I use to chew my finger nails until I was in Grade 5. Then one day I just decided to stop and I did. And I have never chewed my nails again. Do you think this could be like that? That one day I just decide and the problem would go away and never come back?

I have read lots of advice but the ‘just sit there until it comes’ doesn’t work for me. Day after day of blank… What can I do?! I have the ideas in my head but they don’t come out easily. How can I get these things from roaring around in my brain to still on the page?

Wow. There’s very little advice about writing I haven’t read before. But this little gem really hits home. I can see now that when I’m writing fluidly, I’m simply enjoying what I’m saying and not trying to capture some wisp of a thought.

I used to think that when I hit a block it was because I didn’t have anything to say. But really, I have something to say anytime I’m writing. It’s just that what I’m saying may not be what I intended.

This is sort of the equivalent of “I’m Okay, You’re Okay” for writers.

If your emotions are giving you trouble, address those feelings and see how that changes the writing process for you. Stumbled, Tweeted and so on. Thanks for sharing useful and practical tips. :)

Mig

I try to take a break and do something else that I love or find fun. Then, after a set time return to the computer or piece of paper to continue writing. I also use free writing. Instead of getting everything perfect…just write whatever comes to mind on the topic then edit.

I used to journal every morning and unfortunately got out of the habit. I intend to start again (in fact as soon as I hit the Submit button here) because I have found that regular journaling helps keep my creative flow going, even if what I’m thinking/writing about has nothing to do with any of my projects.

Hi S. Dudra, sometimes we need to remind ourselves to enjoy the writing process and stop reaching for an imaginary state.

Thanks for all the excellent thoughts. I hope to come back and guest post again.

“Let’s say I’m working on a book and the words aren’t coming out right. Instead of banging my big head (which my wife loves to poke fun at) against this project, I switch gears and write a blog post about dealing with this frustration (like this post) or a poem about my dog barking which scared the holy ‘you know what’ out of me.”

It’s like you took the words out of my mouth. That’s exactly what I do as well to keep my writing momentum going. Great post! :)

I carry at least one notebook with me when I leave the house, but that doesn’t always solve the problem…