Road to The Wattys

The Wattys Guide to Writer's Block

Hey writers!

We've been talking a lot about how to get your story Wattys ready, but there's another big (often invisible) part of the writing process that we don't think is talked about enough. Writing is a marathon, not a sprint. But writing a novel? That's an ultramarathon, and sometimes you get tired and need a second to breathe. If you're feeling burnt out, blocked, or over it, you're not failing. You're experiencing something that all the best writers do from time to time, and we're here to help.

The reality of writer's block

Being blocked doesn't mean you're a bad writer. It's your brain's way of saying something needs to change! We can group the common causes of writers block into four categories:

1. Physiological: You're blocked because you're stressed out, exhausted, or running on empty. Your body is giving you a sign!
2. Motivational: You're blocked because you've got imposter syndrome, a fear of failing, or the idea that your writing just isn't good enough.
3. Cognitive: You're blocked because you're over-thinking, trapped by perfectionism, or can't quite get the right plan in place
4. Behavioural: You're blocked because you're procrastinating, you're distracted, or you haven't quite found a rhythm that works for you.

If you're reading this chapter and resonate with this, take a pause. Which one of these feels most relevant to you? Identifying the source of the problem is half the battle!

Recovering

One of the most life-changing pieces of advice writers everywhere will give you is to let yourself be "bad" for a bit! Write without giving yourself time to think about all the "what if's"! Sometimes, the pressure to produce the masterpiece kills your magic.

While giving yourself permission to write poorly might be the solution for some of you, it won't be for everyone. Check out more advice on how to get through writers block below:

- Drop everything and take a break. Seriously—step away. If you're running on empty, you can't re-charge by staring at a blank page!

- Get a change of scenery! Swap your desk for a cozy corner in your neighbourhood library, a noisy cafe, or maybe the floor? New views trigger new parts of your brain!
- Switch it up and work on something else. If you can't write your novel, pivot. Get your journal out, organize your Google Drive, or maybe complete a household chore! Keeping the engine going can help to clear the fog.
- Use the buddy system. Text a friend and tell them how you're feeling. Sometimes just venting helps you draw new conclusions about the problem you have. Friends can also be powerful accountability partners!
- Feed your inner muse! Stop producing and start consuming! Watch a movie you love, binge a TV show, or reread your favorite book! Fill your creative well back up.
- Move your body. We all know movement is medicine. A walk, a stretch, or a dance party in your living room can help you shake out the stagnation!
- Remind yourself why you started writing in the first place. Scroll back to your very first notes. Why did you start this novel? What was the moment you fell in love with your characters? Connect with the joy of writing, not the deadline.

Writing a novel is hard work. You'll have good days and bad days, but remember to enjoy the process.

To all the writers (and readers!) out there: What's your go-to trick for when you're feeling blocked? Drop a comment below and let's share some love and encouragement for the person scrolling below you!