) I've never believed in the 'suffering artist' thing....maintaining good mental health and happiness while still being able to write should be possible!
Curiously, some light deadlines have really helped me. It wasn't until I started publishing weekly chapters of my books online that I really began to be properly productive. I do have to be VERY careful not to increase that workload too much, though, for the exact reasons you mention.
At the moment I'm writing my weekly fiction chapter plus the weekly writing tips, which is the most I've committed to for a long while. I'm also hoping to launch a podcast soon, which may well prove to be my undoing. :)
A manageable deadline is fine. And when I had a buffer, I was good. But the buffer ran out and I was writing the chapter and stories the week they were due. That was when I felt the self-imposed pressure. Of course it was all in my mind and my own doing. But the stress was affecting my ability to write.
Some people thrive under a deadline, but forced creativity wasn’t working for my writing. I need to want to write to be really creative. Lesson learned the hard way (as usual): don’t overcommit to creative work.
A lot of my Monday 'writing tips' content has come from a revised and re-written edition of my "How to write serialised fiction" guide that I put together last year. I am a little nervous about what happens when I finish with that buffer, which will happen in about a month.
Having a buffer is great. It takes the pressure off. If you end up running out of buffer, I (my opinion, so take it for what it's worth) would reduce the frequency (monthly?) or make them "specials" that happen only when you write them.
Sound advice. Keeping the fiction chapters going at the normal pace is important to me, but reducing the non-fic stuff if necessary is definitely a healthy approach.
Both examples you give (writers burning out after a 30 day challenge or you stressing out when you committed to paid content) seem to me linked to the same underlying problem. To me, it's not so much about not allowing yourself time to think as it is about trying to force yourself to be more productive than you physically and/or mentally can be at this particular stage in your life.
So say, for argument's sake, that you can comfortably write 1000 words in a day. If providing all the content you committed to requires you to write more than that, you have a problem. Likewise, someone taking on a 30 day challenge might find themselves having to go beyond their limits.
This is why a lot of folks doing NaNoWriMo have to take a break afterward, because a lot of people have to strain themselves to get those 50k on the page.
It's kinda like trying to run a marathon when you've never done any running in your life.
I think what's vital here is to know your own limits. Figure out how many words you can write in a day (or in a week) without taxing yourself. If you are careful not to go beyond that figure (once in a while is fine) then I suspect these problems would disappear.
Note also that a writer's limits can change overtime. The more you write, the easier the process becomes, and the more words you can put out. But that change has to come naturally, otherwise you risk burnout.
I agree. I got swept up in serial fiction fever and I was trying to write more than I was comfortable writing. Adding the pressure of having paid readers who I promised too much to, and having no buffer on my serial, it became a toxic situation. The stress shut down my creativity. It was totally my fault. Now I focus on my weekly shorts newsletter, which I still have hundreds of stories in my buffer for, and the rest will come when it is ready.