1 Odd Cure For Writer's Block

Have you ever opened your work-in-progress, fingers poised to add words, but nothing comes? If you're like me, you sprint through a cycle of emotions.



1. Wariness: Oh no! I wrote all of the good stuff already. What in the world is supposed to happen now?

Time ticks by.

2. Anxiety: I've read through the previous scene and have no idea where to go next. Only one sentence congealed in my brain and it stunk.

Twenty minutes pass.

3. Panic: I only have so much time to write and I'm blowing it! What's needed here--dialogue, action, introspection--what??

Now, I'll be the first to admit I don't believe in long-term writer's block. When we make writing a habit, somehow the words make it to the page. But I occasionally have bouts of the above, where everything that comes to mind could be read in a Dick and Jane book and I want to pile my laptop, notebooks, writing craft books, and every pen, pencil and paper into a large paper box and throw them in the river because I'm not worthy.

I have an odd solution.

One Odd Cure for Writer's Block

Pamper yourself for a few minutes. Concentrate on something that makes your soul sing.

When I can't find the words, I grab the softest blanket I own, wrap it around my shoulders, and sit on the couch for a while. I focus on how the blanket feels as I rub my fingers over it. Ahh...soothing. And as I relax, my brain gets unstuck. I realize I need to write the Dick and Jane sentence because it's better than nothing and I can fix it later.

Not everyone has the same pampering-pick-me-up. I'm a tactile person. Softness matters to me a great deal. My husband's place of business sells carpet among other things. If he and I head to the showroom, he'll select five random carpet samples and lay them down on the floor. Then he'll ask me which one is the softest. Based solely on touch, I can determine the most expensive carpet, and I can figure out the order of price of the remainding carpets. (Hey, I can't juggle, but I know soft!)

I must pet every fluffy dog or cat who cross my path. I've purchased sweaters based solely on how they feel, and yes, some have been on the ugly side. The rabbit barn at the fair? My kids have to drag me out. Soft things act like a balm to me, and they trigger my creative side.

Maybe yours is oratory--certain sounds or music relax you. Or maybe it's taste? A special cup of tea, a soft drink, a beer might be just the thing to wake your muse. What about scents? Could a mandarin orange scented candle tease your senses? Or maybe you're visual. Browse an online museum for ten minutes and bask in the beauty of art.

The next time you're stuck for words, pamper yourself for ten minutes and see if it helps.

Have you ever stared at your manuscript and had no idea what to write next? What pampers you? Could you take a break and use it the next time you're stumped?

Have a fabulous Friday!

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