Writer’s block might pummel you to the depths of depression. If a journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step, then so does overcoming writer’s block.
A few suggestions to help you get back on track again:
Take A Break
Step back. Paint something. Learn a new hobby. Read a book. Go for a walk or a jog, even if it’s just around the block. Re-arrange your furniture. Do anything that takes your mind off of your writing and focus it on something else. Remember the Big Bang theory episode when Sheldon couldn’t figure out why carbon atoms react the way they do when going through a Byzine Plate thingy? He took up a menial job, and the answer came to him when he least expected it.
I used to live within walking distance from a river, and would spend many an afternoon peacefully day dreaming in the shade. It was a huge source of inspiration and usually shattered writer’s block before it even had the opportunity to kick in properly.
Free-Writing
Free-writing is something I strongly believe in. It’s really simple: Sit down, and put pen to paper or fingertips to keyboard. Now, take a deep breath and just start writing. 10 minutes is a good enough session to devote to free writing/free typing, and it doesn’t matter in the least what you write about; as long as you don’t stop. Just write; without fixing grammar, punctuation, spelling, etc. Just write, without thinking.
When your free writing period is up, feel free to go back and edit. You might be
pleasantly surprised by what you came up with. More often than not, you might not even realize your time’s up and just keep on writing.
Create a mind map
Mind maps got me through most of my high school exams with flying colours. They are just as efficient in dealing with writer’s block. Create your map by drawing a good old fashioned spider diagram on a blank sheet of paper, or download the very sophisticated software available nowadays to get your creative juices flowing.
Simply place your topic in the centre field, and branch out with supporting ideas, key notes, etc. Use images and colours to liven it up a bit.
Writing Prompts
A guilty little pleasure of mine! I’m constantly searching the web for (sometimes silly) little prompts. The best way to go about it is to make your own list, preferably from various sources and sites. Make a conscious decision to complete every single task on your list, or better yet, turn it into a blog challenge that your readers could also partake in. A competition of sorts; to see who can finish the list first.
This is also the perfect opportunity to set your imagination free and challenge yourself to write outside of your niche or style.
Throw the Manual Away
Far away. Break the rules. Who says you have to write in prose form, instead of poetry? Who says a blog post can’t be a question-and-answer session between you and your readers?
Ignore the good advice you sometimes get.
Forget everything I told you right now, and just follow your own instincts!
this article is really very good, what she says will be done, thanks cheryl..