What is writer’s block?
Writer’s block describes the experience felt by an author when they are unable to put words onto paper. It’s a creative brick wall that can affect anyone, from novelists to composers. Writer’s block can last a number of minutes, weeks, or even years.
Throughout history, writer's block has been documented as a persistent problem. The expression was originally coined by American psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler in the 1940s and has since become a well-known affliction. People dealing with writer’s block feel stuck, and cannot move forward or write anything new.
There are a multitude of factors that can contribute to this creative slump, but the first step is to figure out the root of the problem. Is it due to a lack of inspiration, mounting pressure, or simply that you feel tired and rundown?
So, the question remains: how do you get over writer’s block? Overcoming writer’s block is a highly subjective process and depends on the individual. However, there are a few tips and tricks to help you conquer this unwelcome phenomenon and get the creative juices flowing once again.
Surrounding yourself in the right environment can be crucial to your productivity. A light, illuminating space will help to boost your creativity and bring a sense of peace and calm. Here at Pod Space, we worked alongside professional authors to create the perfect retreats to relieve writer’s block.
Assisting a successful North London novelist, we replaced a disused shed at the bottom of the garden with a peaceful and creative space. Together, we came up with a design large enough to accommodate a sizeable writing desk without impacting the rest of the area.
The bespoke pod enhanced the space at the end of the garden, without completely overpowering it. A peaceful haven, the pod is independent enough to focus on writing while remaining close enough to be a part of family life.
Based on the style of our popular Glide Pod, we created an idyllic retreat that beautifully showcases the stunning natural views of Devon’s coastline. The Glide Pod offers a clean, modern design with the option of a contemporary sliding louvered screen to create a tranquil workspace that will capture the imagination and encourage you to put that pen to paper.
Adding some of your own personal touches to your garden pod can also help create a positive writing environment. What makes you feel calm and inspired? Is it candles? A certain scent? Or the pictures you use to decorate your wall?
A simple act like decluttering your workspace and adding fresh flowers can work wonders. If you’re constantly feeling restless, a standing desk could help to make you feel more awake and less likely to zone out.
Dedicating an allotted time each day to purely focus on writing can be a great way of getting back into the swing of what you love. Procrastination can be all too easy. Whether it’s mindlessly scrolling through social media, habitually checking emails, or doing a spot of tidying, we can all be susceptible to these everyday distractions. The Pomodoro Technique can be a good solution for this. It works on the basis that people are most productive in 25-minute blocks. Set the timer on your phone, and don't let yourself be interrupted for the full 25 minutes. Social writing The solitude of writing is often a cause of anxiety, which can be one of the key contributors to writer’s block. Social writing involves working in a shared space with other people, allowing you to discuss your thoughts and make the overall process feel more interesting. It’s also a great way to encourage the sharing of ideas, and help inspire new ones. Our Home Pod provides an open-plan space, perfect for interacting with people and the outdoors. Combining work with leisure, this interactive experience can be a winner in overcoming writer’s block.
If you find you’ve been staring at a blank screen for several hours, it might be time to take a break and mentally reset. Going for a walk and getting some fresh air can be a good way to relax and de-stress. The outdoors can give you the chance to daydream and ease your mind.
You can even keep it closer to home by simply stepping out of your pod and spending some time in the garden. Even if it’s just for five minutes, physically moving away from your desk can help with mental stimulus.
Your first draft is not going to be perfect, and that’s OK. Blocks often occur because writers put too much pressure on themselves to get it absolutely right the first time around. Remember, you can always come back and refine the writing later!
Listing your favourite books and authors can really help get you feeling inspired. What is it you like about them? Read a chapter or two and remind yourself of what you look for in a book, and then try and implement that into your own writing.
Reading something you enjoy can also relax your mind, giving you a much-needed break from whatever it is you’ve been concentrating on for so long. Once you come back to your own writing, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to go.
For a lot of us, music evokes emotion. Using music as a writing inspiration is a great way to help you put your thoughts onto a page, and better connect with your writing. It can also work towards creating a calm space, that’ll help you feel more relaxed and better able to get in the zone.
However, some songs can be distracting, so it’s essential you pick the right type of music that’ll help and not hinder. It can also be a good idea to sit and listen to the song first, absorbing the music and using it as a time for reflection.
Garden pods that help overcome writer’s block
How you use your garden pod can be instrumental in breaking through writer’s block, providing you with a creative sanctuary where your writing can flourish. Choosing decor that soothes you, music that inspires you, and lighting that stimulates you can all help your productive outlet. Sometimes it’s as simple as taking a step back and enjoying your surroundings. Whatever your taste, our pods can be tailored to suit your style and give you the space you need for your creativity to thrive. From the contemporary Eco Pod to the compact Neo Pod, our range of designs can give you the writing space you’re searching for.
.svg)
