Writer’s Block

All writers experience writer’s block at some point. It’s an almost unavoidable aspect of the creative process and may seem like a minor nuisance similar to the common cold or a debilitating burden much like the flu. Although there is no vaccination that prevents writer’s block, here are a few tips that may help you get back on the road to recovery and writing again.

1. Don’t Be Too Critical
   Oftentimes, writers’ worse critics are themselves. Writers can become so concerned with producing perfection that they won’t be able to write anything at all. Try to turn off the critical portion of your brain during the initial writing stages. Remember that you can turn it back on for editing and revising.
2. Create a Writing Schedule
   Come up with a time when you can sit down and just write. If your body sticks to a schedule, you’ll soon find that your mind will follow suit. Even if you can only get a page or paragraph completed each day, over time those pages will start to add up.
3. Use Writing Exercises
   Writing exercises can get you thinking in different directions. There are plenty of books and websites that have sample exercises. Even if what you produce has little relevance to your project, you will have gotten your mind working and your pencil scribbling.
4. Move On or Move Ahead
   If you find a certain sentence or an opening scene is giving you trouble, try writing something at the middle or end of the text. But if you can’t seem to make any progress at all on a project, try moving on to another. Some writers find that this helps to relieve anxiety and boredom.
5. Explore the Reasons for Your Writer’s Block
   Instead of locking yourself away to stare at a blank page, try talking to someone about the issues you’re having. Or write about your anxieties. Examining the root cause of your writer’s block can help you to face your fears and reconnect with your creative side.