10 Ways to Fix Writer's Block
For the last few weeks, we have been encouraging our writers to become guest bloggers - or create a blog on their own.
Did you know that integrating a blog as part of the marketing mix for your business can be very effective...the ability to share the story about you and your work can be the difference between a browser and a new customer. A blog can create that personal connection with potential customers that sometimes lacks in the online world...but what if you just can't seem to come up with the words for your blog, what if you encounter writer's block?
Don't worry, writer's block, for some, is very common and can easily be addressed using a few very simple methods...below are 10 ways that we have come up with to fix that all to deadly writer's block the next time you are trying to write that story that is locked up inside of you.
1. Get up and just WALK AWAY
Walking away from your computer, tablet, paper, or notebook can provide the break you are looking for. Staying in the same place will only discourage you more so walk away and give yourself a chance to take the necessary mental break. Some find it easier to get all of their errands and chores out of the way before they sit down to write. They say it helps to clear their head - try it.
2. WRITE SOMETHING ELSE
Sometimes writer's block occurs because you just don't enjoy the topic you are writing about so try writing about something else. For example, write about the events of your day, a hobby you enjoy or even just draw some pictures to distract yourself. After this, go back to your original topic with a more refreshed and relaxed mind. You could also try journaling. Many, many writers keep a journal and find that it helps to kick start them back into their writing process.
3. READ SOMETHING ELSE
For God sake, pick up a book. Taking a break from your own 4. MAKE A LIST
it's not a grocery list, but it could even be that.
It's simple. Just write what you know...make a list of everything you know about the topic you, we were going to say trying to write about but decided to be a little more uplifting and say that YOU ARE WRITING about. Creating a list could provide you with new directions and areas to take your storyline. This all and powerful list may also provide you with new topics for the future. You could also add this list or parts of it to a blog that you've started and ask for some help from your followers.
5. RESEARCH AND LEARN - GOOGLE IT
Google it! Do it enough - it'll become a habit.
Go online - do the research to learn more about your topic...this will give you many new ideas and areas to write about.
6. ASK YOURSELF QUESTIONS...AND ANSWER THEM
Ask yourself questions about the topic or your story and then answer them...and answer them as if you were describing it to a child. Write it out if you have to. Sometimes we forget how much we know and forget to inform our audience about what is happening in our story or about the characters.
7. DON'T EDIT...JUST WRITE
Some of us have a tendency to edit as we write. BIG MISTAKE - HUGE! You should allow yourself to write from a stream of consciousness...write whatever comes to mind and continue to write. Another reason why a journal can be helpful - you can just write without worry of who is going to read it.
You can always go back and edit your story later, just get the words down, you can move them around later. Moving forward and making progress is the goal, not whether you misspelled - supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Yes, we had to look it up. Remember, good writing means rewriting.
8. TRY WRITING AT AN UNUSUAL TIME
If you typically write during the afternoon, try writing late at night or early in the morning. If it's usually on the weekend, try it on a weeknight...you might find that this disruption actually becomes a great creative outlet.
9. EXERCISE
Stand up - move around - touch your fingers to your nose. Not only will it give you practice for when you're being pulled over for drunk driving. But it will also get the blood flowing and can help get the creative juices flowing. Exercise not only keeps you healthy, but it can also keep you mentally strong by giving you the needed break to reduce your stress and increase your heart rate.
10. ASK FOR HELP
One of the best ways to get over writer's block is to ask for help from your family, friends or even online community, even us. Reach out to us or fellow artists and ask for new ideas or tips for how they deal with writer's block. Creating a community of support is the core of everyone's success so use those people or groups close to you. It's like stopping to ask for directions. As you know, most men hate to do that - put the pride stick down - get out of the car and just do it.
So tell us - How do you personally deal with writer's block? Share - Let us know so others can benefit from your ideas...besides - writing it all out may just help your own writer's block.
Most importantly - have fun and good luck!
As always - Breaking Rules Publishing continues to accept submissions in all genres from writers around the world. Simply email us at info@breakingrulespublishing.com.
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