Don't forget to 💻 SIGN UP FOR MY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER for FREE exclusives (starting with the first HALF of The Stolen Kingdom + a step-by-step self-publishing guide and template): www.bethanyatazadeh.com/contact
For some reason #6 is something I've always accepted. If I don't like every single book I read, then so do other people. It's logical. I want people to like my stories, of course, but if they don't it really doesn't hurt me. It just wasn't for them. Same thing with criticism. I've come across SO MANY PEOPLE who hate criticism. They just dismiss it as hate when it's anything but. Criticism helps you grow, people! Listen to it, think on it, and see how you can improve your craft. Mistakes are unavoidable, but they are also fixable. Remember, the only people who don't grow are those who think they know everything. Anyway, thank you for the video, Bethany. Always a pleasure to watch.
This came at a perfect time! Been going so slow for me lately, averaging only 3-500 words in a sitting, but now I had my best writing session in a long time and passed 1000 words in a single sitting! Social media truly is something that absolutely kills creativity (and happiness. I feel a lot better after deciding to not go onto socials all the time anymore)
So for me it isn't writers block (it used to be) but instead its the motivation to write. I'm slowly overcoming it and hope to be able to actually complete NaNo this year. One thing I did realize about my writers block is that I'm a perfectionist and always felt my writing was crap, until I watched a video by Alexa Donne on Zero/Fast Drafting and it saved me. Turns out that was what I was doing and the cause of all my self-doubts and perfectionist thoughts. Being able to take a step back and remember that this is just a draft that I can make it better with each edit has actually made me excited for NaNo instead of dreading because I know I'll fail. For me this year is about seeing how far I get, with 50k being a dream goal. But like you said finding the root of your block/lack of motivation is so helpful.
Thanks for posting this, Bethany! I’ve been taking a break from writing too, and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who has to step back every now and then before getting back into it.
The stuff you said about what other people think really spoke to me. That echoed my own thoughts that have consistently destroyed my motivation for writing, and paralysed me. I’ve kept trying to tell myself what you suggested for a while- to only focus on what I enjoy writing and not what other people think, but often I can’t get rid of that nagging voice.
Oh my goodness, it's like you read my mind! Writer's Block sucks a lot! One moment, you've got the right thing to put down, and the next, you're drained of motivations and inspirations. That slowed down my writing process as well as my publication 😭.
When I don’t feel like writing I just commit to going in and reading some of my current work. This gets me interested and always ends with a good writing session. Also consider going nocturnal, there are less distractions at 3am to pull you away.
I kinda wanna cry. Not sure if you'll read this but... thank you. I've been struggling with social media "draining" me--even just talking with friends online... I just... can't seem to? Soo glad it isn't just me trying to find a healthy, solid way to continue on! And I sooo needed this video. Basically, I published my debut novel in 2018 and this year, have tried... twice? Three times? To write the second installment. But during those 3 years I learned SO much about myself and where my heart is in my writing... so going back to this series... has been difficult. I thought I should push through anyway. But I've prayed MOREEEE and talked with my mom... I feel like a failure, but I honestly cannot keep ignoring God. This STILL is not what he wants me to work on. I don't regret publishing book 1 in 2018 (It helped people) but I think instead of a duology, I'll revamp and combine both plots in one novel. Seems crowded but book one had a lot of filler, so it'll be best, in the end. I just feel bad right now, haha. I ALSO am in the process of finalizing edits for my YA fantasy to send to my publisher so I'm trying to focus on the good, haha! Thanks for this! Love you!!!!
You're definitely not alone! So glad this video was helpful for you! And it really is a struggle sometimes, but it sounds like you are having some really awesome breakthroughs yay! So excited for you, keep rocking it and don't worry, we've all hit rough spots but you'll get through it!
