Suffering From Writer’s Block?
Writer’s block is a condition, primarily associated with writing, in which an author loses the ability to produce new work, or experiences a creative slowdown.
So, you’ve decided to write that awesome best-selling novel but three pages in you can’t seem to figure out what to write. Most writers have suffered through this dilemma. Here are some tips that I have used to get pass writer’s block:
Ways To Get Pass Writer’s Block
Schedule your writing. One way I have found to help defeat writer’s block is to train myself to write at the same time each day. When I was a kid my mother told me to do my homework when I got home from school. This practice trained me to repeat the same thing every day until it became habit. I also used this practice when I learned to play the piano. Repetition is a great way to learn and get into the habit of doing a task. Training your mind to be ready to write will help end writer’s block before it can even begin.
A draft isn’t a bad thing. Another method for defeating writer’s block is to remember that a
draft is a good thing. Don’t expect perfection with the first draft. Instead, write all your thoughts down and get it moving. When it’s time to edit and/or re-write you can make it perfect.
Read. A good way to end writer’s block is to read what other’s have written. Find a good book and curl up with it. After you read it, I’m willing to bet the ideas will flow from your mind.
Find another place to write. During the writing of my third book, “Standing Firm”, I discovered this to be a great idea. Changing the places where I wrote often inspired me. Sometimes I would write in my basement; sometimes in the living room; other times I would write outside at a park. I would write in any place that was new to me. This inspired me and kept my ideas flowing. It was so good that I was able to finish the novel in one month.
Try using an outline. During the writing of my first book, “We Come in Peace”, I used an outline. This proved to be a great tool and I never experienced writer’s block with this novel. Instead I always knew where I was going with the novel. When you have that idea for your novel, draw up an outline. Use that outline to write your book and you’ll always know where you want to go.
Take a break. Sometimes writing to much can cause writer’s block. Take a break, go see a movie, watch some television, do something else. For me, I often played the piano or worked on a computer program. This method will free your mind from the pressure of writing that best seller. When you come back to it you will be fully refreshed and ready to go.
Other Ways to End Writer’s Block
Here are some other ways to end writer’s block. I can’t attest to using these myself but they may work for you.
Go for a quick walk
Set a deadline
Write something else (i.e., a short story, a newspaper article, blog post, etc.)
Exercise
Drink some coffee or tea
Do something else you enjoy doing
Writer’s block is something all writers will have to deal with at some point. Don’t fear it, instead find the right tool to help you get pass it. Using several different tools enabled me to move pass that block. What works for me may not work for you.