I think, as writers, we have all experienced that time in our careers when you sit down to write and your mind goes blank. It can be so frustrating, especially if you have been trying to produce new content for days or even weeks. If you suffer the dreaded writer's block for long periods of time, then you could risk losing the motivation to even continue with your novel. If this happens, how are you ever going to reach all of those potential readers? The good news is that I have found a way around this. So. what is the secret solution I have discovered? 

I think of writer's block as something that doesn't exist. I know you may be thinking that if writer's block doesn't exist, why do I suffer from it? The truth is, that there are some days I find it difficult getting my creative juices flowing, I have just found a technique to get unstuck. I have realized that I treat writer's block as an excuse not to write. Can you imagine any other occupation where you were allowed to phone your boss and tell them you couldn't work that day because you had a worker's block? At best you would be laughed at, at worst you would lose your job. No other profession uses such an excuse not to work, why should you, as a writer, get a free pass?

Writer's block is not the lack of ideas but a symptom of a deeper issue. If you can identify what that is, your writer's block will fade into the distance, and you can focus on what really is important, writing. 

There are usually three main reasons you suffer from writer's block.

1. Fear
Fear can be crippling in any situation and prevent you from taking those chances or trying something new. If you feel that you are not good enough, or you are not knowledgeable enough, then this can stop you from fulfilling any dream or goal. You may have the best intentions, but if you can't overcome your deep-rooted fear of failure or worried what others may think, it can stop you in your tracks. 

Solution
I discovered that fear is a legitimate feeling that everyone has. Fear is something that everyone suffers from. But did you know that the body reacts to the symptoms of fear exactly the same way as when a person is feeling excited? Sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, dry throat. The secret is to tell yourself you are excited.' I am excited to begin that new novel', 'I am excited to develop new characters.' This method can be used in any situation. The most important thing to remember though is you have to act fast. In most cases, you only have five seconds to act because if you don't, your brain will take over and start talking you out of any action, because fundamentally, the brain is designed to keep you safe. Try switching that word afraid to excited the next time you are in a fearful situation. 
  
2. Procrastination

Most writers, including myself, are experts at procrastination. After all, writers are creative and sometimes they can use that creativity to their detriment by finding the best excuses on earth why they shouldn't write that day. But again, I have such a simple solution that eliminates excuses and focuses on action. 

Solution
If I were to ask you if you have ever missed a plane when you are taking a vacation, you would probably say no. Think of any time in your life that you had to be somewhere. I am sure you attended that appointment 90% of the time. That is because of two main reasons. Firstly, you told yourself that you 'had to' be there. Using the words HAD TO is vital. When you procrastinate, you are telling your brain that you probably should write that day, and that is where the problem lies. Replace the word 'should' with 'have to' and the change will be remarkable. Secondly, the reasons you are procrastinating is because the consequences are not painful enough. When I say painful, I do not mean literally. Think back to the example of missing the plane, the consequences would be not having a vacation. If you worked for an employer and you kept missing work, the consequences would be losing your job, causing you financial problems. What could the negative consequences be for not completing your writing deadlines? 

3. Distractions
We have all been in that situation where we sit down to write and find ourselves distracted by something. Whether it's a family member, a television program or a funny post on social media. 

Solution
Establish ground rules for yourself and others. Switch your phone off, tell family members that unless it is an emergency, you are not to be disturbed, then ask yourself why being a writer is so important to you. You have to think of writing as a job like any other and during your working hours you are going to be in a quiet place, away from distractions and you are going to write. No excuses. 

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration; the rest of us get up and go to work.” — Stephen King

You can defeat writer's block once and for all. Stand up to it like the mental bully it is and go and write.