We hear of the famed "writer's block" all the time. It seems to be assigned a sort of romanticism, something unbearable to the creative process for writers.
Can I just say that they're not special? We all, in some way, have writer's block from time to time. Not everyone can afford to let it run its course. So how does a creative individual work around this type of block? Well, I'm sure that everyone has very different methodology for combatting this issue. Here's mine:
Inspiration boards and reels.
I think I am not alone when I say that most people who work creatively are inspired by the strangest and often minutest of things. In my inspiration reels, I try to emulate that organic creativity--even though this process is pretty meticulous and exactly opposite of that. I tend to take some time to keep current my inspirations, and they vary between video components, music, and images. I have some reels that are very specific to tone, mood, color, or emotion. I intermingle things of overt and obvious inspiration, and things that need a bit more thinking and that are a bit more unclear; what I like about doing this is that months later if I revisit a reel, there's something new and refreshing about the content I originally included. So on those days where nothing seems to work, I'll throw on my headphones, sip my coffee, and go down a 7 minute rabbit hole reel of inspiration, specifically curated for me by me. It always leaves me feeling refreshed and better off than before.
Tip: Try looking at archival videos for some bizarre and often overlooked and forgotten content to derive inspiration from.
Take a walk.
No, it's not a time waster and yes, it's good for you. Not only is going for a walk good for your brain, it's also good for your circulation. And who knows? Maybe that kink in your neck that you weren't paying mind to is what your subconscious has been manifesting into clouted thought and inability to work. I work and live in the Netherlands, and in times of deep "writer's block" I will take my bike into the countryside and go on a walk along the fields--it's quite nice, and I like to think of specifics, like Wheatfields with Crows by Vincent Van Gogh. It's nice to reattach some sort of artistic interpretation onto your surroundings that's already been established and be in that moment, knowing someone somewhere was inspired by the very same environment.
Tip: Find some artwork, and reanalyze it by the parameters of your surroundings. Heck, it can be a still life painting but knowing that someone was inspired by fruit is a very powerful thing.
Try a different medium.
This one is my favorite way to revisit productivity. This is mostly a last ditch attempt because it does involve a little more time than my other methods. I will try to do something in which I have no skill in. And I give it a real effort, I don't make a half-hearted attempt. By trying something in a medium I'm not familiar with, I'm reminded that I do have a crafted practice and gift (in some ways), and I should really refocus my attempts and move forth with what I'm good at. Trust me. You might wind up inadvertently finding out that you are really good at something entirely different, or you might feel reassured in what you know how to do.
Tip: Do something radically different. My biggest failing in this was attempting to wire a lantern. I am not an electrician.
I hope this helps anyone who is having a form of "writer's block." I know it's incredibly difficult to keep the creative juices flowing, but with practice and being kind to yourself, you can be sure in getting over any and all pitfalls.
Regards,
Alisa