5 techniques to crush writer's block with confidence
Advice from Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird on getting work done.
Hey there, fellow word-wranglers!
Ever feel stuck in creativity quicksand? Trust me, I've been there.
Bestselling fiction and non-fiction author Anne Lamott, bestows decades of writerly wisdom in her book Bird by Bird. Here are 5 game-changing techniques from the book that'll kick writer's block to the curb and help you finish that story.
Why? Because every writer has a unique voice that deserves to be heard.
Ready to transform that blank page into a playground of possibilities? Let's dive in!
Technique #1: Break the story into smaller subproblems.
Okay, confession time. I spent years staring at a blank page, feeling overwhelmed and stuck.
But here's a little trick I use to get unstuck. Instead of trying to figure out the complete story at once, focus on one smaller piece.
For example, tell yourself to write one paragraph of:
Setting description
Character description
Few snippets of dialogue
A rough outline of story beats
Or a dump of all your thoughts for the story in bullet points
By breaking your story into smaller, manageable chunks, you're tricking your brain into thinking, "Hey, I can do this!" And guess what? You can.
What ends up happening is you keep writing, then before you know it, you have your shitty first draft.
Technique #2: Embrace the "Shitty First Draft."
Alright, let's get real. You know that perfect first chapter you've been trying to write for weeks?
Forget it. Seriously.
Here's the secret sauce: every great story starts as a shitty first draft.
Think of it like this: you wouldn't expect to nail a triple axel the first time you step on the ice, right? So why put that pressure on your writing?
So, how do we do this?
1. Start with a rough outline, bullets of scenes, characters, settings, etc.
2. As you write, pay attention to what the story wants to respond to it with curiosity.
If a character decides to zig when you planned for them to zag, follow them!
Is it going to be perfect? Heck no! But that's the beauty of it. You're giving yourself permission to be messy, to explore, to just get the words out. What makes humans unique is our mess, it's where your material comes from.
Remember, you can't edit a blank page. But a shitty first draft? That's gold, my friend. That's where the magic begins.
Technique #3: Let Your Story Develop Like a Polaroid.
Picture this: you've taken a Polaroid (remember those?). At first, it's a blurry mess. But eventually, the image takes shape.
That's your story.
Too often, we try to force our stories into a predetermined mold. Here's the thing: stories are living, breathing things. They need space to grow and evolve.
The goal is to surprise yourself. Because if you're surprised, your readers will be too.
Remember, rewriting isn't failing. It's part of the process.
(And between you and me, it's where the real fun happens!)
Technique #4: Join Forces with a Writing Squad.
Writing doesn't have to be a solo sport.
Think of it like having workout buddies, but for your brain. They'll cheer you on, push you when you need it, and celebrate your wins (no matter how small).
Some ideas for finding your group:
Reach out to writer friends or join online writing communities.
Take a class at your local university (this is what I did).
Check at your local library or adult learning center.
The best part? You'll realize you're not alone in this crazy writing journey.
And trust me, that feeling is priceless.
Technique #5: Find Your First Reader.
Alright, last but not least: you need a first reader.
This is someone you trust to give you honest, constructive feedback.
Why is this so important? Because when you're deep in the writing trenches, it's hard to see the forest for the trees. (Or the plot holes for the paragraphs, if you will.)
This is often a partner or spouse, you'll be more likely to forgive them after they tear apart your manuscript.
Remember, feedback isn't a personal attack. It's a tool to strengthen your story. (And let's be honest, it's way better to hear about issues from one trusted reader than from a sea of Amazon reviews, right?)
Remember, every writer–even the bestsellers–faces moments of doubt and struggle. The key is to keep pushing forward, one word at a time.
You've got this, I promise. And hey, if you ever need a pep talk or have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out. We're all in this together, after all.
Now, go forth and write that masterpiece. The world is waiting for your story!