By Tammy Karasek @tickledpinktam

Through the years in this writing journey, I’ve read articles on the issue of writer’s block. It’s a thing. It’s not a thing. Well, is it a thing or not? Seems to me since so many folks are writing about it, it’s just gotta be a thing, right?

I believe it is, because from time to time, I’ve caught it. Like a cold virus, this thing has enveloped me into a suffocating paralysis unable to breath because of its squeeze. The more I think about not having any word count done, the more I stress and the tighter the squeeze. I’m not the only writer that has suffered with this due to other writer’s who’ve shared their angst for the lack of ability to sit down and write.

I was determined to figure out the reason for my writer’s block and I noticed several reasons:

• Most of my writer’s block is me blocking the act of writing.
• I haven’t placed a priority on writing and written it in that blank 2024 planner.
• I haven’t given myself deadlines or goals to reach.
• I’ve let things—anything—grab my attention when I should be … “hey look, squirrel”.
• I’ve picked up another virus, not of the health kind, but of I’ll do it tomorrow-

Once I saw what pulled me away from actual writing time, I decided to make a plan of attack. Since I, like most of us, often carry my phone with me wherever I go, I came up with an idea that started to help with that block. I realized that without my normal routine, it became easier to put off until tomorrow that which I should get done today.

Since I sit down daily to my computer in the morning, I now pull out my planner first. That cool new planner I was so excited to use this year … until I skipped a week or two. Without having to add appointments and meet-ups, the planner had remained on the shelf behind the desk. Now, I add to it throughout the day and especially before I leave the office for the day. I leave the planner open and nearby then look over the day’s items to be done, plan for them, and get going.

When I hit a writing block, I look at the planner. I keep a post-it note that moves from day to day of house projects I’d love to get finished but would nag at me so I wouldn’t forget them. That post-it helps to unclutter my mind and allow me to be all in on my writing.

I’ve learned to use my phone to also add those chores or projects I need to remember when I’m away from the planner. Once home, I add those to the appropriate spots in that planner, too.

As an example, the other day I needed to go to the grocery store. It’s been a while and the time had come to go. I barely got out of my neighborhood and a scene erupted like a shaken can of pop when opened. Sure, now that I’m not at my computer, now it comes to me. Ah, but I have my phone with me.

At the next red light, I pulled out my phone, opened voice memos and rattled off the idea for the scene. I can certainly talk faster than write. At the store, it hits again. I rattled off another idea into my phone. Nobody around me knew if I was talking to myself, they’re doing their best to shop and skedaddle out of there themselves. Or talking into their phones as well.

Groceries done, I headed home all pleased with myself that I’ve productively completed two things on my to do list. Groceries and a scene or two for my WIP.

That’s what I’ve been doing of late in order to keep my words flowing. The use of my phone to grab those tasks or scenes has helped with the stress of trying to remember that great idea or item I need to do. Less stress equals more clear brain for writing.

What about you? Are you stuck with a writer’s block now and then—and maybe more often than you’d like?

If you’ve been struggling to write, might I suggest you try something different than your usual writing routine? My idea of the phone is one of the ways I’m trying to change it up for myself.

Maybe you could try writing your ideas/scenes out in longhand sitting in your car in a grocery store parking lot. It’s not quite a coffee shop, but people watching often spurs on ideas to use in your writing piece.

Let’s get to it and chop that ol’ writer’s block!

What about you? Do you have any helpful tips to help us chop away at that block? Do tell.

Tammy Karasek uses humor and wit to bring joy and hope to every aspect in life. Her past, filled with bullying and criticism from family, drives her passion to encourage and inspire others and show them The Reason to smile. She’s gone from down and defeated to living a “Tickled Pink” life as she believes there’s always a giggle wanting to come out!

She’s a writer of Romantic Suspense—with a splash of sass. Her debut book, Launch That Book, released in November 2023. She’s published in a Divine Moments Compilation Book—Cool-inary Moments. Also, she’s a writing team member for The Write Conversation, The Write Editing, Blue Ridge Conference Blog, and more.

Known as The Launch Team Geek, she helps authors launch their books. You’ll also find her as a Virtual Assistant for several best-selling authors, the Social Media Manager for the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, Founding President of ACFW Upstate SC, and Founding President of Word Weavers Upstate SC. Connect with Tammy at https://www.tammykarasek.com.