6 Ways to Beat Writer's Block
No matter how much we love writing, we all have moments—sometimes moments that last for days—during which the words and ideas just don't flow the way we'd like them to. Whether you blog, write how-to articles, create flash fiction, or dabble in all of the above, you've probably grappled with writer's block from time to time.
Sometimes, simply waiting for inspiration to strike is the best solution to the problem of the blank page, but for those of us whose time is limited due to work, childcare, school, and other facets of daily life, being able to write when we want to is crucial.
So, if you don't have time to wait around for inspiration, you prefer to write during set blocks of time, or you can only write sporadically during the rare moments when you're not occupied, how can you beat writer's block quickly? Here are some ideas.
1. Do a Timed, Stream-of-Consciousness Writing Exercise
Put a 10 or 15-minute timer on and write as much as you can—about whatever comes to mind—until the timer goes off. Keep your pen to paper (or fingers on the keyboard) the entire time, and don't worry about the quality or even the content of your writing. What you create probably won't be the next best-selling thriller novella or viral web article, but it very well may get you back in the groove or at least coerce you into creating an idea or two. Trust the stream of consciousness!
2. Ask a Friend or Family Member About the Most Annoying Thing They've Dealt With Over the Past Week
Ask someone about a recent conflict or annoying experience they had. If you want to write an article, do some research, brainstorm, and create a piece about how to deal with, navigate, or avoid the situation that was described to you. If you want to write a short story, create some characters and use the situation that was described to you as inspiration for a fictional scene or conflict.
3. Do a Short Burst of Exercise
Sometimes, moving the body can help jumpstart the mind. Leave your computer or notebook behind, and spend 10–15 minutes running, doing calisthenics, stretching, dancing, or doing whatever sort of physical activity works for you and your body. Drink a glass of water, return to your workstation, and see if any ideas come forward.
4. Write a Product Review
Take a look around you and find an object, device, appliance, piece of clothing, or anything else you use at least semi-regularly. It can be something relatively new or something you've had for a while—just make sure it's something you know in and out. Write about how it looks, how it works, its advantages, its disadvantages, where you got it, how much it cost, and anything else you think is relevant. Compared to other types of writing, product reviews require little inspiration, flare, or research, so writing one is a great way to break the spell and at least get some words on paper.
5. Write a Letter
If you're having trouble writing an article, story, or poem, put the project aside and write a letter to someone you miss instead. Since letters are personal communications rather than personal projects, they don't usually feel as intimidating or high-stakes as articles or stories. Even if you're not working on exactly what you planned to, you're still exercising your language muscles, and that's a step in the right direction!
6. Skip This Session and Do Something Interesting
Sometimes, when you're really short on inspiration, forcing yourself to write isn't the best option. If you feel totally stagnant, consider skipping this writing session and doing something you've never done—or going somewhere you've never been—instead. Go to a park you've never spent time at and watch people and their dogs. Go to the pet store and find out everything you can about a specific species of lizard they sell. Attend a free seminar or educational talk online or in person. Give your dog a haircut. Make frozen yogurt out of regular yogurt. Whatever you do, if it's a novel experience, it should get your mind moving to some degree and make it easier for you to find inspiration the next time you set out to write.
Quick Note: Next week, we will be taking a hiatus from the weekly newsletter. Expect to hear from us again the week after that. Happy writing!
Image Credit: Tim Collins via Unsplash; Canva
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