Dealing with Writer's Block

• Change up your routine. Try writing in different locations or places. Go to the park, library, maybe even your kitchen. You can also try writing at different times of the day and with different writing tools.
• Try writing exercises such as free writing. Free write to get your brain thinking. Write down whatever comes to mind, do not think about whether you will be able to use it or not. Try cluster writing by taking a key word or an idea, and then free associate them by writing down everything that comes to mind without thinking about it. Let your mind wander and allow yourself use your imagination. This process may lead you to new ideas.
• Don’t be harsh on yourself. Don’t be critical. The more you worry, the tougher it gets to think clearly.
• Take a break and leave it alone for a while. Try to work on a different task for a little bit or take a quick break from writing all together. Go get a snack or drink, talk to someone, take a walk or go work out, get some house work done. Coming back to a project with a fresh pair of eyes can work wonders.
• Gain insight and feedback from others. Getting another perspective can be a great help.
• Re-read what you have written. This could lead to ideas while you are reading.
• Jot down ideas and phrases, making notes as they come to you. Do not restrict yourself to writing sentences or paragraphs. Use outlines, charts, or even pictures if they help you. Try to write all your ideas down before you have time to forget about them.
• Relax!! You will get past this. The more anxious you are about the worse it will get. Try all these methods and keep in mind you CAN get through it!

Back