Writing in the Zone: Beating Writer's Block

The phone rings, on the other side is a woman with a major book contract. "They've paid me a nice advance and are expecting a bestseller. As soon as I sit down at my desk, I panic."

On further investigation, she doesn't just panic. She e-mails, surfs the web, talks on the phone--a million little things that won't get chapter one from brain to book form. She's just come down from another big project and admits she's a bit burned out. "I feel like I need to give myself a break and relax by surfing the web."

Enter the writing coach. I ask a few questions to determine what exactly is going on. Does the websurfing help with the burnout? Does she feel renewed after it? "No."

From my perspective, it's critical to come to the writing renewed. My first suggestion is to recharge herself before she sits down to write—a walk in nature, listening to music. She tries working out at Curves before writingand it works.

How about you? Do you ever sit down to write and stare at a blank page? I remember those days, but I can’t say it happens to me anymore. One reason is that I’ve created a writing ritual for myself. I teach this system in my classes and to private clients and it works well for them, too.

One of the great things about this system is that it’s really a framework that you can adapt in myriad ways to make it your own. Here’s how it works:

1. Create Sacred Space: You can’t just come to your muse with a million things on your mind and expect your muse to suddenly deliver the goods. You need to turn off your monkey mind and signal your muse that it’s time to create. Your muse needs a little foreplay. She wants to be courted. Find a way to make this transition from regular life into creativity. I know writers who do this by clearing their desk, lighting a candle, placing a cup of java on their desk or saying an affirmation--you can probably think of dozens more. Try a few and see what works for you.
2. Clarify Your Mission: I teach my students and clients to set a clear intention for every writing project. What would you like to see result from this project in your own life? How would you like your writing to affect readers? How about the broader community? It’s always a great inspiration to read your intention statement before writing and reconnect with your passion around your writing project. Then, think about exactly what you want to accomplish today. Complete a hubpages article on writer’s block? Write the anecdote for chapter two that demonstrates the importance of getting support in your life? Whatever your goal for the day, be as specific as you can.
3. Make the Connection: Most writers feel that when they are writing, they connect with something deeper than themselves, a wellspring of creativity and wellbeing. Perhaps close your eyes and take a minute to acknowledge that abundant source of creativity and to welcome it into your consciousness.
4. Enter the Zone: Time to write. If you’ve done steps one through three, this should be no problem.
5. Give Thanks: Hey, you thank your mom when she bakes you chocolate chip cookies. Take a moment to feel gratitude for the writing when it comes. In my experience, as you acknowledge the flow, you invite more of it.

About week three of the course I teach, writers often start complaining of writer's block. Here's an abbreviated version of an exercise we do in week one that I bring them back to when they need inspiration:

Picture your reader:

Think of one person who really needs your book. What gender are they? Where do they live? Picture them in a room of their house. What are they wearing? Thinking? Where do they work? Do they have kids? What's their biggest problem that your book can solve? How does this problem affect the details of their life? Go deep into the specifics as much as you can. Write down as much of this as you want.

Now picture them after they've read your book. What's changed? does he or she look different, either in dress or facial expression or movements and actions? What's changed about the house or room they're in? Their thoughts? Think about all the details of what's changed. Write down all the details of your reader and his or her life.

When you're thinking of your reader, you know exactly whom you're writing for and it's easier to make the writing a conversational flow. Imagine what your reader asks next. What does your reader want to know? What does the last paragraph cause your reader to want to know now?

If you regularly come back to this exercise whenever you are blocked, you'll feel inspired again to write for your reader.