Writer’s Block: a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece (Definition provided by: Merriam-Webster.com).
Whether it’s an essay, an article, a blog post, or a creative writing project of your own, we’ve all had to write something at one point or another. And sometimes, it’s hard to get the words out. In other instances, we’re stuck and don’t know how to continue. And then there are times when we don’t even know where to start.
Fear not! Below is a list of suggestions for dealing with the demon that is writer’s block.
1. You don’t have to start at the beginning.
If the first line seems daunting, start somewhere in the middle! In the case of an essay, it’s best to develop your body paragraphs and then compose your thesis based on those findings.
Bonus: For any assigned piece, the earlier you start, the better your final product will be. That way, you leave enough time for revision and proofreading.
2. Talk your ideas out – maybe with a friend!
Sometimes, in order to constellate all the thoughts that are floating in your head, you need to develop them aloud — either to yourself or through talking with someone else. Sharing ideas with a peer has the added benefit of potentially generating new ideas, since your friend could ask you questions you hadn’t considered, which could enrich your writing.
3. Mix it up!
Experiment with different locations to see which would best enable you to get in “the zone.” The ideal workspace is one with minimal distractions. If you work from your bedroom, you can change up the layout and the decor and transform your room into an office that is attractive to you.
Bonus: As you’re experimenting with different workspaces, also keep the time of day in mind. It is best to work at a time of day that ensures maximum productivity. Figure out what time works best for you and try to write mostly during that time so that you can avoid burnout.
4. Don’t edit as you’re writing.
Personally, this is easier said than done. Often, writers are crippled by perfectionist impulses, which stunts the writing process. We can counter this tendency by doing the opposite; that is, jotting down everything that comes to mind, without looking back. “Perfection” is what editing is for!
5. Read, read, read!
Reading up on related literature could serve you well in a number of ways. For one, the practice of reading is at the very least an educational task, meaning that you stand to gain a new insight into a topic or learn something new about it. Reading can also direct your focus toward something more interesting to you, and, stylistically speaking, perusing another writer’s work can influence your own authorial voice.
6. Take breaks!
Seriously, your brain needs it. And sometimes, your best ideas come to you while you’re doing other things, whether you’re in the shower, walking the dog, or while you’re on your daily commute.
You know what to do!
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