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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Pace chapter.

The term “writer’s block” can be scary or frustrating to some writers because it implies that a creative wall has been hit. Meaning that a writer is having a hard time writing something new or even adding to an older piece. And that can be due to mental blocks such as anxiety; fear of not being good enough when compared to other writers or a fear of having nothing new to say. As a writer myself, loosely learning to accept that label, writer’s block is something that I deal with on a daily basis. But, here are some steps that I take to unblock my mind when I have hit a creative stalemate: 

  • The Use of Visual Aids: For a long time I did not think visual aides would be helpful to me, as I am generally not a very visual learner. However, using a whiteboard or a notebook really helped me to get into my own writing. I like to write the attributes of my characters and how they interact. It helps to generate more natural-sounding dialogue and elicits more of an in-character response. Also, writing out research points is great for organizing your plot because even though a story may be fiction there can still be research involved. Especially if it takes place in a different time period or the writer is adapting a different style than they are used to. Visual aids can help you get deeper into the mindset of the story that you are creating.
  • Reading Aloud: Though reading aloud can help with picking up awkwardness in a sentence or even a run-on. It can also help in thinking about where you want your story to go, pinpointing plot holes, or even neglected story arcs. And I would recommend it throughout any point in the writing process.
  • Taking a Break: Certain things that I do when taking a break that can help me to loosen up and get back into a writing mindset are: I like to talk about the storyline with myself and discuss where I see the story going or aspects of it that are confusing. I also love pacing around my room or any space I occupy when writing. It makes me feel less confined to a desk and chair. And lastly, having music on and just singing out tunes can help me get inspired and mentally recharge after a long writing session. 
  • Freewriting: Forcing myself to carve out time where nothing is expected of me other than to write a really below-average first draft. It gets rid of the added pressure of needing something to be perfect right away and manages expectations. Sometimes the way I work when I write is I will jump around in my story, getting every little thought I have out on the paper. I also think a big part of freewriting is trusting yourself. Trust yourself to know your story and characters. And knowing that nothing starts out as great, it takes rounds and rounds of editing. 

Overall, I think that writer’s block is not something to be met with resistance or anger as that can lead to prolonged burnout. But, figuring out what works for your writing and what doesn’t, can take time, and the process can change with every piece you write. But whoever said writing was easy anyway?

Ashley Geiser is the Editor-In-Chief/Co-Campus Correspondent for Her Campus at Pace. She oversees all the writers on the team, manages the overall responsibilities and duties of the editors, and publishes the final copy of all articles on the website. She likes to work one-on-one with the writers, helping them gain confidence in their work and hosting monthly editorial workshops to get everyone familiar with Her Campus guidelines and AP style. Beyond her work with Her Campus at Pace, she works as a tutor at the Writing Center for Pace University and serves as an editor for the University’s student magazine, 'Aphros.' Some of her poetry has appeared in Pace University’s 'Chroma' magazine and placed in the English Department Writing Awards. She is currently a senior studying for her bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature with a concentration in Creative Writing, as well as working towards her master’s degree in Publishing at Pace University. Outside of her academic responsibilities, Ashley usually spends her time reading and writing all forms of poetry. She loves any type of romantic comedy movies, among her favorites are 'Made of Honor' and 'The Wedding Date.' She also enjoys baking; her favorite recipe is a chocolate chip mint cookie of her own design.