Block

There are several aspects to writer's block, one of which is fear. Others include anxiety, misery, over-thinking. The list can continue and will be different for each person.

Fear and anxiety are the easiest two to deal with for most people, so I'll start with them.

The first step is to ask 'what are you fearful/anxious about'? It won't be just one thing, despite what your mind tells you. Most of the fears and anxieties are hidden in your subconscious, but can be teased out with a pen, a piece of paper and some free time.

Start with what you fear. Write it out longhand, then examine it. The chances are it's a real fear and not something you can easily dismiss. Instead, address it. How likely is this to happen? Who can I turn to for help with it? How can I avoid it?

Let's say your fear is people reading your first draft and not liking it. Don't show it to anyone. That's easier said than done if you want feedback. But it is an option. Write your first draft, then edit it, then pass it out to people you trust.

It won't be as easy as that, but it is well worth trying as a first step in overcoming your fear.

Another fear is actually finishing. Then you have to decide what to do with it. But who said you have to do anything with it right then? You could finish it, then leave it for a while until you're mentally ready to push it out somewhere.

The same things can be done with anxiety.

Facing down over-thinking is both difficult and easy: stop over-thinking. Examine what you're thinking about and ask yourself if you should be thinking that way, then mentally tell yourself to focus, then once you've got.....oh yes I must get some milk on the way into work tomorrow.

Over-thinking and its cousin distraction are very difficult to get round. What I've found is to make a deal with them: you help me focus and I'll let you run, unfettered, around my head later.

Misery is much more difficult. It leads to a sense of emptiness in which you find yourself incapable of doing anything. You feel grey inside.

When those times come, find someone who can be warm. You don't need someone telling you how great you are, but someone who'll come over with a large pizza and share it with you. Then sit with you while you write. Even if it's only four words.

Writer's block is a pain in the proverbial elbow and will ALWAYS be around. Find ways to deal with it that suit you.