5 Tips to Handle Writer's Block

All writers have experienced writer's block at least once. If you haven’t, please tell me your secret.

Some people believe that writer’s block is just a fancy term for procrastination. However, it can be a serious issue, especially when your income depends on writing.

Sometimes writer’s block is just a lack of ideas, however, at times it can boil down to a writer’s fear of criticism or sense of perfectionism, both of which are common in most writers.

Staring at a blank page with an equally blank expression and an absence of ideas is beyond frustrating. These tips should help you get ideas following and alleviate some of the stress you feel when you’ve hit a road block.

Freewrite

Some writers like to keep a daily notebook. I’m not one of those people. However, I do like to write a “rambling page” every once in a while. Daily stress can scare away your creativity and taking a few minutes to just write nonsense can feel like some much needed creative therapy.

Grab a notebook or a few sheets of paper and just start writing. It doesn’t have to make sense (or even be readable.) Just the act of putting pen to paper and scribbling out whatever is buzzing around inside your head at the moment can clear out the cobwebs and help you sort out ideas and get back into writing.

Listen to Music

Personally, I can’t write in silence. Whether it’s the birds outside, the dogs down the street, or the dishwasher, I easily get distracted by little sounds. Turning on some background music can tune everything else out and help you focus on your writing. Lyrics can be equally distracting, so try something like classical, jazz, or new age. Spotify and Youtube have a ton of playlists to get you started.

Ambient noise is also great to listen to, especially if want to put yourself in the environment you are trying to write about or describe. You can use sites, such as Ambient-Mixer.com and Noisli.com to create your perfect mix of background noise. Some even include mixes inspired by popular TV shows and movies.

Jot down ideas

Whether we are at work, in the shower, or sitting in traffic, ideas pop into our heads at odd times. Keep a notebook or your phone near you and jot down ideas as soon as they reach you. Having a list of ideas can give you something to work with when you sit down to write.

However, don’t try to force yourself to brainstorm when you are struggling to write. Ideas know when you are looking for them and hide on purpose. Great ideas tend to show up when you least expect them and you should also have something to catch them with.

Change your environment

A stagnant environment can drain your creativity. Try taking your notebook or laptop to a park, beach, coffee shop, forest, or where you feel will be most creatively stimulating. By putting yourself in a new space, you can sometimes open yourself up to new ideas. Let your mind wander and see where it goes.

Do something other than writing

“Wait, what?”

Exactly.

If you find yourself faced with a blank page, try stepping away for a while and doing something fun and creatively stimulating. Take a walk, draw, take photos, or play a video game (not for too long, and preferably one that requires creative input, like RPG's.) Anything that is interactive and relieves stress can help you clear your mind and allow ideas to flow naturally.

If you are still struggling to write, check out the links below for some more tips. If your inner critic is getting the better of you and your attempts at writing, check out this blog post.

Happy writing!

Sources and more help:

How to Overcome Writer’s Block: 14 Tricks That Work: https://goinswriter.com/how-to-overcome-writers-block/

Daily Routines: How writers, artists, and other interesting people organize their day: https://dailyroutines.typepad.com/

7 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block: http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/7-ways-to-overcome-writers-block

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