Suffering from writer’s block is a very common problem. Whether it is a student trying to finish a report, a professional struggling to write a speech, or a journalist who is under a deadline, writer’s block is so common, it is almost a cliché. How many times have you seen a movie, television show or cartoon that featured a frustrated writer, staring at a blank computer screen? Fortunately, there are many things you can do to overcome the situation.
Writers’ block is very common at the beginning of a project. Having some kind of outline of what you intend to write will keep you moving in the right direction. Experiment with your writing environment; do you like the noise and energy of having other people around or do you prefer to write in a quiet space? Are you more comfortable using pen and paper to get your thoughts down, or do you prefer a computer screen and keyboard? Eventually, you will discover the type of writing environment that gets your creative juices flowing.
Once you get started, you will find that words will start flowing. However, if getting started is the hardest part, try “free writing”. Simply write whatever comes to mind. Write about the room you are in, what you had for breakfast, or the color of your socks. It doesn’t matter what you write about. Once you start writing about something, you will find that you will be able to keep writing; words will just start to flow out of your brain and onto your paper.
If you find yourself getting stuck in the middle of a project, print out what you have written. Take the paper to another room and proofread it. Holding the paper in your hands versus reading from a computer screen will stir different senses. Going to a different room to read will also engage your senses and may be enough to fire up some ideas and end your writer’s block.
Sometimes, you just need to clear your head and take a break. Go for a walk around the block, throw a load of laundry into the washer or some other small task. You might find a bright idea comes to you the second you start focusing on something else. After a few minutes, you will be able to come back refreshed and ready to write.
Most importantly, don’t give up. Writer’s block won’t last forever! Stay focused and you will be able to conquer it.