Overcoming Writer’s Block in Poetry: Strategies and Motivations

If you're someone who has been writing poems for a while now but suddenly find yourself struggling to complete them, you're not alone. Many poets face this common challenge. Whether it's a loss of interest, a lack of inspiration, or simply a dip in motivation, there are several steps you can take to reignite your passion and creativity in your poetry.

Lack of Inspiration

Clearly, it is not for want of words - or so I presume! It could be a lack of inspiration. Poems are often written as a result of being touched by a muse or being inspired by something around you. Try being in places or doing things that have inspired you before. Maybe a walk in nature, listening to music, or visiting an art gallery can spark something within you.

Lack of Motivation

Alternatively, it could be a lack of motivation. You may feel that you are not qualified to write poems or that your poems are not original enough. If this is the case, remind yourself that you are writing poetry for yourself. That's a matter of fact. Anyone can be a poet. The key is to shift your mindset and focus on the joy of the writing process rather than the outcome.

The Writer's Existential Crisis

Often, we start with great enthusiasm, fueled by the feeling that 'I am a poet too!' But as we progress and write a handful of poems, we start questioning ourselves, which can lead to a writer's existential crisis. Tell yourself clearly that there is no need for such doubts. Are poets made or born? There are people with innate talents for writing who catch the craft quickly, but they are only a few. The majority reach their position through hard work. Write, improve, and rewrite. This cycle is the essence of poetry development. Once you realize this, there is nothing that will stop you from completing your poems!

Choosing a Subject

Before writing a poem, you must first know what you want to write about. Love, death, hate, war, the rose in the garden - these are just a few suggestions. Poetry, to be considered art, must instill a feeling in the reader. If they love it or hate it, it's art. If it's just okay, it's just words. The key is to find a subject that resonates with you and your unique perspective.

Fighting Writer's Block

Instead of focusing on the reasons why you can't write your poetry, focus on just writing whatever comes to mind! Nothing is achieved by dwelling on the negative. Many of us writers are often in that same empty space, but it's more about what you do with the time you spend there. Negative thoughts lead to inactivity of the mind, which often results in depression. It seems to me that you're trying too hard rather than just letting go and allowing your thoughts and, hence, your mind, to wander.

Think positively about what could inspire you in your midst. There's no excuse for not finding something to write a poem about, especially when you have so much time on your hands to spare. Perhaps you once used to write in a particular genre and have now lost all sense of inspiration within this sphere. Maybe it's time for a change of style and you should explore some new avenues. Creativity needs to emerge from within yourself because, in that sense, nobody else can do this for you. Time and time again, when I encounter such questions, it seems to me that so many people lack the inspiration to be more creative or struggle to find that inspiration from within themselves.

Personal Experience: A Journey to Becoming a Poet

I've noticed questions like yours within the Quora community. Why do so many people struggle to find inspiration to be more creative? I often question the motives behind their questions because, to my mind, they should deal with it themselves without having to ask others for help. This may seem harsh, but the truth can often hurt or come as a shock. I rely on myself to get me out of situations such as the one you're describing.

Whether it's about being a real poet or a writer, first, you need to believe in your own talents and recognize them. Naturally, this came from a lack of confidence in my own abilities and an inability to recognize them sooner. It took me 29 years to bring my latent talents to the fore. Admittedly, it was quite by chance.

The main lesson here is that I didn't give in! Through perseverance and hard work, I became a talented poet and writer of fantasy stories. I'm primarily self-taught in most everything I undertake, which I am proud of. Don't just sit back on your laurels and hope that someone else will fix things for you. Instead, think positively about what you wish to convey in your poetry and just get on with it!