If I knew the one easy answer to this I’d be typing these words on my private island in the Bahamas. I’ve covered how to begin writing by advising you to find the right creative writing group for you, one which provides support and encouragement. However, what happens when Writer’s Block paralyses you when staring at a pristine white page? This phenomenon seems to fall into three categories: 

a)      I’m stuck   – with this poem or prose piece, in which case put it in a drawer and come back to it in a day or two. 

b)      I’m stuck   – with this first draft of my Poetry Collection or novel, in which case put it in a drawer and come back to it in a month or two. 
c)      I’m stuck!!!    – This is the one for which there’s no glib answer. You can forget about writing for a while and concentrate on another hobby, thus relieving the pressure on yourself and letting the fear and brain fog clear. 

 You can do exactly the reverse – establish a daily regime for yourself in which you guarantee to write for a set minimum length of time every day (even just fifteen minutes!) no matter what comes out. This is akin to the Act as If policy of the AA. Act as if you’re producing great writing daily until the wall cracks and you’ve burst through.  

Some find it easier to establish this pattern if the writing is done at the same time, same place every day, i.e. beginning at 9.30am at the dining table. However, this can be hard to do if you work, have a family, generally have a life! but to break through Writer’s Block, it’s the intention which matters, even if you do have to miss a few times. Promise yourself you’ll make them up later.