When the words won’t flow and you’re battling writer’s block during NaNoWriMo, it’s easy to throw in the towel and quit. Stop. Don’t. It happens to us all at some point or another.
The words are the writers tools. Without them the stories don’t get written. They are the weapons that can destroy. They are the gifts that can give hope. But what do you do when the words stop coming?
Battling writer’s block during NaNoWriMo is a common connundrum for writers. It happens when you least expect it, and when you really really don’t need it.
You’re writing away on a project and suddenly the words just stop flowing. It’s like you forget that you’re a writer. The writing muscles spasm and protest, the page stays blank. Maybe it’s before you start, maybe halfway through a paragraph, maybe when you reach chapter three, or work to the climax of your story.
Wherever it hits, writers’ block sucks.
I’m on day 5 of NaNoWriMo and writers block lingers. The story seems stagnated and slowed. The words feel more like cycling up a mountain when they should flow as easily as a down slope, or at least a flat terrain. I have no idea why I’m referring to cycling, maybe cause Tuesday is the day I get on the bike- and that’s not always an easy feat either.
Anyway, writers’ block. It’s a lot of things to different writers. Something I have noticed is that writers block is preventable. You can reduce your risk and get that novel written.
Prolific writers might say writing block is a myth. Just sit down and start writing.
Good advice.
Unfortunately it doesn’t work that way, not always.
Related: Writing, Books & November Update
4 Tips for Battling Writer’s Block During NaNoWriMo
Be prepared
Plan your story. Know your key points that you have to hit. Jot down ideas for chapters for the beginning (set up of the story), middle (the action), and the end (your resolution and return to a satisfying equilibrium). Plotting a little will help. Even if you have to stop and do a little preparation each day before you sit down to write.
Understand what your story is about.
Often we sit down and don’t really understand the core of our story. What is that we are trying to write? This can happen to bother plotters and pantsters. No one is immune. Sometimes the core or theme comes out naturally as you write, sometimes you have to fight for it. Either way, knowing it will help your writing and eliminate writers block.
Don’t give up
NaNoWriMo is 30 days long but just because you didn’t meet your quota doesn’t mean that you’re failing and should give up. Instead find a method that works for you. Maybe take a day off writing to plot out your story, figure out what you need to say and how you can say it. Focus on dialogue and you can fill out the exposition later on. I find writing dialogue just makes my writing flow better sometimes.
Take the pressure off
Consider small wins. Put the timer on for 10 minutes and aim for 100 words. Repeat. Reward yourself for writing 500 words. You’d be surprised how quickly those words add up when you stop looking at the big goal. Remember stories are written one word at a time.
I actually got a bout of writers block and wrote this piece. My brain still not awake needed to get into the flow or writing. It’s 5:30am, I’ve gone as far as the bathroom to brush my teeth, then pour a glass of water in the kitchen, before I sat down to write. I’ve got an hour before I have to wake my son up for school. The daily quota needs to be met.
It feels good to have the writing done before the house wakes up and the day’s responsibilities take over. It’s the eat the frog method or do the most important task first. Whichever works best.
Writing and yoga done. Now I can get on with my day.
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