How do you get rid of writer's block?

TheArticulate Level 1

August 16, 2017, 11:22 am

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How do you get rid of writer's block?

I figure we're all writers on some level. Bloggers, forum posters, article writers, or creative writers. Regardless of your avenue of writing, I think we can all say we've reached our fair share of writer's block before. You'll be cruising along, excited about your next article or story and the next thing you know, you can't decide how to proceed, no matter how long you sit and stare at what you've written.

This can be an incredibly frustrating feeling, especially if you're on assignment for your writing. So how do you work yourself through bouts of writer's block?

I like to take a breather first off. Take my eyes and mind off of what I'm writing to collect myself and do something that calms me down. I may watch a little TV, listen to some music or go for a walk to clear my mind. I find this usually helps when I finally return to my work, and sometimes I'll find myself coming up with ideas while I'm away from the computer altogether!

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Tronia

Tronia

I have found out that if you are having a real writer's block, that just taking a break all together is the best option. A few times I burned myself out with writing too many things at once and I just lost the motivation/inspiration. I felt like I am struggling to write and that's why I took 2 days off. I just focused on everything else that had nothing to do with writing. After those 2 days, I felt motivated again and I was ready to write. I think that any writer will be faced with a writer's block sooner or later. It's bound to happen.

We are all different but that seemed to work the best for me

8 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I agree with you and I do this too whenever I feel like I need to. Thankfully I haven't had many projects where I was pressured to make content without the luxury of taking a day or two off for breaks. Once my head is clear and I get back to writing I always feel like I made the right move because my writing then turns out just so much better and much more natural.

8 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

Tronia,
I agree with this as well. Taking a walk also really helps me, to be honest. It clears the head, and I think that the calisthenic activity spurs the brain into a sort of contemplative state where it can recover and get back to a healthy and creative place.

8 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

I take the exact same approach to whatever I'm doing, whether it's writing, video, or photography! It just really helps to take a breather sometimes and step away from whatever project you're working on. I've found that time away from my project really helps me attack it and make better progress the next time I sit down with it.

Plus, it never hurts to take some time for yourself and do the things you love as a stress-reliever. Taking your mind off a difficult task is great when you're at a standstill!

8 years ago

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jeffreyjose48

jeffreyjose48

I will answer it this way. I believe in the power of God. Only God can get rid of the writer's block. There is nothing impossible with Him.

6 years ago

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NicholasMukuha

NicholasMukuha

Yes, writer's block is incredibly frustrating. It's like you are driving a super car on a smooth road, then you come to a sudden end. You are nothing but a confused soul, and in the worst case panicked, if you are trying to beat a deadline. Well, I came to realise that I meet my blocks mostly, when I try to be a perfectionist.

Well, it's not a sin to try and give your best, is it? But just like any other computer, if you strain your mind too much it will slow down and eventually stop working. In such a situation, I stop and take a power nap or go and something interesting.

Another thing that can cause a writer's block is fear, especially when dealing with a topic you have not come across before. In such a case, I approach the topic as to answer the 5 ws and 1h. I try to scribble a rough copy on a piece of paper before typing on keyboard.

8 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

You demonstrate a great way to break writer's block, and that is a change of scenery. To go "somewhere interesting", as you said, is a quick way to put the brain on reset and to revitalize yourself. You could have the coolest mancave or office in the whole world, but if you are in there all the time, tacking away at the keyboard, the walls are eventually going to start closing in on you and compressing your creativity, or at least that's what happens to me from time to time.

8 years ago

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thisfreespirit

thisfreespirit

Writer's block is definitely a slow down to otherwise speedy production. I liked the comparison above of a fast moving car on a smooth road, then suddenly, there's nowhere left to go. I think a block for any type of creativity can happen when one is tired, stressed, or has just spent too many hours focused on something without a break. I tend to get such a block when I do other creative projects too, such as scrapbooking or sewing. I once had to sew a sleeve on a jacket three times because I just couldn't get my head to think how to do it correctly! That poor sleeve went on upside down, inside it, and backwards by the time I did it right. I find in general that the best way to overcome writer's block or any other block, is to just take a break and do something else for a while. Maybe take a walk, watch some mindless TV, read a book, take a nap, or do some other favorite hobby. I think when we change up our activities from time to time, it allows us to use different parts of our brain, which in turn allows parts to rest until we access them again.

8 years ago

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Corzhens

Corzhens

Sewing that sleeve 3 times is an obvious mind block because you may have mental fatigue already that your brain failed to work properly. I also go for the remedy of taking a break. In our office, we have been advised to get away from our desk every hour. Take a walk, have coffee or engage a colleague in a short chat. Just to take the mind away from the work so when you come back, you feel refreshed and can work efficiently again.

7 years ago

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Vastor122

Vastor122

If you have a terrific itch to write one particular idea, then write that one right now. I think the more you go with your creative flow and write what you’re inspired to write, the easier it will be beat writer’s block. Hope this helps!

