Freelance Writing and Writer’s Block – What Do You Do with Writer’s Block?

by Kristine

I thought I couldn’t write at all today. But thanks to some chocolates, I’m back in shape. Although a bit sleepy, but I can now type. At least some words are flowing out.

Admit it – sometimes you have that kind of day where you simply sit in front of your laptop or keyboard and type words at more than 60 words per minute. But there are also some days when words simply won’t come out of your head, or your hands, if you are a freelance writer.

But is there really such thing as writer’s block?

Writer’s block is simply when you, as a writer, are not able to produce new works because you can’t seem to think. I know, freelance writing can sometimes get inside your head but sometimes, it just happens.

Although writer’s block is often times linked with procrastination (and I think this is true), there are a number of reasons why freelance writers have this so-called block.

I particularly liked one article from the Freelance Writing Jobs Network about writer’s block and procrastination. The title was catchy, kudos to Deb: ‘Is Writer’s Block an Excuse for Procrastination?’

It’s like me this morning: I was staring to my monitor and I got simply nothing. Nothing. I couldn’t produce anything except a spacebar and an enter. Then some chocolate mallows came in my body..and I was renewed.

I like to think that the words WRITER’S BLOCK is only a better word for PROCRASTINATION because the latter can also mean SLACKING OFF so it’s like a writer’s excuse for not doing anything.

No, Mom, I wasn’t procrastinating…I had writer’s block. Can you pass me the chocolates, please?

Likewise, here are some cool things you can do when you are having a writer’s block. While I do not assure that they really work, (it only works for me) they are still worth a shot, anyway.

Play with your dogs
Play a game
Sleep
Eat chocolates
Treat yourself to a hearty meal

These are my own ways to overcome that so-called writer’s block. But Deb over at FWJ had other tips, like:

Everyone who owns a writing blog talks about writer’s block at one time or another. We all offer the same tips:

Take a walk

Keep an idea notebook

Talk to other writers

Make an outline

Make a list

etc.etc.

Whoop-de-do. I guess I battle my writer’s block differently.

But what made me like this article is the fact that she pointed out real reasons why we have this writer’s block. Everytime you say you have writer’s block, it’s actually something else – and it’s definitely not only because you cannot write.

Here are some of my common reasons when I have that ‘writer’s block’ AKA procrastination.

My bed is calling me.
My dogs are calling me.
My cat is calling me.
My piano is calling me.
My friend is calling me or chatting with me.
I am not in the mood.
I don’t feel well.
I’d rather play.
I’d rather write about something else.
…and a whole lot more reasons.

See? There are so many possible reasons why freelance writers have that ‘writer’s block’ kind of day. Each one of us have our own reasons why we procrasti..err, have a writer’s block. Some days are definitely better than others.

One thing I’ve realized when I have that kind of day is to give in to what I really want to do. I want to play the piano, then I go and play the piano. After about 15 minutes, I am satisfied and I am in a much better mood which lets me write.

Getting yourself in the right mood gives you enough reasons to battle the so-called writer’s block. Never, ever force writing when you can’t. Never write when you are sleepy. Give in to your pleasures, and lift up that writer’s block off your head.

What about you? What do you do with your writer’s block? I’d love to hear from you!