Writer's Block

It’s happened to us all. You know you want to write something but you have absolutely no idea where to begin. Nothing is flowing correctly and your words just cannot seem to make sense. The dreaded writer’s block. It happens to all writers and thankfully there are a plethora of tricks and tips to help get around it.

The most basic solution is to simply write.

Free writing is a technique used where you write following a stream of consciousness. Anything that enters your mind goes down on your paper and it’s actually a tool I use quite often when writing these tips. Sometimes there are too many thoughts going on and throwing them onto paper, no matter how mundane, can clear your mind so you can get to what you wanted to write.

If that doesn’t help, connect with some form of what inspires you to write.

It could be a certain piece of music, another book, or even a movie. Fall back in love with what made your imagination soar and find your inner voice again through what you love.

Another one that seems obvious, put away all distractions.

You may think that having your phone on silent is enough but often even seeing it can be a temptation that can be easily avoided if set aside in another room

If none of these have helped at all, it may be that you’re not experiencing a writer’s block.

You might just be running on empty. Often we push ourselves thinking that if we only persevere we can achieve anything and whereas that’s true, we need to remember that our bodies and creative drives are much like a vehicle; they only work when they’re properly fueled. Sometimes a snack or an invigorating walk around the block can help but creative burnout can be very sneaky and you may just need to take a day to do what makes you happiest. It could be a trip to a zoo or museum, binging your favorite shows with enough junk food to make your kids jealous, or taking a midday nap.

At the end of the day, writing is meant to bring joy and shouldn’t be a task you find tiring or bothersome.

You know your own mind and body better than anyone else and sometimes a writer's block is just it’s way of reminding you to take a break for yourself. Center your mind and get out all that extra energy so when you go back to writing, you’ll be ready to crush any goals you’ve set for yourself.

Write about your personal tricks to getting around burnout and writer’s block. Which ones have worked for you? Which haven’t?