Hi Bethany, Ive been having super writers block. I think my root is pretty much a combination of everything that youve mentioned in your video but it originally started when my laptop filled with pages and pages and pages of writing got stolen a while back. I had nothing backed up and was totally discouraged. However, recently Ive started a small business with a website and a blog thats forcing me to get back into writing and pushing through. Ive been looking around for tips and ideas and stumbled on your video. Thank you for the advice Ill be sure to use it! You also mentioned staying off of social media and I just wanted to say that I watched a ted talk the other day speaking about exactly just that. Our minds are so stimulated by all the bits of information we receive on social media platforms that we rarely give it a chance to process our own thoughts and ideas. Hence, when we take a social media break we become more creative because we spend the time actually processing our thoughts. Anyway hope youre doing well in this time! Will definitely be watching more of your videos ☺️
It can be so hard. Sometimes the thoughts are flowing and all you need is the time to write them, then there are days when you have all the time in the world but keep procrastinating/staring at a blank page. I was better at battlling it before I had deadlines, because I would just story jump and write something else. It's harder when you have a story you need to finish. Thanks for the video, it's always nice to know you're not alone :)
Hey Bethany! I love your videos because they always help. I’m a small writer too and I currently have Writer’s Block so thank you for these tips! They really came at the right time!
I'm part of a weekly writing group and that forces me to write. Thanks Bethany for your great videos. I've learned a lot from you. You have a great attitude.
Conflict. This always helps me get over writer's block, writing out a high conflict chapter. A nice good fight. A brawl. An argument. A cat and mouse interplay. Even if your conflict only a benign argument, ripe conflict can get the juices flowing when it's all laid out nicely. A courtroom battle. A police arrest. Relationship breakups. Whatever. And often you find that what caused the writer's block is a lack of conflict in the story. When things get dull, the author's attention goes out the window (and so will your reader's). A clear indicator you need to heat up your story with some good old headbutting between characters.
I love that you link to each book is different. A few years ago, I wrote the first draft for each book in my trilogy. I ended up writing each book at a different time of day. Book one was in the morning. Book 2 was evening/night. Book 3 was late morning/noon/afternoon. I think this is important for people to realize. It was a common piece of advice that was given in my MFA in Film Production, about each project will be different and how you go about it will be different.
I haven't written in a few weeks... I wasn't really thinking I had writer's block, but... yeah introspection time, I have really been putting it off "not having time" (aka not MAKING time, ugh) because of #6! I really needed that. You're absolutely right: not everyone is going to like my story. And that's ok. Thank you!! ❤ Totally making use of your music writing sprint videos again!
I haven't written in a couple of months any of my short poetry. I'm just too overwhelmed with many other things. I haven't written anything longer for a long time. I just do it for "fun" so I don't have any deadlines.
These are great tips. I've found that writers block most commonly sets in, for me, when there's something wrong with the story. Usually, I can't put my finger on what it is, so I take a couple days off and when I come back to it, I can see the missing pieces more clearly. I'll have to try your 5-minute sprints. It is a common practice for homework, especially for people with ADD/ADHD. Also, I think the word you were looking for in the middle of the video is "atrophied".
That’s a very good point, that can definitely play a role in writers block! And lol yep that’s one of the words I put on the bottom of the screen but the main one I was searching for at the time was “deteriorated” 😂
Aww that dog ❤️ This is best channel about writing that i have now found 😇 6 and 7 was best tips ! And you look very real and honest 😍 Its so pain in mind when wanna get right now the book finnished 😭😤😬
A person will use a surprising amount of energy just watching, reading, and trying to understand social media. I always try to write first, then go exhaust myself out on TH-cam. LOL :)
Thanks Bethany these tips have helped me. After your video I realize that I have become stuck in my writing through overwhelm and perfectionism. Going to try 5 minutes and writing in a new spot. 😉
When I get writers block on my novel series I switch gears and write a flash fiction or a short story in a different genre. I have a big list of prompts I like and I just pick one and do a sprint or two until that little story is done, and then I can usually go right back to working on my novel with no problem. :)
I've been waiting for this video for an extremely long time! I'm an amateur author & I struggle like hell with writer's block. Thank you so much!!! (Also, Penny is cuter than the bell)
Those are all great points. Yes, even the one about some people not liking my book ;) XD My writer's block usually comes when I want to write, but the words avoid me lol Like now, I'm behind on my newsletter's short story and I can't figure out the plot for the character I want to feature. I'm going to try your tips. So thanks for posting this
Great tips! I'd say mine fall into 3 general categories: writing attempts, distraction attempts, and reverse psychology, lol. I do words instead of minutes for a daily goal, but same idea (and ends up between 40-70 min anyway). Adjacent arts help me a lot--doodling or brainstorming in color seems to jiggle things loose or calm my vagus nerve or whatever to get things flowing again. Xx Great vid! Your dog matches my cat for this one!
