Ways on How to Overcome Writer’s Block

Nov 17, 2011

Many times, I experience this so-called writer’s block. It’s when I feel everything seems like a chore, and my head starts to be filled with dread. My imagination goes to nowhere and I am lost for words. It’s freaky and horrible sometimes, knowing that I have to finish a task and it feels like I am left behind.

One day, I made myself determined to beat this “bugging” disorder. Not anymore will I be disturbed by writer’s block. Based from my reading, I made a list of some tips and ideas that might combat mental block among writers.

• Liberate yourself. Set for yourself space and time to write anything that comes into your mind. Note down ideas in a journal however it may random or irrelevant, do it continuously. No thinking and no editing. This energizes your brain to create more ideas.
• Brainstorm. Why not fill a piece of paper with ideas before you start the formal writing. Outline the important details or how you will organize the whole article by brainstorming. Open your mind to all possibilities.
• Begin with the easiest part. I found this one effective. I don’t begin writing articles that seem difficult or need a careful research. I write first the one which is attainable to finish at the moment.
• Refresh your mind. Sometimes, facing the computer or keyboard causes mental delay. Take a break from the screen for a while and breathe fresh air.
• Redefine your targeted audience.  If you started off writing for a mature audience, why not shift to the younger readers? You may write more effectively for particular age or gender.
• Imagine. All you have to do is visualize yourself completing the task or making a good finish product. It sets your mind to a thought of positivity.
• Find out where and when you write best. There are people who can generate a flow of thoughts on a specific timeslot or place. For me, I prefer writing in a tranquil place. I don’t like loud music. Sometimes, I prefer writing in the morning rather in the afternoon. I write well when the place is properly lighted and well-ventilated. How about you?
• Activate your five senses. When you feel like you don’t know how to start or end a write-up, just use your senses. Feel, hear, see and smell.
• Take a nap. I observe personally that when I lack sleep, I can’t write well. So if you experience the same, don’t deprive yourself of sleep.
• Mind you, avoid procrastination. Sometimes, we all have a problem of delaying that’s why we can’t accomplish our work. Forget about taking a sneak peak on a funny video from your colleague’s computer. Concentrate and focus.
• Find the cause of the problem. You might be bothered by some emotional blocks. Flush it away.  Substitute your negative thoughts with the positive ones.
• Develop a writing habit.  Practice makes perfect, they say. And it is achieved by consistently writing and writing. Begin your day with a stroke of pen and end your day with the same. Bring it throughout the whole week. Can you do it?