5 Steps to Get Past Writer's Block When Working on Your Family History

Writer's block is a common problem for writers, and it can be frustrating when it happens.

I know, it happens to me quite frequently, but there are a few things I do to overcome it when I'm writing.

Here are my five tips that can help you too!

1. Take a Break from Writing and do Something else for a While

   This can help clear your mind and give you a fresh perspective when you return to writing.

   Grab a fresh cup of coffee or tea and get away from your desk for a minute. I love to go outside. I live in the Caribbean so the weather is always lovely. Taking just a moment to appreciate your surroundings and be grateful can clear your head and make you feel so refreshed when you sit back at your computer.

    

2. Change your Environment

   Sometimes, simply moving to a different location can help get the creative juices flowing.

   I often take my laptop and head to a coffee shop and work from there.

   There's a popular bookstore near me with a cafe and browsing through the shelves before sitting down to work on my project can be very rewarding. 

3. Try Writing Exercises or Prompts

   These can help get your mind thinking in a new way and can help get you started on a new part of your chapter.

   If you're stuck on a particular section, try googling to get ideas on how to approach the task. I sometimes go to youtube and before long I'll be inspired by an idea I never thought of.

    

4. Talk to Someone about your Writing

   Discussing your ideas with someone else can help you see things from a different perspective and can help generate new ideas.

   You're welcome to reach out to our Facebook group. Perhaps we can help!

    

5. Consider Using a Tool or App to Help with the Writing Process

   There are many tools and apps available that can help you plan, organize, and write your family’s stories.

   Using one of these can make the writing process easier and more efficient.

   I use a Pomodoro tracker to keep me focused. You can learn more about them here. They're only $3.00 and can make all the difference to your success. 

Also, Mel Robbin's strategy of 5,4,3,2,1 is a wonderful resource.

Read more about her unique process in this post.

Why is Writer's Block so Debilitating?

Writer's block can be debilitating because it prevents you from accomplishing your goal. 

Sometimes we feel that our writing is not good enough or that we're more of a researcher than a writer, but that's not the case.

We can learn to be better at whatever we chose to do.

• I know how frustrating writer's block can be when you're stuck at your desk just staring at the computer.
• It's disheartening because it can make the writing process feel like a chore, rather than something enjoyable.
• This leads to feelings of discouragement, causing you to want to give up altogether.

But one of the most detrimental results of writer's block is the fact that there’s an opportunity cost to not moving past these feelings.

Everything is at stake!

Your unique writing perspective and experiences can provide valuable insights that only you have.

You’ve done all the research.

You know how incredible the stories are.

Don't let the debilitating feelings overwhelm you.

Remember your reasons for wanting to document your history in the first place.  

Here are a Few Reasons Why some Family Historians Stop Writing their Family History Altogether

In worst-case scenarios, some writers lose their motivation altogether and feel like it's just too time-consuming or labor-intensive.

• They lose interest, and then time goes by, and before they know it, they never return to finishing the task.
• Don't be that person!
• Make a plan and use all the resources available to help you accomplish this really important goal.

The rewards far outweigh the hurdles! I promise!

Need more help or support?

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