I loved this video and one thing that really frustrates me is when you have those people who swear Writers Block doesn't exist, ugh. I'm like, yes it does, now you can write through it but to just say it doesn't exist is just... Okay, sorry that was not the point lol... This video is very helpful, especially that social media tip because that is a rabbit hole I have to work extra hard not to fall down and it's so hard. Thank you for sharing these! Take care ❤❤
Haha oh yeah it definitely exists, but the confusing part I think comes from how many different reasons or “roots” there are behind it, nobody’s writers block is quite the same. So glad you enjoyed! :)
I hate writing…my job requires me to but I absolutely hate it. Part of it is because it doesn’t come naturally to me and so since it’s a struggle, my mind just shuts down.
Hope things start to look up for you, but just know you’re not alone! My friend Natalie Roberts has a book called Writing Through Depression on Amazon that you might check out if you’re interested!
Life's external events (COVID lockdown, death of a loved one, a divorce, etc) are the worst barriers to writing. I've stopped writing for almost 6 months because of one misfortune after another.
That's an awesome video idea! I'll write it down but have to admit right now I don't know if I have a ton to share on that particular topic, I'm still learning in this area. But the main things I've heard are to give them a character ARC just like the main character, as well as motives/goals, shards of glass, etc (aka make them well-rounded, complex, real people, and not flat). And make them legitimately a threat, but somewhat equal to the hero, otherwise it may come across unrealistic for one side or the other. I guess I had more to say than I thought haha!
Thank you for the feedback! Sometimes I enjoy watching writing videos because they inspire me, and it’s just something I can do that’s fun but also creative, so I love when you make new videos!
Please dont have the cute doggy in the video again because he looks so comfortable and cute that I wanna jump in my bed hahahaah!!! I can just feel his/her comfort on a warm blanket
Haha I wish that were true. I’ve made thousands on books but I still get writers block. The problem is outside factors, such as those I mentioned in the video like grief, perfectionism, fear of others opinions, etc. That’s not to say you can’t break through it, but it’s very real.
Don't forget to 💻 SIGN UP FOR MY AUTHOR NEWSLETTER for FREE exclusives (starting with the first HALF of The Stolen Kingdom + a step-by-step self-publishing guide and template): www.bethanyatazadeh.com/contact
For some reason #6 is something I've always accepted. If I don't like every single book I read, then so do other people. It's logical. I want people to like my stories, of course, but if they don't it really doesn't hurt me. It just wasn't for them.
Same thing with criticism. I've come across SO MANY PEOPLE who hate criticism. They just dismiss it as hate when it's anything but. Criticism helps you grow, people! Listen to it, think on it, and see how you can improve your craft. Mistakes are unavoidable, but they are also fixable.
Remember, the only people who don't grow are those who think they know everything.
Anyway, thank you for the video, Bethany. Always a pleasure to watch.
This came at a perfect time! Been going so slow for me lately, averaging only 3-500 words in a sitting, but now I had my best writing session in a long time and passed 1000 words in a single sitting!
Social media truly is something that absolutely kills creativity (and happiness. I feel a lot better after deciding to not go onto socials all the time anymore)
So for me it isn't writers block (it used to be) but instead its the motivation to write. I'm slowly overcoming it and hope to be able to actually complete NaNo this year. One thing I did realize about my writers block is that I'm a perfectionist and always felt my writing was crap, until I watched a video by Alexa Donne on Zero/Fast Drafting and it saved me. Turns out that was what I was doing and the cause of all my self-doubts and perfectionist thoughts. Being able to take a step back and remember that this is just a draft that I can make it better with each edit has actually made me excited for NaNo instead of dreading because I know I'll fail. For me this year is about seeing how far I get, with 50k being a dream goal. But like you said finding the root of your block/lack of motivation is so helpful.