8 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

This is really a great tip. If I have a good idea, I will always try to write it down in the Notepad app on my phone. I think this way I get the idea down physically so I can return to it at a later time without the fear of it being lost in my train of thought.

Plus this gets rid of the burden of having to recall the idea anytime you want to brainstorm about it.

8 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

Well, I had a creative writing teacher who once told me that there was no such thing as writer's block--I personally disagree with this. Sometimes, you have this creative idea just beating your door down but you just can't figure out how to unlock the door and let it in. Reading is one thing that helps me, and I read things that are diverse--comics, magazines, short stories, articles, etc. Sometimes, reading a voice other than your own can kick your own voice into action. Here is a fun link to stimulate your writing--it's just like an athlete who has to train or lift weights--you have to work that "writing muscle" every day: http://www.wiseinkblog.com/planning/100-writing-prompts-to-rock-your-writing-world-part-1/

8 years ago

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RedVelvetJuliet

RedVelvetJuliet

Technically, your teacher was right. Most people say writer's block is when they can't think of anything to write. You can, but it's not relevant. His opinion is half wrong, however. Sure, you could write about how the chair in your living room is brown, or how your dad's mustache is hairy, but you will just end up writing terrible things. At the same time, it will strengthen your writer's muscles if you write things that are random and unrelated to what you want to write.

8 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

It is so true what you said here. I think maybe he, my professor, didn't even believe what he was saying at the time--maybe he was projecting some sort of false bravado to empower us. Either way, you are correct; you can't just make uninspired observations about your environment or basic stimuli. Our writing needs to be inspired and full of energy and purpose.

8 years ago

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RedVelvetJuliet

RedVelvetJuliet

Ah! The dreaded writer's block! I relate to you all! Honestly, what helps is establishing a schedule for myself. I break down what I want to do in chunks. If I'm writing an article, I might put "write one page," and then take a break. It helps to clear my mind. I might stroll around my house or exercise. I enjoy using this app called Headspace. I haven't been using it much lately, so I need to get back to that. Meditation helps your brain to get your s**t together. It does. If anyone is interested, you can download it from the Itunes app store. The app is a great way for me to get rid of the stress of being a budding writer

Aside from that, make sure you eat every couple of hours to fuel your brain. Eat plenty of protein or carbs. Don't overwork yourself. Tell yourself not to stress out. Take a deep breath. Everything will be okay.

8 years ago

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DarthHazard

DarthHazard

Writer's block is awful and I'm sure a lot of good writers face it sometimes as well. I think the best thing to do when you get writer's block is to just go away and spend time away from your laptop or whatever you were writing on. Just go for a walk or do something that will take your mind away from whatever you writing for a bit. Playing some games might be a great idea if it allows you to relax it a bit and release some of the stress. I'm sure Yoga could work for a few people out there as well but yoga isn't for everyone so it might not be the best option. The important thing is that you do not stress yourself because if you do you will just end up having writer's block for longer.

8 years ago

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peachpurple

peachpurple

Yes, it will be a pain in the neck if keep persisting on writing something that doesn't turn out as good content, loss of keywords and lack of ideas. It is best to shut down the laptop, wash the face, take a shower, drink a cup of coffee, read magazine of play app games to allow the mind to take a break. Somehow or rather, ideas will keep flowing in when the mood comes in.

8 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

The way I deal with writer's block is to relax and focus on something else entirely for the meantime. I am guessing this is the case for most people and this is why people get their best ideas while they are taking a shower or driving. I think the most creative thoughts come in when the mind is focused on something else and it is allowed to wander more freely. This is why I favor driving as my go-to method since it's an activity that I can do anytime and as many times as I need to throughout the day. I find that whenever I am driving, my mind is at the perfect state of balancing both concentration and relaxation, which I think is the most conducive state for sparking creativity.

8 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

Really depends on the writer and how he deals with it. As for me, specially if I am so stressed out, I would just go out or probably watch something or play something that keeps me in focus and relaxed. I may go out to the beach, or just simply hang out on the balcony - doesn't matter though, as long as I am keeping my mind at eased and away from those articles and topics that keeps me on for hours.

8 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

In graduate school, while I was working on my MFA in poetry, our poetry instructors would tell us to take a notebook and to go and sit somewhere and make 100 observations. This sounds like a lot, but what happens is, after you get past your basic sensory responses, such as "the sky is blue" or "the cut grass smells good", you start to create metaphors and similes, and more creative combinations of ideas. This is one good way, I have found, to loosen myself up and get writing again.

8 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

That sounds really effective to you. I probably have done that multiple times when I try to write about something. Using a metaphor on your article or post would really keep your readers entertained specially if you keep them excited. Figures of speech also could add some spice to your writings too.

8 years ago

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Baburra

Baburra

I agree, and I do this too. Perhaps the only problem with this method is if you are facing a deadline, since you might not have enough time to spare to relax, but if you are a professional then you should probably also account for these things in the first place anyway. I usually take a drive to get my mind off of writing and I find that when I am focused on the road my mind wanders a lot better and I'm able to come up with better ideas. Same thing when I'm in the shower. I think our mind comes up with random ideas best when we are not trying to force it and instead are focused on something else.

