As an aspiring screenwriter, you may have experienced writer’s block at some point in your writing process. It’s that frustrating feeling of not being able to come up with any new ideas or words to write, no matter how hard you try. Here’s how professional screenwriters overcoming it.
In this video, “How Do I Get Over Writer’s Block?”, Hollywood screenwriter Michael Jamin offers insightful tips on how to overcome writer’s block.
Here are a few things to keep in mind the next time you’re trying to figure out how to get past writer’s block:
Fall Back on the Basics: Michael Jamin mentions that as a professional TV writer, he cannot afford the luxury of having writer’s block. They have to produce TV episodes every week, and they risk getting fired if they don’t meet the deadline. Thus, he advises aspiring writers to fall back on the basics and their understanding of story structure. When you’re struggling to write, try going back to the basics of storytelling and remind yourself of the core elements of your story.
Write Through It: Another tip that Michael Jamin infers is to write through the writer’s block. He mentions that he was working on King of the Hill during the 9/11 attacks, and even though the whole country was mourning, they had to come in the very next day and write comedy. It was their job, and they had to do it even if it felt wrong to make jokes during such a tragic time. Sometimes, it’s important to keep writing even if you don’t feel like it. The more you write, the more likely you are to push through and know how to get over writer’s block.
Just Get Something Out on Paper: Now, this tip comes from another of Michael Jamin’s great videos and podcast episodes: Writer’s Block & Inspiration. What holds many people back when it comes to writer’s block is the fear of getting started. But it’s important to just get started. Just get something down on paper and know that it’s a first draft and that nobody has to read that first draft; it’s just for you. Just getting started will help open the door being able to keep writing.
Learn the Basics So You Can Work Past Writer’s Block
If you’re trying to figure out how to cure writer’s block and want to learn more about screenwriting, story structure, and writing in general, consider taking an online screenwriting course. Michael Jamin offers a great online course for screenwriters on his website that can help you improve your writing. This way, you’ll have the tools you need to work past any writer’s block that comes your way.
