There are times when a writer doesn't know what to write about, and this can be very frustrating. When this event occurs we call it writer's block. For example, you are in the middle of writing the climax of a novel you've been working on for several months, and you don't know how you would like to write it. Or, perhaps you are writing a poem and don't know what rhyme scheme you would like to use. Even though writer's block can be a brick wall there is a way around it. |
If you have writer's block you need to learn to accept that you are either lacking creative spark at that moment and need to take a break from writing, or, that you are in need of some kind of inspiration. Also, keep telling yourself that writer's block doesn't exist and keep writing. Remember that you are the writer and you can make the story read whatever way you want it to read. Don't hesitate to type whatever comes to your mind. Even if it doesn't make sense. Sometimes letting the information flow out opens doors to other ideas. Never forget that you can go back and re-write anything that you don't like later.
The reality of writer's block is that it doesn't really exist. When a writer becomes exhausted mentally or isn't getting enough sleep, this is when writer's block normally occurs. Some other factors that exist is too much background noise (in which case you can just find a quiet place to write), too much caffeine (yes, coffee and soda can cause writer's block, who knew?), and the occasional unwanted phone call (just turn your phone off when you write if this bothers you). There are some other miscellaneous bugs in a writer's hair that causes writer's block, but just keep in mind that it is easy to fix when you remove the problem from the equation.
In an article from Writer's Digest, written by Chuck Sambuchino, he lists seven things a person can do when they are suffering from the illusionary writer's block.
1. "Step away from what you are writing and do something else that is creative." You could go and paint a picture or create a sculpture. Maybe you could even read another author's book, or test out that new recipe you saw on the Cooking Channel.
2. "Do some free writing." Sometimes it is a good idea to just write plainly for fifteen to twenty minutes. No expectations or need to complete a novel. Just simple writing. Like keeping a journal or typing out an article for a blog.
3. "Move you body." Believe it or not, exercise is a great way to get your mentality back. Now this doesn't need to be excessive working out, but instead a simple walk/drive to a store. Maybe you have some cleaning up around the house that you could do.
4. "Eliminate distractions." Getting rid of all those pesky background noises and people talking your head off is a great start to creating a good writing atmosphere. If there is anything bothering you then simply get rid of the problem altogether.
5. "Write early in the morning." Some writer's are night owls, and wouldn't benefit from this as much, but for those who are early birds, try this out. Don't forget to get a good breakfast before you write too! After all, breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day.
6. "Write while you sleep." This is perfect for those night owls mentioned earlier. Try writing for fifteen to thirty minutes prior to going to bed, and when you sleep try thinking about what you want to write next. Kind of a risque method of obtaining clarity, but the subconscious knows more than you would think.
7. "The glass of water technique." Water has some really good qualities. It helps clear the body of unnecessary waste. Not to mention it helps cool a person down from stress building up. It is also good to drink water just before bed because it keeps your body fresh while it rests. This way you will be roaring to go in the morning.
Writer's block can be a real pain in the butt, but there are plenty of ways to avoid it. If you would like to read Chuck Sambuchino's article, click here.
The reality of writer's block is that it doesn't really exist. When a writer becomes exhausted mentally or isn't getting enough sleep, this is when writer's block normally occurs. Some other factors that exist is too much background noise (in which case you can just find a quiet place to write), too much caffeine (yes, coffee and soda can cause writer's block, who knew?), and the occasional unwanted phone call (just turn your phone off when you write if this bothers you). There are some other miscellaneous bugs in a writer's hair that causes writer's block, but just keep in mind that it is easy to fix when you remove the problem from the equation.
In an article from Writer's Digest, written by Chuck Sambuchino, he lists seven things a person can do when they are suffering from the illusionary writer's block.
1. "Step away from what you are writing and do something else that is creative." You could go and paint a picture or create a sculpture. Maybe you could even read another author's book, or test out that new recipe you saw on the Cooking Channel.
2. "Do some free writing." Sometimes it is a good idea to just write plainly for fifteen to twenty minutes. No expectations or need to complete a novel. Just simple writing. Like keeping a journal or typing out an article for a blog.
3. "Move you body." Believe it or not, exercise is a great way to get your mentality back. Now this doesn't need to be excessive working out, but instead a simple walk/drive to a store. Maybe you have some cleaning up around the house that you could do.
4. "Eliminate distractions." Getting rid of all those pesky background noises and people talking your head off is a great start to creating a good writing atmosphere. If there is anything bothering you then simply get rid of the problem altogether.
5. "Write early in the morning." Some writer's are night owls, and wouldn't benefit from this as much, but for those who are early birds, try this out. Don't forget to get a good breakfast before you write too! After all, breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day.
6. "Write while you sleep." This is perfect for those night owls mentioned earlier. Try writing for fifteen to thirty minutes prior to going to bed, and when you sleep try thinking about what you want to write next. Kind of a risque method of obtaining clarity, but the subconscious knows more than you would think.
7. "The glass of water technique." Water has some really good qualities. It helps clear the body of unnecessary waste. Not to mention it helps cool a person down from stress building up. It is also good to drink water just before bed because it keeps your body fresh while it rests. This way you will be roaring to go in the morning.
Writer's block can be a real pain in the butt, but there are plenty of ways to avoid it. If you would like to read Chuck Sambuchino's article, click here.