If you're anything like me, you can write for ages and ages about planning and characters, but once you actually have to start writing, there's a hundred other things to do!
It's not intentional. You brush your teeth twice, recheck your laundry, your social media (because what if there's something new?), you know the drill. It's hard to stay focused, especially if you write through an online word processor. There are so many tabs open -- and research you still need to do.
I have a few quick tips and tricks for you to try next time you want to write, but feel that writer's block coming on:
1. Find your writing time.
It doesn't matter if it's 10AM or 10PM, find a time where writing is possible and flows easier for you. I write better from 8:30PM to 8:30AM, so that's when the biggest chunk of my novel gets done. When sunlight is coming in, it's harder for me to focus.
You might find that early in the morning works best for you and if it does, that's great! Find your own groove by writing at various times per day and comparing how easy it is.
2. Write terrible things.
I know, you want to write quality work every time you sit down. Unfortunately, beautiful pieces of prose don't usually spring from our fingertips in the first draft. Give yourself permission to write something that isn't great and keep going -- don't delete or rework it until you're done writing.
Everything you write doesn't have to be perfect. And on that note...
3. Turn off your editor's voice.
I'm terrible at this, but it's something that needs to be done. Instead of lamenting over getting a perfect prologue, move on and come back to it later. Get your 2,000 word goal (or 500, 1000, etc) done and over with before you even think about editing it again.
In fact, I'd recommend not reading it until at least the next day so you can look at it as objectively as you can.
4. But I have writer's block!
I've learned from Camp NaNoWriMo this year that writer's block can be overcome.
If you can't move forward, go back. Your character might not cooperate because it's unnatural, which caused your block. Or you might need to think about your surroundings, what your goal is, or add in some introspection.
If you feel like you simply cannot write, then take an hour break. Then come back and start all over again. It doesn't have to be great; any words on the page are better than none and it can be fixed later in the editing stage.
These are simple and obvious tips, but it's necessary to look back at the basics sometimes. We overthink and fluff and fuss, but simplicity can often be best.
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