Yay I’m early! Thanks a lot for the advice. Writer’s block is something that really slows your whole writing process. Found these tips really useful.
Yay I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for posting this, Bethany! I’ve been taking a break from writing too, and it’s nice to know I’m not the only one who has to step back every now and then before getting back into it.
You're definitely not alone! Hope getting back into it has been going well for you!
The stuff you said about what other people think really spoke to me. That echoed my own thoughts that have consistently destroyed my motivation for writing, and paralysed me. I’ve kept trying to tell myself what you suggested for a while- to only focus on what I enjoy writing and not what other people think, but often I can’t get rid of that nagging voice.
So glad it was helpful, we all struggle with this, but keep pushing past it and write what you love!
Oh my goodness, it's like you read my mind! Writer's Block sucks a lot! One moment, you've got the right thing to put down, and the next, you're drained of motivations and inspirations.
That slowed down my writing process as well as my publication 😭.
When I don’t feel like writing I just commit to going in and reading some of my current work. This gets me interested and always ends with a good writing session. Also consider going nocturnal, there are less distractions at 3am to pull you away.
I can definitely speak for the writing at night side of things! my best writing is between 12am-4am haha
I kinda wanna cry.
Not sure if you'll read this but... thank you.
I've been struggling with social media "draining" me--even just talking with friends online... I just... can't seem to? Soo glad it isn't just me trying to find a healthy, solid way to continue on!
And I sooo needed this video. Basically, I published my debut novel in 2018 and this year, have tried... twice? Three times? To write the second installment. But during those 3 years I learned SO much about myself and where my heart is in my writing... so going back to this series... has been difficult. I thought I should push through anyway. But I've prayed MOREEEE and talked with my mom... I feel like a failure, but I honestly cannot keep ignoring God. This STILL is not what he wants me to work on.
I don't regret publishing book 1 in 2018 (It helped people) but I think instead of a duology, I'll revamp and combine both plots in one novel. Seems crowded but book one had a lot of filler, so it'll be best, in the end. I just feel bad right now, haha.
I ALSO am in the process of finalizing edits for my YA fantasy to send to my publisher so I'm trying to focus on the good, haha!
Thanks for this! Love you!!!!
You're definitely not alone! So glad this video was helpful for you! And it really is a struggle sometimes, but it sounds like you are having some really awesome breakthroughs yay! So excited for you, keep rocking it and don't worry, we've all hit rough spots but you'll get through it!
Hi Bethany, Ive been having super writers block. I think my root is pretty much a combination of everything that youve mentioned in your video but it originally started when my laptop filled with pages and pages and pages of writing got stolen a while back. I had nothing backed up and was totally discouraged. However, recently Ive started a small business with a website and a blog thats forcing me to get back into writing and pushing through. Ive been looking around for tips and ideas and stumbled on your video. Thank you for the advice Ill be sure to use it! You also mentioned staying off of social media and I just wanted to say that I watched a ted talk the other day speaking about exactly just that. Our minds are so stimulated by all the bits of information we receive on social media platforms that we rarely give it a chance to process our own thoughts and ideas. Hence, when we take a social media break we become more creative because we spend the time actually processing our thoughts. Anyway hope youre doing well in this time! Will definitely be watching more of your videos ☺️
It can be so hard. Sometimes the thoughts are flowing and all you need is the time to write them, then there are days when you have all the time in the world but keep procrastinating/staring at a blank page. I was better at battlling it before I had deadlines, because I would just story jump and write something else. It's harder when you have a story you need to finish. Thanks for the video, it's always nice to know you're not alone :)
So glad you enjoyed it!
Hey Bethany! I love your videos because they always help. I’m a small writer too and I currently have Writer’s Block so thank you for these tips! They really came at the right time!
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed it!
