Facing Writer's Block

Write Now With VCM Newsletter 2.16.26

FROM THE DESK OF VCM

Writer’s block. Through time, those two words have sent shivers down the spine of writers everywhere. But I have a question, is writer’s block real?

Writer’s block is one of the most talked-about struggles among writers, yet it often means different things to different people. For some, writer’s block feels like the well has run completely dry, no juice left: no ideas, no energy, and what’s worse, no words. For others, it isn’t quite that dramatic. It feels more like a quiet resistance, a force that keeps you from sitting down at your computer because suddenly your calendar is full, your attention is scattered, and everything else feels more urgent than writing.

Personally, I believe writer’s block is often nothing more than procrastination wrapped in fear, the fear of facing that darn blank page. And I say this from personal experience. When we look at writer’s block this way, as simply resistance fueled by doubt, we strip it of its power as a mysterious creative curse and recognize it for what it really is: something human, something manageable, and most importantly, something solvable.

The greatest thing you must know about writing and writer’s block is this: if writing is to become part of your life, if you want to make it a career, waiting for inspiration every day is not an option. You must control your timetable and your rhythm. You must learn to move forward even when inspiration feels absent.

Because the truth is, writers do not wait for the words to come. We show up, and the words learn to find us.

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For Premium Members: Remember, we’re meeting tonight to discuss Point of View. I hope you watched the video and you’re coming with plenty of questions. And, I hope you completed the assignments! The link is the same. See you tonight at 7PM.

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WRITE NOW WRITING WISDOM

When writer’s block shows up, in whatever form it takes, there are several things you can do to break through that wall. What’s interesting about some of these tips is that you’ve heard them before, and that is no coincidence. Breaking through and being consistent in your writing is not about discovering some secret formula; it’s about mastering the same simple disciplines over and over again. So the tools that you use to build a writing habit are often the very same tools that help you move through resistance.

Here are three things you can do to overcome writer’s block:

Lower the stakes. This tip works for everything. Reduce the pressure by giving yourself permission to write badly. What do I always say: Bad Words Matter! Those imperfect words create the momentum you need to break through writing paralysis.

Shrink the task. There are days, even weeks, when your brain simply does not want to sit down and do the big thing you’ve planned. Instead of saying, I’m going to write that chapter, shrink it to something achievable: I’m going to write one bad paragraph, or I’m going to commit to ten minutes. Achieving these smaller objectives reconnects you to your story and reminds your brain that writing is possible.

Change the entry point to your story. Sometimes the block comes from the next scene you’re facing. For whatever reason, it feels larger than life. So change your approach. Instead of writing the full scene, lean into your strengths. Do you write dialogue well? Start there. Want to describe the setting? Do that. Or jump ahead to another scene or chapter entirely. Remember, your novel does not have to be written in order or chronologically. Your novel just has to be written, you can assemble and refine it later.

Remember this: Just show up, the words will follow.

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VCM On the Scene

I have been on tour promoting the paper back release of Harlem Rhapsody. It has been a year since this book first release, but the joy and excitement still feels fresh! Thank you to everyone for coming out to support! Boston and Philly, I’ll see you soon!

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Special Project Coming soon!!! Stay tuned for more details!