The act of writing in a notebook is enjoyable.  Embracing the analog, eschewing the digital.  I find the very act of putting pencil (or pen) to page calming and it brightens my day and disposition.  In fact, studies have shown the act of writing on a page to dump dopamine all over your grey noodle.  But what about those days when your words simply won’t flow?

I’m glad you asked!  While I hesitate to call is something so dramatic as “writer’s block” every Notebooker knows the frustration of not being able to think of anything to write.  Maybe no Content List item nor writing prompt is capturing your imagination.  What if nothing is coming out right?  Perhaps there’s some stress or anxiety in your mood that is preventing you from writing, thus preventing you from reaping the calming benefits of some graphite therapy (or ink therapy)!

I have been known to find myself in this exact situation while attempting to write for this humble blog!  Here’s a few things that have been known to work for me:

1. Look back at what you’ve already written  Often, I find that looking back on previous entries will get my writing going.  Sometimes looking back will create new thoughts or insights on an earlier topic.  Other times looking back will create a new idea to write about seemingly out of nowhere.
2. Pen/pencil testing  Trying out a new writing implement (or an old one), seeing how it does on different papers or even just enjoying the act of writing can help loosen my mind up a bit.
3. Handwriting practice  Whether you are learning Spencerian script, Copperplate or simply slowing down and paying attention to how you write, handwriting practice can offer much of the quiet pleasure of writing while taking the pressure of “what to write” off of you.
4. Take a break.  Give up for the time being.  Whether an hour or a day or a week, stepping away for a bit can help you to come back later with renewed fervor.  That said, it’s the hardest for me to do.  I’d like to say it’s because it seems unfair that the thing that relaxes me is causing me stress.  I’d like to say it’s because taking a break isn’t effective.  It is, though.  Unfortunately, the reason taking a break is so hard for me to do is that I am needlessly stubborn at times.
5. Write a letter  This one’s weird but, boy howdy, it works!  I like to keep vintage post cards in the pocket of my notebooks (A5 at least, obviously).  Even if you don’t have stationary on hand just write a letter to someone, then copy it to some stationary later.  Unfortunately, I don’t have many pen-pals I correspond with.  Fortunately, I am exactly the type of person who will send unsolicited post cards to nearly anyone who’s address I have.  This is really fun and I highly recommend it¹!

When you find yourself in the unenviable position of not writing when you want to write, I hope these help.  If they don’t, go have a snack!

1. If you were wondering, I often find vintage postcards at used bookstores but I’m sure the internet will help you out.