Tips To Overcome Writer’s Block That Will Have You Writing Again
I’m a writer. More specifically, I’m a fiction writer. Usually, when I say that people are quick to assume I can just make things up in my head and write them down. They think I never have writer’s block and this is far from the truth. Whatever genre you write, everyone gets writers block. Here are a few tips to get you writing again.
Try Writing Exercises
I have a great book full of writing exercises back when I used to go to Temple University. The book was used for a creative writing class. The professor would randomly assign certain exercises from it. I was nervous at first but it turns out, some of my best writing came from that book. So, now when I’m in a slump I crack open the book. After writing a few exercises my mind is full of new approaches and ideas to get me writing.
Free Write
Remember in Mean Girls when Cady had word vomit? Well, it’s kind of like that but on paper. This strategy is a little bit more lax than writing exercises. When you free write, you can write whatever you want at your own pace. With all the pressure taken away, your brain will start to come up with new ideas in no time.
Give Your Brain A Break
I know writing is your passion and if you’re not writing then you’re slacking. This is completely false. We all need a break every once in a while, even our most powerful, hard-working organ, our brains. It’s like exercising, you can’t work out for an hour straight with no rests. When you take a break from writing, you give your brain a chance to rest up and come up with new ideas.
Write Somewhere Else
If you usually write in your room at your desk , switch it up! You could go to the library, but if that’s too quiet for you how about your local Panera? I went for lunch one day and all I saw were people typing away at their computer.
The connection between writer’s and coffee shops are pretty funny. People think at every Starbucks and Panera Bread there’s going to be somebody with their MacBook typing away for hours, and they’re usually right.
Clean
Step away from your computer and clean! I’m positive that pile of clothes in the corner is super distracting. You could also clean up your workspace. How can anyone get anything done with papers scattered everywhere? I work in an office and I see some desks with stacks of papers and it makes me wonder, is their life as messy as their desk? Does the mess give them inspiration?
As I’m typing this there’s a literal pile of clothes in my laundry basket just staring at me waiting to be folded. It’s really distracting and I’m sure it’s contributing to the writer’s block I’ve been having all week, but I’ll get to it as soon as I finish this article, cross my heart.
Go For A Walk
Think of it this way, you’re killing two birds with one stone. Walking is good for you physically, and you’re giving your brain a chance to relax and eliminate the pressure of thinking of new ideas. You never know what you’ll see on your walk. Maybe you’ll see a man and a woman siting on a bench and there’s your next romance story.
