5 Productive Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block
Have you ever opened up a blank page, unable to think of a single word to write down? You try and you try to think, but nothing comes up. If yes, then you have suffered from the dreaded writer’s block. Unfortunately for you, the writer, this is the worst situation to be in. How can you run out of words and ideas when your livelihood depends on your creative thinking?
Nevertheless, it is not a new thing, and it’s certainly not incurable. After a few hours or days, the block disappears on its own. Or, if you are in a hurry, you can always find a way to get back in the zone by doing certain things. There are many ways to do this, like changing your location, type of writing, or doing something completely different. Either way, it is about teaching yourself to relax and write on cue. You can read about all the possible solutions below.
1. Change of setting
As said previously, if you are stuck in a rut, try changing your location. For example, go for a walk in the nearby park. Maybe going for coffee with friends would be helpful. This will give you a new, fresh perspective on things, and calm down your mind. Moreover, if you have been writing in your study this whole time, you could try doing it in the kitchen or out on the veranda. Try out as many options as possible; one of them is sure to work.
2. Write something else
If you have started writing a novel or a short story, and you got stuck midway through it, then you could try writing something different like poetry or plays for a change. Just drop what you were doing, since there is no progress, and turn your attention to another project. Perhaps this change of tone and style will help get those fresh ideas flowing and allow you to go back to the original project. Also, it could help you get back to it faster. Things like letters, to-do lists, news stories, or a diary entry could be useful, too.
3. Join a writing class
Talking to other people, sharing ideas, and interacting in general, could do your mind a great deal of good. Not only would you get to see and understand some things from their perspective, but you will also get inspired with new stories and beliefs. Joining a writing class is like going to private math or language classes.
You go several times per week, for an hour or two and you get assigned tasks to complete. It is simple and totally normal. Also, being surrounded by all those people will help you realize that writing doesn’t necessarily have to be done alone. And, by seeing all those people write, you will get motivated and inspired to create something amazing.
4. Do anything else that is creative
Is there a better way to fight a creative block than with creativity itself? If you are unable to continue writing your next great story, leave it alone, and try creating something else. For instance, you can paint or draw. Also, you can buy a coloring book and get down to business.
Art has always been a great method of expressing oneself. If you are not into that kind of art, however, you can try making music or designing clothes. Basically, anything creative you can think of would be awesome. The important thing is to continue making new things even if that does not include writing.
5. Have a throwback moment
Going back to your old writing will give you some insight into why you are doing this in the first place. It can remind you that you are a great writer, capable of moving mountains with words. Surely, it’s a nice way to boost your confidence. Moreover, you will see that you didn’t lose your touch after all, once you go through the older stories you’ve written. Going down memory lane is the push you need to continue creating more and more stuff.
Going through a writer’s block is a totally normal thing that could happen to anyone, even some of the greatest writers in the world. So, do not despair. When it happens and for whatever reason, just know that it doesn’t last forever. You will come out victorious in the end, just have patience.
