I’ve just closed a Word doc, a summary I was attempting to write for a client who hired me to edit his manuscript—to offer my insights, to guide with suggested changes, to teach by crafting examples. But as I participated in the familiar write-and-delete dance, reality hit: I was stuck.
Writer’s block?
Apparently.
When I find myself blocked, stymied, frustrated, and ready to drop-kick my laptop, I know it’s time to close the document, even when a deadline looms. Taking a break will likely yield more words at a later time than continuing to stare at the screen will yield in the moment.
Although learning certain tricks may help a writer overcome writer’s block, more important perhaps, is learning how to prevent writer’s block. Throughout the ages, writers have suffered from writer’s block, unable to get words to appear on the page—and have offered their hard-earned advice. Some writers extol plotting methods that ensure you sit down at the keyboard with a plan. Others advise finding an accountability partner who will nudge as needed.
My own methods of preventing writer’s block are holistic in nature. Care for your mind, body, and soul. Eat well, sleep well, pray without ceasing. And the words will flow.
Most of the time.
But other times, life impedes.
The doorbell rings, the dog barks, the baby cries. A pandemic strikes, racial unrest continues, wars rage, and headlines distract. We find ourselves wide-eyed at 3 a.m. and bleary-eyed by 9 a.m. With our creativity blocked, our words come to a halt.
Then what?
Then we surrender.
Surrendering isn’t waving the white flag. It isn’t giving up.
It’s giving over.
When we surrender, we hand the project to the One—to the Word—and trust His provision, His timing, and His ways.
Surrendering doesn’t guarantee the words will cooperate or that the deadline will be met.
Instead, surrendering acknowledges our belief in the Sovereign Savior—and in His plan for our words.
Surrendering means we accept the outcome, whatever that may be.
Because we trust the Author of the outcome.
Write. Surrender. Trust.
Words For Writers
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Ginny, my dear, have you been spying on me? lol
Thank you for pointing me back to the true source of our writing- The Word Himself!
So now, I surrender and press on!
You have no idea how much I look forward to your posts. They are so intelligent, thought provoking, and always go to the center of what I’m experiencing.
Thank you.
Your biggest fan
This. This is the post I needed today. Thank you for sharing the problem, the typical solution, and how you translate that to your everyday life. When we are stuck, sometimes we need to look at what is going on inside of us instead of the problem itself.
Thank you.
Yes and amen!
I’ve found myself blocked in by all the enemies looming on the horizon of life. Then after wallowing there for a while, thinking, what’s the point in writing, it’s all over anyway… Jesus cups my chin, lifts my face and says “Look at my eyes Beloved.”
Oh… such Peace.
Write on! Write ON!!! There’s so much to share that must be shared. Give us courage Lord each day to press in and do your will.
Thank you Ginny for your always encouraging words.
Ginny, how beautifully written, as always.
I truly resonate with your statement, “surrendering acknowledges our belief in the Sovereign Savior—and His plan for our words.” Projects and deadlines seem to put me in a tailspin when I really need to pause, pray, and proceed according to His plan, not my own.
Continued blessings, my friend,
Jackie