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SHOW NOTES

Writer’s block affects every writer. In this episode, I talk about unique skill I’ve cultivated that has helped me turn moments of “writer’s block” into the best sources of my creativity.

TRANSCRIPT

Writer’s Block hits every writer. Some can deal with it in a matter of hours, some can overcome it in a matter of days, and others, unfortunately, never beat it.

I don’t personally believe in writer’s block, but there have been times when I’ve been stuck in my books.

This week, I’m going to talk about how I power through the hard times, and a unique skill I’ve cultivated that has helped me turn moments of “writer’s block” into the best sources of my creativity.

***

Hello, and welcome to episode 24.

For my behind the scenes episode this week, I wanted to spend some time talking about how I deal with writer’s block.

I mentioned that I don’t believe in Writer’s Block. I know that sounds a little smug, but here’s my problem with the word “writer’s block”—it’s really just an excuse most of the time.

It’s so easy to say, “I can’t write because I have writer’s block.” And then days and months pass and you have nothing to show for it.

Most authorities in writing treat writer’s block as a major struggle to be won. It’s this huge battle that writer’s face on a regular basis…

I just refuse to believe all of that.

I believe that we as writers have to do a better job of focusing on solutions, not excuses. And writer’s block to me seems like a really convenient excuse. Let me explain.

***

Now, I don’t mean to diminish the struggle that people feel when they’re stuck in their manuscript. All writers get stuck and that’s the truth. I’ve been stuck in my own books many times.

However, I think mindset is really important and goes a long way here.

Despite the fact that I’m stuck, I don’t call it writer’s block.

I’m going to get metaphysical for a minute, but stick with me.

I believe that your subconscious is the source of your creativity. It knows exactly what to write, how to write, and where. My subconscious—or muse—or creative voice as Dean Wesley Smith calls it—is my guiding light. It will help you over every obstacle if you just listen to it.

But most people can’t and won’t do that. Instead, they write from the logical part of their brains, which is actually not a very good idea because this part of the brain is also where the inner critic lives. The writer often undermines what the subconscious originally gives them, because he or she thinks that she ultimately knows better and knows what readers want.

When writers quit, it’s usually because of the inner critic giving up.

I personally believe that abolishing the inner critic is one of the most important things a writer must do to be creative.

When you do that, you’ll actually be able to LISTEN to your subconscious. And that’s how you remain creative.

And when you LISTEN to your subconscious, it will actually tell you what it needs.

It’s not stuck because of writer’s block. It’s stuck because it needs something. I view it as my job to give it what it needs.

***

Let me give you my best example of nurturing my creative voice.

In my novel, Android Deception, I got to a section halfway through the book and got stuck.

I fought against it for a long time, dragging myself to my computer and trying to bang out words, but it didn’t work.

Instead, I listened to myself and let myself drift.

My wife and I visited a local bakery that I had never been to before. That experience was exactly what I needed. It was amazing experience—creative decor, incredible ambience, and lots of interesting people.

While I was there, I remember asking myself, “How would I write this into a novel?”

And I connected it to my novel. When I got home, it turns out that scene gave me the inspiration I needed, and I wrote the bakery into the next chapter. That ended up being the most memorable chapter in the book.

So did I have writer’s block?

No.

I gave my subconscious what it needed, which was a new experience. I leaned into the fact that I didn’t know what to write next. In other words, I let myself drift. I let life happen around me and I was rewarded for it as a result.

I view writer’s block as productive discomfort. Instead of fearing it, I embrace it.

It’s like when your car skids out of control. The natural inclination is to swerve the opposite direction, but that makes it worse. The way to regain control is actually to lean into the direction your car is swerving.

For me, writing is no different.

Now, I’ll admit. Some people might hear this message and think, Cool, I can procrastinate when I get stuck!

I’m not saying that. Drifting and listening to your subconscious sometimes is a matter of having strong will and motivation to return to your manuscript. Otherwise, you’ll never finish.

I don’t let myself drift for very long. Just long enough to let life seep in to my novels. And if you live life to the fullest, keep your eyes open, and pay attention to your surroundings, it won’t take very long.

Anyway, I thought I’d share that secret with you, as it’s gotten me through a fair amount of pain points in my books. I talk more about this in my book, Be a Writing Machine, if you want to hear more about writing process.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish.” John Quincy Adams

 

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