Jun 17 2009
10 Tips To Overcome Writer’s Block
Writing is a very rewarding activity. It can take you to places you’ve never been and teach you things you didn’t know about your own heart and mind. Writing can make you feel a little bit like God, because it gives you the power to create something out of nothing. It can also make you aware of the strength you carry within and of the numerous ways in which you can use this strength to touch other people. Realizing you have this special gift – the ability to entertain and inspire through words – can be one of the most precious moments in life.
However, there are periods when you might experience what is commonly known as the writer’s block. And trust me, there is nothing more disheartening than that. Your mind seems blank, you feel completely dry of ideas and inspiration, and the mere thought of writing fills you with frustration and despair. You can’t imagine you are the same person who used to find the words so easily and fill page after page without any difficulty.
Don’t let the writer’s block discourage you. You will overcome it and inspiration will come back richer and stronger than ever. Most of the times, all you have to do is don’t push it, just let things follow their usual course. However, here are a few tips that could help you go back on track again.
1. As I’ve said, rule number one – the golden rule – don’t push it! Sometimes, by being too harsh on yourself, you can make things worse. Nobody says you’ve got to be in writing mode all the time. Most activities in life require a break. Why would writing be an exception?
2. Write about what you feel at this very moment. Give up all expectations. Let go of all the pressure caused by the awareness that your work is going to be read by other people. Stop writing for an audience. Write for yourself, about yourself, without barriers and restrictions. Write as if no one will ever read what you’ve written today.
3. Relax and refill your batteries by reading a book. You can’t drink out of an empty cup. You need to fill it with water first. You can’t just give and give and never put anything back. Reading is as important as writing. It is the fuel of writing. When you feel you’ve run out of fuel, seek the quietness and the magic of your local library and rediscover the joys of reading.
4. Seek inspiration online. The Internet does not offer only information, but also inspiration and if you persevere in seeking it, you will find it. Type the first word that comes to mind in a search engine and see where it takes you. Go to sites offering interesting or inspirational content and draw the best out of them.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sometimes all you need is little bit of diversity to chase the boredom away. There’ nothing as wide and great as writing. Let your mind free. There is no need to get stuck. Try different writing techniques, experiment with different literary genres. Do something daring, something you haven’t done before!
6. Change your writing method. If you’re used to writing on the computer, come back to the old pen and paper for a while. If you still prefer the classical way, try to break the ice and type on your computer. It might seem a bit unfamiliar at the beginning but it will take your mind off the block and give you the opportunity to do things in a different way.
7. Focus on what you’ve already written. Print your work and arrange it nicely in a folder. You can even change little bits of text here and there. Even if you pass through an inspiration crisis at the moment, contemplating your past work will give you a feeling of fulfilment and reassure you that “you can do it!” Seeing it on paper can also make you feel good about yourself because it’s something you can touch with your finger tips and you know it’s there. It’s real as opposed to virtual.
8. Try to get in contact with other writers (online or in your local area) and listen to their own experience. Ask them to tell you how they overcame their own writer’s block. Ask them for their help and advice. They might give you some valuable ideas.
9. Imagine you are talking to somebody and write down the entire imaginary conversation or parts of it. Writing, like talking, is all about words, phrases, ideas and the way you organize them. There is no secret formula, no magic. If you can talk, you can write too. If you’re used to writing without hearing the words in your head, now it’s time for a change. Repeat everything in your mind and write it as if somebody else dictated it to you.
10. Last but not least, don’t give up! Keep an optimistic attitude and a positive way of thinking about writing. One of these days, you’re going to surprise everybody with your literary talent and your extraordinary writing skills!!