This was super helpful! Thanks so much for creating this :D
Thank you Bethany!! I needed this inspo today 🥰
Yay! So happy to hear that! I know we’ve both been in writing slumps lately so here’s to getting out of them! 🙌🏻
I'm part of a weekly writing group and that forces me to write. Thanks Bethany for your great videos. I've learned a lot from you. You have a great attitude.
I found that when I write with others I'm more motivated. So, that helps with my writersblock
Conflict. This always helps me get over writer's block, writing out a high conflict chapter. A nice good fight. A brawl. An argument. A cat and mouse interplay. Even if your conflict only a benign argument, ripe conflict can get the juices flowing when it's all laid out nicely. A courtroom battle. A police arrest. Relationship breakups. Whatever. And often you find that what caused the writer's block is a lack of conflict in the story. When things get dull, the author's attention goes out the window (and so will your reader's). A clear indicator you need to heat up your story with some good old headbutting between characters.
That’s a really awesome tip, I love that!
Yes, I love these! The five minute timer tip has been one that has really helped me with my writing. I also love the idea of building up endurance!
Yay! So happy to hear that helps you too, and so glad you liked it!
I love that you link to each book is different. A few years ago, I wrote the first draft for each book in my trilogy. I ended up writing each book at a different time of day. Book one was in the morning. Book 2 was evening/night. Book 3 was late morning/noon/afternoon. I think this is important for people to realize. It was a common piece of advice that was given in my MFA in Film Production, about each project will be different and how you go about it will be different.
That’s a perfect example of how each book is different!
This is so helpful! Thank You for the motivation ❤💫🌷 You're such an inspiration!
I haven't written in a few weeks... I wasn't really thinking I had writer's block, but... yeah introspection time, I have really been putting it off "not having time" (aka not MAKING time, ugh) because of #6!
I really needed that. You're absolutely right: not everyone is going to like my story.
And that's ok.
Thank you!! ❤
Totally making use of your music writing sprint videos again!
We’ve all been there, you’re not alone! So glad you’re getting back to writing, and glad this helped yay!
I haven't written in a couple of months any of my short poetry. I'm just too overwhelmed with many other things. I haven't written anything longer for a long time. I just do it for "fun" so I don't have any deadlines.
These are great tips. I've found that writers block most commonly sets in, for me, when there's something wrong with the story. Usually, I can't put my finger on what it is, so I take a couple days off and when I come back to it, I can see the missing pieces more clearly. I'll have to try your 5-minute sprints. It is a common practice for homework, especially for people with ADD/ADHD. Also, I think the word you were looking for in the middle of the video is "atrophied".
That’s a very good point, that can definitely play a role in writers block! And lol yep that’s one of the words I put on the bottom of the screen but the main one I was searching for at the time was “deteriorated” 😂
@@BethanyAtazadeh haha. I do this all the time! I love that we, as writers, have a large vocabulary until we need it. 😂
Aww that dog ❤️ This is best channel about writing that i have now found 😇 6 and 7 was best tips ! And you look very real and honest 😍 Its so pain in mind when wanna get right now the book finnished 😭😤😬
Definitely is a practice. Definitely.
lol im there now and needed some inspiration to get started !!
This is such a great tip im going to use 5 minute rule. Wow thanks
Great information and inspiration 👏
A person will use a surprising amount of energy just watching, reading, and trying to understand social media. I always try to write first, then go exhaust myself out on TH-cam. LOL :)
This is sooooo helpful
Yay I’m so glad!
Thanks Bethany these tips have helped me. After your video I realize that I have become stuck in my writing through overwhelm and perfectionism. Going to try 5 minutes and writing in a new spot. 😉
Yay! I hope it helps a ton and happy writing! 🙌🏻🎉
Love your videos, they are always so good! 🙌🏻
Aww yay thank you so much!
When I get writers block on my novel series I switch gears and write a flash fiction or a short story in a different genre. I have a big list of prompts I like and I just pick one and do a sprint or two until that little story is done, and then I can usually go right back to working on my novel with no problem. :)
I love that idea, that’s a fantastic tip!
Congratulations on growing your channel!!
Thank you so much!
