13 Ways to Bust Through Writer’s Block

Yippee! It’s Thursday again. Time for another Thursday Thirteen. And it just happens to be the 13th of the month. Woo-ooo. Here’s advice on getting over yourself and getting to the page.

Want to write but feel the weight of writer’s block? Use any or all of these ways to get your fingers in gear and your words on the page.

1. Look at things in increments, or cycles. For instance, for the next three months (or the rest of this season) I will focus on one element of my writing, for instance: writing as much as I can, learning as much as I can, research etc, etc. Setting an overall intention for a few months or weeks can help to prioritize your decisions for that time period.

2. Find and commit to a writing buddy. Meet once a week at a neutral location and spend at least 3/4 of the time writing. Watch out for chatting your writing time away.

3. What’s it about? Get clear on your motivations for writing. Having a foundation can be helpful to remind you why you are writing.

4. Schedule time to get the writing done. You are creating a new habit and will need persistence and discipline to stay on track. Whether you have large blocks of time or tiny pockets in which to write, use them.

5. Put aside the books on writing and just write. Do not confuse reading about writing with writing.

6. Set attainable goals with deadlines. Do not think you need to accomplish the entire project in one goal. Chunk it down by working in stages. Be sure to celebrate or reward yourself when you achieve these small goals.

7. Enroll your community in your writing. Let your friends, family and loved ones know why this is important to you. Ask for what you need in terms of time, space, respect for your creative life. You may be surprised at what you can get when you simply ask for support.

8. Call in help from your source. Ask God, the Universe, whatever your spiritual source for support. Don’t think you are alone.

9. Make your writing life your own. Take all the suggestions and advice you have heard and tailor them to suit your own needs and style. Be persistent and don’t let one unsuccessful attempt at someone else’s method stop you from writing.

10. Read really good writing. Inspire yourself with others’ magnificent words.

11. Do whatever it takes to enjoy the process.

12. Cease believing in that voice that tells you not to write. What seems like a giant boulder in the road is really a paper curtain. Just blow past it.

13. Sign up for my Creative Leap Program, offered in the month of September (2007) only. What a deal: three coaching sessions for half my normal rate. That’ll move the block out of the way.