Writer's Block or Necessary Break?

[davitainchina]

In the last couple weeks I've really struggled to write anything or finish editing a WIP. Now, being the analytical girl I am, I am examined and considered every part (that I can see) and am still stuck.

I know life is crazy for me right now with moving across the world, trying to find a job, and basically wondering what in the world I am doing with my life, thus telling me it is more outside my writing that's stopping me...is this writer's block then? Maybe it is the Father's way of telling me to step back and spend time with Him. Any ideas? thoughts? similar experiences?

[wgjones3]

Well, the mind can only process so much, and it sounds like you've got so much going on that a break would do you good.

[lynnmosher]

Taking a break is good...for the body, soul, and spirit! When too many things are going on in our lives, our minds get disjointed. I'm experiencing some of this myself. I've had to take a break and let my writing slide just a bit in order to regroup. Don't worry. Do what your gut tells you and your fingers will soon start tickling those keys again.

[Timber Wolf]

take a break.

It sounds like you have as much going on as I do w/ my moving out of my room the next couple days. If I were to try to write now, well let's just say the end results won't be pretty - and I'm NOT talking about the writing itself.

[Tarin]

I'm a big proponent of just buckling down and working through "writer's block." However, I know from personal experience that sometimes if I try to hammer at a problem for too long with no results, I run my creative juices completely dry. Sometimes the best and only option is to put your WIP aside and take a long break. When you feel your energy and your enthusiasm for the project returning, you'll be amazed how the once-locked doors fly open before you. :)

[righter1]

I've tried both methods... working through writers block and stepping back. Both tend to work, depending on what's going on. Stepping back allows some distance (which, if you're editing, this can be a HUGE blessing.) Trying to work through the block can also be beneficial if you're truly stuck... even if you just get a sentence or two done in a day, it can eventually lead to the dam breaking and you being able to be productive.

However, in reading your posting, you indicated you're moving halfway around the world... sounds like you may just have a bit of stress going on in your life right now. This could definitely lead to a block, though sometimes for me, stressful times are when I'm most productive since it's an outlet for said stress.

If you can't work on your WIP, try journaling--pour your heart and soul into the page re: what's going on in your life, what you're feeling, etc. This can be therapeutic and lead to a quicker resolution to your writers block, in addition to the fact that it keeps you writing. :)

Hope this helps!

[Timber Wolf]

Agreed - I was going to add that even though I suggested you take a break, I didn't mean to stop writing altogether. I agree that you should try to journal.