Most often when I talk to people who wish to write, but seem to not be able to do so, the block they experience is because of executive dysfunction.
Executive dysfunction is characterized by challenges with planning, prioritizing, decision-making, problem-solving, organization and emotional regulation. All of those things are needed for writing. Common scenario for someone experiencing executive dysfunction is struggling to motivate oneself enough to start and finish tasks, even if they are interested in doing so.
That explains why, despite wanting to write, some people find it incredibly hard to actually do so.
In this post I wish to share some tips and tricks for managing writing with executive dysfunction. They will not heal the problem, but can help a bunch. I've tried them all on myself as well.
1. SMALL STEPS METHOD
Break the process of writing into small steps. And I mean that very literally. Let me present you how this technique works in practice:
Let's imagine you have a folder for your writing on your notebook, and in the folder there's a word document with your current project. You believe you'll feel comfortable writing on your bed.
In this case, the small steps you should take are:
1) put the notebook on your bed. Just put it there, that's all. It's the first small step you're taking
2) open the notebook and turn it on. Again, a very small step
3) open the document with your current project
4) go to the spot where you finished writing the last time, click your mouse there, ready to write
5) write three sentences
6) write a paragraph
You can stop at any point, as well as keep going further. By breaking the task into those tiny steps writing won't be as overwhelming and paralyzing.
2. WRITING WHATEVER
You don't have to write chronologically, you don't have to write the same unfinished story, you don't have to write in a breathtaking manner. You don't have to do any of those things. Instead, you can:
→ write whatever part of the story you feel like writing
→ write random scenes / random conversation pieces
→ start a new story
→ write a short comedic story
You're not in school, and nobody is judging you here if you aren't doing it yourself. Realize you're not being watched, and you can allow yourself imperfection and messiness, because YOU choose what you share and what you don't share.
3. FREEWRITING
Freewriting is simply writing down all your thoughts without stopping and without regard for spelling, grammar, or any other writing rules. You don't have to "make sense", just write down what's going on inside your mind and body, and that's good enough.
You can also make your way into journaling.
4. CO-WRITING
Often when I feel blocked I find it's much easier to write with someone else. You can start by just chatting with your friend about your ideas and characters, or you can just start co-writing without any prediscussion at all. A part written by them, a part written by you, and it's flowing. The presence of another person is extra motivating, plus it's less overwhelming when everything is not just on your shoulders to carry.
5. WRITING DATES
Most of the time I'm unable to write at home. Why? Well, because there's always something to do at home - washing the dishes, cleaning, cooking. And if you have free time, you feel obligated to spend it with friends / partners / family. And if not, then you find hundreds of other things which are "more important" or "more productive" to do instead of writing.
I know it well. Solution? Get out of the house with the intention to write. Go to a café on a writing date, or to the park, or to the beach. Wherever you can go to get away from responsibilities.
5. ARTIST'S WAY & RIGHT TO WRITE
I can't compliment Julia Cameron enough. Her book "Artist's Way" has a separate post on our blog already, but I have to mention it again. It's a book full of insights and excersizes for artists who are struggling to create. You can make it your own creative therapy.
"The right to write" is another book of hers which I discovered recently and fell in love with it right away. I mean, it's a book focused on writers and getting us unblocked & writing, what else to ask for? Again, she invites us to complete a bunch of excersizes which are easy and not overwhelming at all, and just reading her pages fills you with love and creativity. I strongly recommend it.
Both of those books can be found in PDF for free, so if you can't afford them, that's the way to go.
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