8 years ago

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JoeMilford

JoeMilford

Baburra,
Great point here regarding the deadline issues. Sometimes I feel that I do my best work under the gun of a deadline, but then I wonder if i am mistaking getting the project done on time with the actual quality of the writing there. I try to stay on top of my deadlines, but things are always gonna come up that you can not predict in life, so sometimes we have to write under circumstances that are not the best. My writer's block suggestion works when you have the leisure time to actually do it--good point and point taken.

8 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

"... Really depends on the writer and how he deals with it..."

It's very correct what you just mentioned, every writer handles writer's block differently because no two human beings are the same, so therefore, changes must appear in how one takes care of writer's block.

Some might sleep and wake up to be better, some taking a walk, listening to music, play games, drink etc. It all depends on what works for one in his own stead.

7 years ago

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Authord

Authord

Well, i think i have not experienced such, mine might just be the reverse of what you just said. i might just be thinking about what to write, how am i going to write, where will i get inspiration from. But immediately i lay my fingers on the keyboard and start to type,inspiration comes from nowhere with the speed of though and transfers energies into my veins to my fingers. when i sense that, i immediately plug my earpiece into my ears and type with the flow.

8 years ago

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rj02jogoy

rj02jogoy

Well for me is that before you proceed to write an articles, blogs, forums and other stuffs by writing online you have to make sure of your thoughts and ideas to deliver it clearly to the reader. What are you trying to convey to the audience who are reading your online stuffs. You have also to make sure of your spelling, grammar, and content before posting it. Be creative of your ideas, be imaginative of your thoughts and freed your mind to go beyond your proposition.

8 years ago

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galegatling

galegatling

That is not the case here. The question here is "how to get rid of your writer's block". I don't assume that you haven't had one in your writing careers or just the way you write things. We all experience this sort of block specially when we try to write something but somehow something is stopping us from writing.

8 years ago

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Painterly

Painterly

When I was in high school I spent most of my electives in the art department. While I never became a particularly competent painter, one of the key lessons I took away from the attempt was to simply get something on the canvas. The imperfect painting you finish is better than the perfect painting you never start.

Like a painting, a body of writing is a product of layers. There are a million little considerations you have to attend to along the way, and I find it is this which is typically the cause of my writer's block. Every journey of a thousand steps begins with the first, and you must take it before you take any of the next nine hundred and ninety-nine. Once you move past any fears you have concerning your ability, the complexity of the job, or the eventual outcome of the piece, you will find your block vanishing like a morning fog burning off as the sun rises.

8 years ago

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TheArticulate

TheArticulate

Brilliantly explained! I've found that when I'm writing and can't progress further in my mind, it really does help to just get the next line on paper or in the text box in order to think about it. If I write what I feel like is the direction I'd like the writing to head, it's not longer floating around in my head and I can dedicate more thought to how I think it should sound next, tweaking what I've written as I go.

8 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

Sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders and that includes looking at artworks and or engaging in different art projects. It's a way to freshen the mind.

6 years ago

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radiowaves

radiowaves

Reading; when I get writer's block it's usually because I can't find the right way to express myself. So I take a break from writing and just start reading books and magazines and even random online content to see how other people do it; it's not like I'm going to straight-up copy them, I just want to know what are the tools available. After two or three days of reading I usually get an spark of inspiration from a story, a paragraph, a phrase or even a word and then I use said spark to finally give form the idea in my head. It probably doesn't work for everyone, though. I know people that need to literally disconnect from all kinds of text and go somewhere quiet to take a break. I also know people that need to get rough and start doing sports before their writer brain begins working. You just need to try everything and see what works for you.

8 years ago

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iamawriter

iamawriter

To my mind one develops a writer's block when one has a situation to deal with. As for me if I have some urgent pending issues in my real life for sorting out unless that is taken care of I just cannot put pen to paper. Also if I am in a happy mood words just flow. Not having ideas is not my issue.

8 years ago

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Soulwatcher

Soulwatcher

What I usually do is get myself into a happy state. I will get a pop and a snack and enjoy myself and I usually think of new ideas why I am eating and drinking my pop. I know it sounds kind of crazy but pop and snacks put me in a good mood LOL!

8 years ago

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Martinsx1

Martinsx1

You just find a way to relive yourself of the current stress of the brain that you are facing at the moment and it would automatically get rid of your writer's block for you.

Normally, I would listen to cool music, take a long walk or go for a swim. Any of these three things would put me back on the right track to continue my writing with ease.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

I agree with you on that, whenever I get writer's block I would watch movies that would make me happy. Watching a good comedy or romantic comedy always inspires me.

7 years ago

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Kakashi2020

Kakashi2020

Here's a quick way of curing writer's block...eat a tub of your favorite ice cream and enjoy it. In my experience indulging myself in some guilty pleasure gives me a sense of enjoyment that helps reboots my mind clearing away my writer's block.

6 years ago

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