A moon drawing

Luna's Gaming Log

A messy sketch.

Hello writer’s block

·

Posted in

·

2 minutes read time

·

13 comments

I guess everyone with a blog faces a writer’s block at some point and now it is my turn?

I’ve been finding it difficult to sit down and write in the last month.

At first, I thought it was simply due to the fact that I’ve been dedicating more time to actually playing games, after being busy with my house move and renovation during several months. Then it turned into feeling unable to put my thoughts on paper, even when I have ideas I would like to work on.

On days where I’m feeling the block weighing me down the most, I can’t avoid comparing my writing to other people’s. Why can’t I elaborate on my thoughts better? Why do I use so many fluff words, can’t I be more direct? That’s usually how the spiral starts, until I remind myself I’m still learning and that I don’t owe anyone for my writing to be any different, anyway.

The truth is that just like with most of those sort of things, this writer’s block isn’t happening in isolation. I’ve been having a hard time at work, and the main culprit is that a culture shift I’ve been feeling there for a couple of years is getting worse now. Some days it feels as if I’m walking in mud at my job. Which sucks, because I do like my job.

I’ve thought about it and even though I don’t want to force my way through this writer’s block, I do want to keep writing. Even if I won’t feel so happy with the final result every time. And for those ideas that require more work to get my thoughts to come through and make sense in writing, I’ll just keep them on the back burner a bit longer.

I actually have a review scheduled for tomorrow that I’m quite happy with.

(If you’re reading this and experienced a writer’s block at some point, do you have any advice?)

Thank you for reading,

-Luna

4

·

13 comments

13 responses

  1. Chris Avatar
    Chris

    Wow, that’s remarkably relatable. I’ve had the toughest work month in a long time and have felt a steady shift there over the last 18ish months that makes me count down the minutes until a shift ends moments after clocking in.

    And I’ve also had a creative block since early in the month.

    Reply
    1. Luna Avatar
      Luna

      I’m sorry about that, Chris. I hate that work has such an influence on other areas of my life but it is what it is I guess. There’s a limit to compartmentalizing.

      Reply
  2. Joe Avatar
    Joe

    This has been me so much lately — especially for the last month too. Even now, I’m just hitting a few walls when it comes to my work. I have a lot of other things I’m working on on the side, as well as personal stuff that takes time away. But, content for The Saved Game has definitely slid a bit lately.

    For me, I suppose that changing around my schedule has helped some, where I don’t force myself to write something if I know the quality isn’t going to be up to my standard. Though, it’s certainly a balance with my perfectionism side that pops into my mind quite a bit.

    Learning new things is also important to me, and helps a lot with generating new ideas in my mind!

    I hope you’ll be able to jump back into it when you’re able to! Your ideas always translate into wonderful articles and posts

    Reply
    1. Luna Avatar
      Luna

      Thanks for the kind words, Joe, and for sharing your experience! And it’s definitely a fine balance between being perfectionist and following our personal standards, I relate to that a lot.

      Reply
  3. Oya Avatar
    Oya

    Writer’s block sucks, because how on earth am I able to write so much one month and almost nothing the next? As you said, work is a big factor and even when we enjoy the work, it can be draining. And I really relate to your point about comparing my writing to others. I try not to do it, but sometimes I can’t help my thoughts haha

    Personally, when I get a writer’s block, I try to at least write the most basic stuff down. I don’t even write complete sentences, just bullet points of whatever comes to mind. I just need to get them out of my system. Sometimes, this helps me get in the mood for writing. If not, I make those into full sentences and paragraphs when I feel like writing properly later.

    Glad to hear that you were able to jump back into writing a review though! ❤️

    Reply
    1. Luna Avatar
      Luna

      Thank you for sharing your experience. I like the idea of writing those bullet points, I would like to try that! Sometimes I write down my ideas but not the context so I have no idea why I put something down later on lol.

      Reply
  4. Peter Monks Avatar
    Peter Monks

    Sometimes I can get over not writing by helping others write their posts. I occasionally provide my words for collaborative posts – like a post around a particular theme. They provide me the topic, set a word limit – like 150-200 words – and those constraints are enough of a jump start to get me thinking. It usually doesn’t take me long when I set my mind to it. And though I don’t usually impose deadlines on myself, having a set time the main author expects it forces me to give it some thought, just so I don’t let them down.

    These things happen, and they suck when they do, but they also pass in time as well.

    Reply
    1. Luna Avatar
      Luna

      Really clever way of fighting the block! These types of constraints really help, since it’s a short format and there’s a deadline.

      Agree with you, it will pass, sometimes you just gotta be patient.

      Reply
  5. CtrlAltNoob Avatar
    CtrlAltNoob

    I have been here for a while with a lot going on but I feel so close to having the space to make a good effort to beat the block. Reading your post is super encouraging that you are going to continue through it. It makes me also want to type some words and see what happens. Even if they aren’t the best, they are better than the block building up into a bigger wall.

    For practical advice, what has helped me in the past is writing from different locations. Setting aside some time and going to a cafe or library with my laptop, headphones, a topic and nothing else to do has been some of my favourite writing experiences. I highly recommend if you have the means!

    Reply
    1. Luna Avatar
      Luna

      I’m glad to hear that you’re feeling encouraged to try out writing again. The first step after a break is always the hardest. But, baby steps! By the way if you ever need someone to bounce off ideas, feel free to DM me on Discord!

      And thank you so much for the tip! I used to try out different locations (more for my regular WFH job than for the blog) but I haven’t done so in months, ever since I moved houses. I should definitely try that!

      Reply
      1. CtrlAltNoob Avatar
        CtrlAltNoob

        Baby steps indeed! Aw thank you I certainly will if I come up with any ideas. I am at the stage currently of a few year+ old, started but unfinished posts and I am going to have to go through and consider which ones I may still have the words for after all of this time

        Ohh love that for WFH too, I hope you find some more great places 😀

  6. Calvin Avatar
    Calvin

    Yep, yep, yep. I relate to this so hard.

    Just yesterday I hit a crisis and thought I may never write again. Writer’s block is so dramatic — always so happy to see it leave.

    Reply
    1. Luna Avatar
      Luna

      Absolutely! I do hope the crisis was averted now. 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Share this post

Back to top