Image taken from Google Images
Writer’s block is the dreaded arch nemesis that plagues most creative writers at some point in their careers. It a condition that causes frustration as the writer feels incapable of generating appropriate ideas to include in his writing, or he simply cannot convert his ideas into written word. About.com features an article by Ginny Wiehardt entitled Top Ten Tips for Beating Your Writers Block. These are her suggestions:
- Implement a writing schedule – Set aside a daily time to write and stick to it whether or not “good” ideas are coming to you.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself – “Turn the critical brain off.” Being too critical of yourself will further hinder your creativity.
- Think of writing as a regular job and less of an art - It is easier to allow yourself to write if you think of it as physical work; put letters and words together on the page.
- Take some time off if you’ve finished a project - Give your mind a chance to rest. Let new ideas formulate and gather more life experiences.
- Set deadlines and keep them - Pretend you have to have your piece in by a certain time. It adds motivation. If you can’t do this on your own, join a writer’s workshop class or find a person to exchange work with,
- Examine deep-seated issues behind your writer’s block - Freewrite about your anxiety and try to figure out exactly what is hindering you. Read books on the subject or even opt to see a counselor.
- Work on more than one project at a time - If you have options on what to work on, you are less likely to get bored and more likely to have ideas for at least one of your projects.
- Try writing exercises - You can find a number of exercises online that may be able to spark your creative flare.
- Re-consider your writing space - Perhaps you need a writing space that has better lighting or is more comfortable. Experiment to see what suits you.
- Remember why you started writing in the first place - When you identify a purpose you create more incentive to write. Try to connect with the joy that you have once felt while writing.
To read more in-depth descriptions visit the full article.
The following is a youtube video in which author Alex Hutchins explores the concept of writer’s block, how it is caused, and how to avoid it.
