Get Your M.E.A.L. for Writer’s Block
Like many authors, I am often asked, “What helps you to write even when you experience ‘writer’s block’ and simply can’t come up with anything to write? I find that having periods of writer’s block, feeling stuck creativity or even a loss of enthusiasm for our writing projects, is pretty normal and it doesn’t signal failure nor mean you should quit.
Honestly, many people in various industries would admit they have times lacking inspiration or energy for their chosen profession. For instance, a hair stylist, barber, makeup artist, or baker may become bored or disillusioned with current trends and techniques. When this happens, they might take a step back, refresh their skills, invent new techniques, and become the next innovator of a brilliant new concept. Their slump is overcome, their passion is renewed, and their goals regain momentum.
As an author, while you may not necessarily reinvent a new cake decorating device (if you do, kudos!) but there some steps you can take to address your periods of feeling like you are in a writing slump. There is no shortage of advice on this topic; however, I’d like to offer a few suggestions with the use of my handy acronym M.E.A.L. Because I love food and clever mnemonic devices, this one works for me and I hope it works for you.
Mood
Be aware of how your moods affect you (keep a journal or use an app) but also be accepting of how they impact your creativity. For example, if you are sad, angry, or happy, get out your pen and paper and make note of the reasons. Your random doodling can count for something. You may discover that you could use what you have written as material for your writing project. If I don’t have pen and paper nearby, I use the Notes or Voice Memo apps on my phone for my quick musings. In other words, you don’t have to have a perfect life nor sunny days to write ten pages. Some of my best writing has happened during stormy weather.
Environment
My fellow sensory-sensitive folks may especially note the impact your surroundings have on you. When possible, have a dedicated room in your home that is organized and decorated to stimulate all of your senses in a way that refreshes and grounds you. If your home on the other hand is a constant flurry of activity, there is nothing wrong with sitting in a park, at the library, bookstore, or even in your car to commune with your thoughts. It helps to protect your creative environment by scheduling “do not disturb” time in small increments. When it comes to music, I like medium fast paced dance pulse rather than the slower styles that’s meant more for meditation or yoga. The same for fragrance which is why I prefer lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, or sage rather than sleep-inducing florals like lavender.
Adventure
Writing need not feel like a high-pressure drudgery nor a dreaded chore. This experience is what you personally make of it. Think of it this way: At many theme parks, there’s rides to suit all adventure levels from the stomach-churning steep rollercoasters to the easy-breezy slower bumper cars — there’s something for everyone. While writing, you may find there will be ebbs and flows reflecting your content, but you can still enjoy yourself. When you learn to appreciate that your writing project is your personal adventure, you won’t need to force it nor do what others are doing, and you’ll be ok with changing direction and readjusting your vision.
Lighting
While this could be included as part of your environment, lighting has an incredible effect on your flow of thoughts. Seeing clearly is a huge boost to staying motivated to write. I’ve found that writing in the dark, or candlelight, or even on a poorly lit laptop or phone impacted my vision, my comprehension and interrupted my flow of thoughts — it was almost a type of lethargy. During your moments of writing inspiration, you may find it helpful to open your curtains, turn on your lights, sit outdoors, adjust the dimmer on your phone or tablet so that you can be encouraged by your story as you see it gradually unfold rather than squinting or struggling to see how your writing project is shaping and coming to life.
In a future blog, I’ll share a few more tips to help you stay motivated as a writer. Having a periodic block is understandable but rather than interpreting fit as an indication of your failure, view it as an opportunity to evaluate your M.E.A.L. and adjust accordingly. Before you know it, you will be making gradually progress that you can be proud of.
