Today was a bit of a milestone for me – I finished my book. The introduction was, funnily enough, the last thing I wrote. For the past week I’ve been trying to get the words out, attempting to write what I was thinking without sounding contrived. It was a struggle and yes, I fought my way through. This isn’t a new experience for me – whenever I’m writing for a new publication or client, writing about something I really care about, the words get stuck. I know why; my expectations are too high and I’m trying too hard but still, it’s a process I have to work my way through – a process I’m well accustomed to.

I write from home, from this sunny spot to be precise, and for the past ten years I’ve had my fair share of writer’s block. It comes at the most inappropriate times but, when it does appear, I do one (or more) of the following. I :

draw –  always using these pencils for their rich colour and woody scent (nothing else compares). I find drawing quite therapeutic, regardless of the fact that I almost always draw flowers; advanced, aren’t I! If I spend some time creating pictures I find the words follow suit – sometimes.

take photos (hence the paper-wrapped pears above) – capturing images most definitely helps with writer’s block and, if I’m lucky, it inspires fresh stories and new perspectives.

go for a walk – the act of leaving the project and moving my body is productive regardless of creative blockages. Fresh air does wonders as does the opportunity to get out of my head and into my body (I focus all my awareness on my feet hitting the footpath). By stretching out I’m releasing congestion in my body – physical and mental.

complete chores – sometimes hanging the washing on the line is all I need to get back into the right headspace. Household chores don’t require much thought or creativity; I’m using my hands and being both practical and productive. I’m also clearing physical clutter that tends to pile up around me when I’m working – a distraction/annoyance in itself.

drink water – with a squeeze of lemon for added zing, sometimes I can’t find the words simple because my brain is mush. Tea words wonders in the cooler months, too – to warm and induce comfort.

write something else – if I can’t write one thing I can easily find the words for another. This happens a few times a week for me; hence I switch between projects to maintain some rhythm and creative inspiration.

say the sentence – this may sound odd but it’s quite a practical way for me to get the words flowing. I imagine there is someone sitting opposite me (there usually is a little someone but he/she doesn’t offer much constructive criticism) and I just tell them the words. When I turn a story into conversation it’s easy for me to notice if something sounds authentic or trite.

step away, leave it behind, don’t even think about it – instead of wallowing in frustration I close my laptop and literally forget about it for the rest of the day. Perhaps it comes from years of experience but I trust that the words will eventually come and the job will get done (it always does). I go to the beach, catch-up on home life, go out for coffee, do everything but think about the story.