How to Win Your Fight with Writer’s Block (and Other Obstacles)
“How can I motivate myself to actually write?”
“When will my book actually be done?”
“I’ve been busy lately and haven’t made progress. Should I just give up?”
These are common questions in my author coaching and developmental editing. I’ve noticed they usually appear around the same time: when an author is somewhere in the middle of their first draft, and they feel like they’re sailing alone in the open sea at 2 a.m. (which I’ve actually done, except for the alone part).
So how do you actually keep your sail inflated when the wind feels weak?
I can’t wrestle the breeze to fix this, but several methods will get you there. I’ll share a few.
The Math Method
This isn’t sexy, but it works. I call it the “math method” because it involves backing into your deadline by assigning a set amount of words to draft each week. So if you want your book done in a year, and you want it to be roughly 50,000 words, assign yourself a 1,000 per word weekly quota. That’ll give you two weeks off in theory! (Note: AJ Harper describes this process in her book, Write a Must-Read, which I recommend reading.)
Don’t know how long your book should be? See my past post about the average book lengths for different genres.
A slightly adapted math method involves setting goals to complete one chapter per week (or whatever timeframe/quota works best for you).
Time/Place Method
Some authors prefer to carve out a specific time each day to write. For many, this is early in the morning, before any housemates arise (and make noise!). Many authors will commit to write for 30 minutes each day. If you commit to doing this for just a month to start, it adds up quickly. And if you get in the zone, you may want to write longer!
Just as critical is finding a place where you feel comfortable writing—free of distractions, surrounded by inspiration (face a window or decorate your walls with vision pieces), and comfortable (especially if you’re over 50!).
The Accountability Partner Method
Writing can feel lonely, especially if you’re doing it in a quiet room before the sun comes up. If the bed is just down the hall, your down comforter might be just the siren call you need to abandon your writing plans. With that dynamic at play, many people hire me so they have a witness to the process—and a thought partner to challenge them and help them shape the book as they go. We may collaborate on an outline up front and then a chapter or chunk at a time. (Insider tip: Having a working out line is KEY to staying on track, so if you haven’t already done this, start there!)
Breaking the book into smaller pieces and getting an editor to review it as you go can also prevent as much rework later, which can feel less like you’re sailing in the open sea without navigation.
How to Prepare Yourself for Working with an Author Coach or Editor
If you use this method, mentally/emotionally prepare yourself first.
Sharing your messy, in-progress thoughts with a professional can feel a little like revealing your underwear to a stranger. Choose someone you trust, which means someone who can give direct feedback while still encouraging you in your areas of strength.
If you’re writing a memoir, you also want someone who is comfortable sitting with you through the pain and triumph of telling your story. I’ve had many clients cry with me. But don’t worry, holding that final book brings only happy tears (usually from me too, since this is a major feat to celebrate).
Identify What’s Holding You Back
If you’re still struggling to write, it’s worth exploring why you’re stuck. Here are a couple common “dementors” I see:
Perfectionism and Imposter Syndrome. This goes back to the underwear thing; no one wants to be seen as incompetent. We want others to see us from our best angle. We may even hold onto a manuscript too long because it’s “not ready yet.”
Solution: Understand that an editor is like a car mechanic; they expect to see the messy parts, and they’re trained in how to make them beautiful!)
Energy Drainers. We all have so many “spoons” to use in a day, and let’s face it: Your book is probably not the thing that is screaming to you as loudly as your two-year-old, your Labradoodle, your messy floors, your 401k, your overgrown lawn, or your boss’s emails.
Solution: Refer back to the methods in this chapter, and build boundaries around whichever one you follow.
In closing, I’d like to share a quote from my dear friend and former client Joe Serio, author of Vodka, Hookers, and the Russian Mafia (which you must check out):
“When you’re tempted to procrastinate, keep writing. When fear arises, keep writing. When you think it’s no good, keep writing. As some famous authors said, talking about writing isn’t writing; doing research about your writing isn’t writing, etc. The only thing that is writing is when you sit down and write.”
If you want help with that last part—sitting down and writing—please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’ll be here.
Happy writing,
Jocelyn