I've been waiting for this video for an extremely long time! I'm an amateur author & I struggle like hell with writer's block. Thank you so much!!! (Also, Penny is cuter than the bell)
Yay! So glad you enjoyed, and we’ve all been there, you’re not alone!
Those are all great points. Yes, even the one about some people not liking my book ;) XD
My writer's block usually comes when I want to write, but the words avoid me lol Like now, I'm behind on my newsletter's short story and I can't figure out the plot for the character I want to feature. I'm going to try your tips. So thanks for posting this
Great tips! I'd say mine fall into 3 general categories: writing attempts, distraction attempts, and reverse psychology, lol. I do words instead of minutes for a daily goal, but same idea (and ends up between 40-70 min anyway). Adjacent arts help me a lot--doodling or brainstorming in color seems to jiggle things loose or calm my vagus nerve or whatever to get things flowing again. Xx Great vid! Your dog matches my cat for this one!
Haha Penny does think she’s a cat sometimes, so that makes sense! Glad you enjoyed!
I loved this video and one thing that really frustrates me is when you have those people who swear Writers Block doesn't exist, ugh. I'm like, yes it does, now you can write through it but to just say it doesn't exist is just... Okay, sorry that was not the point lol... This video is very helpful, especially that social media tip because that is a rabbit hole I have to work extra hard not to fall down and it's so hard. Thank you for sharing these! Take care ❤❤
Haha oh yeah it definitely exists, but the confusing part I think comes from how many different reasons or “roots” there are behind it, nobody’s writers block is quite the same. So glad you enjoyed! :)
Loved the tips!
Yay I’m so glad!
I hate writing…my job requires me to but I absolutely hate it. Part of it is because it doesn’t come naturally to me and so since it’s a struggle, my mind just shuts down.
Been there especially with depression its really hard
Hope things start to look up for you, but just know you’re not alone! My friend Natalie Roberts has a book called Writing Through Depression on Amazon that you might check out if you’re interested!
Thank you for the tips! My wallpaper says "You're going to get criticized anyway so you may as well do whatever the fuck you want." It's my mantra. :D
Haha nice, that’s such a good reminder honestly!
Life's external events (COVID lockdown, death of a loved one, a divorce, etc) are the worst barriers to writing. I've stopped writing for almost 6 months because of one misfortune after another.
Absolutely agree. And taking care of ourselves and our mental health should always take priority.
I know exactly what this feels like! 😭 One day, you're in a zone, the next, nothing!
Haha yes!
Been there. done that
All throughout the video: The background!:)
I am having writers block as I type this. I should be working on my Novel.
I totally understand, we’ve all been there!
Thanks Bethany! I hope this isn't a stupid question, but how do we make our story be able to be pre-ordered?
When you set it up on a print on demand company, you choose the preorder option!
I've found I have to be like Penny......
Sit...and stay!! Once I make myself start writing or editing, it usually pays off! :)
Haha yes!
Could you one day make a video solely about villains?
That's an awesome video idea! I'll write it down but have to admit right now I don't know if I have a ton to share on that particular topic, I'm still learning in this area. But the main things I've heard are to give them a character ARC just like the main character, as well as motives/goals, shards of glass, etc (aka make them well-rounded, complex, real people, and not flat). And make them legitimately a threat, but somewhat equal to the hero, otherwise it may come across unrealistic for one side or the other. I guess I had more to say than I thought haha!
Thank you for the feedback! Sometimes I enjoy watching writing videos because they inspire me, and it’s just something I can do that’s fun but also creative, so I love when you make new videos!
Don't you think that your 7 tips can be applied to almost any slump? ;)
Lol sure!
Please dont have the cute doggy in the video again because he looks so comfortable and cute that I wanna jump in my bed hahahaah!!! I can just feel his/her comfort on a warm blanket
you have a big house
Editor here. Have you noticed that authors who know they're going to be paid for their work never get writer's block? It's all about motivation.
Haha I wish that were true. I’ve made thousands on books but I still get writers block. The problem is outside factors, such as those I mentioned in the video like grief, perfectionism, fear of others opinions, etc. That’s not to say you can’t break through it, but it’s very real.