Writer's Block?

Have you ever wondered any of the following?

Why am I struggling to write? 
Do I have writer's block? 
What even is writer's block? 
Why do I resist writing?
 I really want to write, but I don't want to sit down and do it. I just stare at the page. 

Or when you finally sit down to write, you suddenly get up and start doing something else. That sock drawer is suddenly really in need of organization. 

Here are five important things to understand about writer's block before you give up.

1. Every writer experiences resistance to writing.

I've worked with writers who are brand new to writing, and I've worked with Academy Award nominees. So if you're thinking, "I just need an agent, and then the resistance will go away," or "I just need to sell the script, and then I won't have writer's block",  I hate to tell you, but that's not going to happen. In fact, the more successful you become, the more stress and pressure you have to perform. It's important to learn how to deal with resistance to writing before you become a professional writer. So practice bravery (which requires fear to be present), and let’s build stronger writing habits. 

2. Sometimes it's a deep issue. And sometimes it's not. 

Writer's block can run deeper than productivity tips can reach. You might be diving into difficult material, and you may benefit from talking with a therapist. 

Other times, you are giving in to completely irrational fears. We can create a plan for that. 


3. Regular writing is the key, and daily writing is easier than you think.

It's actually harder to write three times a week than it is to write every day. When you do something every day, you stop negotiating with yourself about whether or not to do it  you just accept that it's part of your life. If you can commit to writing every single day, even for just five minutes, you'll find that after about 45 days, it becomes significantly easier, because you've removed the daily internal debate. Remember: If you can't write for five minutes, you can't write for 50. 

4. You're probably setting goals that are working against you.

Most people don't understand how to set goals in a way that creates the brain chemistry that makes you eager and excited to write. Instead, they're setting goals that release stress hormones, which makes writing feel even harder. Getting your goal-setting right is a game-changer.

5. Treat writing like a meeting with your boss and create a ritual.

Block your writing time on your calendar as if it's a non-negotiable appointment. Then build a warm-up ritual for yourself. Here's the truth: it's not always the writing that's hard; it's the starting that trips most writers up. That's why athletes have pre-game routines and dancers have warm-ups. If you make your ritual ridiculously easy, you'll find it much easier to get into your writing.

These are some of the things we explore in the Meditative Writing Level One class.

Join us for our next round so you can develop a writing process that helps you suffer less, write more, and to make sure your writing is reaching its full creative potential.

If you need feedback on your script/manuscript, check out our TV/Screenplay Alchemy Workshop or Mentorship and Consultations.

​