How to Beat Writer's Block

If you are a blogger, then chances are that you have encountered writer's block.  Writer's block is very common for an active blogger. Some people encounter this more oftan than others. My hope of this article is to make you better aware of what writer's block is and how to overcome it.

What is writer's block?

To simply put it, writer's block is when you don’t know what to blog about. Not only is it that you don’t know what to blog about, it could mean that you’re stuck on how to start a blog post. You may have the focus point, but don’t know how to dive into the actual article.

I have a focus point, but I don’t know how to start the article.

This is very common and even I have this problem. Don’t stress too much because this is very beatable. The best thing that I have ever done to start an article I didn’t know how was to ask a question. If you start an article with a question, then you will naturally start to answer the question in the next sentence. From that point forward you will start to write and you won’t even realize that you’re thinking.  his has helped for many bloggers. Give it a try, it won’t hurt!

What do I do if I have nothing to write about?

To ask that question in a more simple fashion, how do I beat writer's block?  This is where this article will become a bit more detailed and you may want to take some notes.  Writer's block is very common but it’s beatable.

• Watch a film

This may sound crazy but it actually works. Whether that movie sad, humorous, horror, or romantic, many writers are stimulated and inspired by visually seeing things. A film can include a movie, a TV show, a commercial, even a YouTube video.  You may be inspired by something you see visually.

• Take a nap

If you can’t wrap your mind around a topic to blog about, go take a nap. Lack of sleep will make your common motor skills be lackluster which will cause lack of concentration. By taking a nap, you release tension and give your body rest which will make you concentrate and focus at a higher level. This will cause you to create a top notch article about something you want to write about.

• Physical Activity

This one may sound awkward but it’s the truth. By getting physical exercise, you are reducing your stress level. This will also help you to focus more. Yes, it contradicts what I said by taking a nap but each person is different. Physical Activity can be taking a walk, going for a jog, or even working out at the gym. The end decision is for you to make on what you wish to do as physical activity.

• Take a break

Chances are you don’t have to be writing at that given second. Take a break and simply walk away for a few.  Only you can determine the length of time to take a break but it may be best to take a few hours to even a day. You may need to distance yourself from your article so you can come back with a fresh mindset and perspective.

• Different Expression

Let me clarify exactly what I mean here. If you typically use your computer as a means for creating your article, try switching to pen and paper. This may give you the time between sentences to think more clearly because chances are, you type faster than you brain can think! I know I have this issue.

These are just five ways that I believe you can beat writer's block. I know there are a few other ways that you can beat it, but you have to know that every person is different. No two people are alike and because of this, we all will beat writer's block a bit differently. Since writer's block is very common, I have to ask you, how do you overcome it?  Please leave your comments and any other suggestions you may have for other writers.

[via TechJohnson]

Comments

[Oliver Flint]

Hi Steven,

I really enjoyed this article, it seems you've pretty much covered everything there is to 'beating' that dreaded writer's block.

As for myself, I don't seem to encounter 'writers block' as such, but more along the lines of 'producer block'. You see, I make music to express myself instead of writing articles, but I often come across the same dilemmas as you. I sometimes find it difficult to get inspiration for new music. The way I overcome this is simple; I'm constantly seeking out new places, around where I live, to chill out and create new music. For example, I live in Cambridge, UK. When I find myself loosing my creativity, I will cycle down to a quiet pub by the river, or take the train to the city and chill at a cafe. I find that this change in location gives me a boost in creativity. And when I return home, I'm ready to start producing again. When I'm out I'm also constantly taking text and audio notes on my iPhone of anything that I think might inspire me.

So I guess, my extra tip for you, and the readers, is:

- Don't feel as though your 'office' is your only writing space. Go out and write in a completely new location.

Anyway, that's just me. Everyone's different, like you said.

Oliver.