The Blank Page Syndrome or BPS as it is ‘fondly’ called is not an uncommon phenomenon. Whether you are a veteran or a first-time author, it may strike you anytime, catching you unawares! An unavoidable hurdle, writer’s block seems to grow bigger the more we focus on it. We all know we ‘should’ write more in this case, so we do just that. Sit down and stare at our screens. Waiting for inspiration. Something. Anything. Nevertheless, no words appear. The longer we sit there, frustrated about not being able to write, the more likely that we will not write at all.
There are many tips and tricks to overcome the writer’s block yet it’s not a ‘one size fits all’ strategy. Everyone has to find the best option that works for them. Let’s see what some bestselling authors have to say about bust BPS!
1. Keep a ‘Dream' Journal
For anyone who is familiar with Graham Green’s work, it would be difficult to believe that an author who churned out mind-blowing literary works for almost six decades could ever suffer something even remotely close to writer’s block! But that’s exactly what happened to him in his 50s, it kept him from completing and even starting a story. This is when his ‘dream journal’, became his savior. He believed that this ‘special’ type of writing is like catharsis because no one else has access to your dreams, no one can sue you for writing them and no one can question you on the turn of events in a dream story.
The idea is to be transported away from reality, of being catapulted into an illusionary world, where there is no preoccupation and anxiety. Thus, the freedom to just be, to be able to imagine, will eventually lead one to their goal, of writing!
2. ‘Just write’ Strategy
Maya Angelou, the author of “I know why the caged birds sing”, feels that when you are suffering from writer’s block the best option is to force yourself to keep putting pen to paper. Even if you’re dissatisfied with what you produce, “just write”.
She explains,
“What I try to do is write. I may write for two weeks ‘The cat sat on the mat, that is that, not a rat’. And it might just be the most boring and awful stuff. But I try. When I’m writing, I write. And then as if the muse is convinced that I’m serious and says, ‘Okay. Okay. I’ll come.”
3. Break Down or Outline!
“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.”
This was the strategy of the famous witty American writer, Mark Twain. It is understood that anything done in steps is easier to do and the same holds true for writing! If a writing project is outlined beforehand, it is definitely easier to outmanoeuvre that writer’s block because you know exactly where and how you have to go about it.
4. Begin Somewhere. Somehow.
If we start something, we are certain to reach somewhere. Isn’t it? Sometimes the unplanned trip turns out to be the best one! The bestselling American author, H. Jackson Brown Jr., of ‘Life’s Little Instruction Book’ fame says, “Don’t waste time waiting for inspiration. Begin, and inspiration will find you.“
Writing is an immensely creative process and creativity is all about taking initiative. So do just that! Just begin and soon you will reach an end.
5. 'Get Away from Your Desk' Strategy
Most of the time the best way to conquer and cure writer’s block is by clearing your mind. You need to create space for those inspirations. And the best way, according to the Award-winning British writer, Hilary Mantel, author of ‘Wolf Hall’, is “If you get stuck, get away from your desk. Take a walk, take a bath, go to sleep, make a pie, draw, listen to music, meditate, and exercise. Whatever you do, don’t just stick there scowling at the problem. But don’t make telephone calls or go to a party; if you do, other people’s words will pour in where your lost words should be. Open a gap for them, and create a space. Be patient”.
Basically, he suggests that if one is suffering from BPS, they should clear their mind of its routine thoughts so that words can flow into the gaps to create something new.
6. Set Writing Goals
American novelist, R.L., Stine, best known for his children’s horror fiction series, ‘Goosebumps’, is of the opinion that a writer should set daily writing goals and stick to them. Be it adhering to writing for a fixed time period, a set number of words or even scribbling at a pre-decided time of the day, it will help you to follow a routine. Once you get into the groove, the rest is a cakewalk! A writer cannot face a roadblock if he’s already in the middle of a scene, he says.
7. Research Thoroughly
Annette Gordon-Reed, Pulitzer Prize and Mac Arthur Genius Grant winner historian, feels that when words or ideas stop flowing, it might mean that your research is half-baked. She doesn’t muscle through her writer’s block. Rather ponders on the fact whether she has done a complete background check about her topic.
“When I have writer’s block it is because I have not done enough research or I have not thought hard enough about the subject about which I’m writing. That’s a signal for me to go back to the archives or to go back into my thoughts and think through what it is I am supposed to be doing.”
Conclusively, you need to meditate on the reasons for the gag in your creativity. Once a writer unleashes this terrifying mystique, changes can be made in the creative process to get the best results by the most optimum methods.
“The wonderful thing about writing is that there’s always a blank page waiting.
The terrifying thing about writing is that there is always a blank page waiting.”
– J.K. Rowling
Saloni Poddar
Blogger | Soft Skill Trainer | Content Creator
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