Writer's Block - Gone Forever!

The simplest definition of writer's block, I think is this: the inability of a writer to write something new or to continue writing an existing work. Sometimes, the writer may know exactly what he wants to write, but he may not know how to write it…so he gets stuck.

The causes for writer's block are varied from writer to writer. For me, it usually happens when I am extra tired or when I am too fretful about the quality of my work. Sometimes, it seems I can’t just compose sentences which are grammatically correct, and this gets on my nerves and almost always drowns my gusto.

How about you? How often do you sit biting the end of your pencil, scratching your head with absolutely no idea of what you are going to write or how you are going to write it? A couple of times too many, you say? Take heart! I have compiled several tips on how to get rid of writer's block, and they are really helping me out!

Check them out:

• Take a Break!!!

  If you get stuck on how to proceed with a certain piece you are working on, take a break! Take a walk outside and refresh your mind. Sometimes, all that is need is a good break. When you return to your writing later, you may just discover that you suddenly know how to proceed. May sound like magic, but that is the power of taking a break… This often happens to me. For instance, there is this book that I am working on. It has become quite overwhelming and I am really not sure how to proceed, so I am taking a break right now…

• Listen to Music

  I have often come across this suggestion, and it has put a smile on my face. Music has the power to stimulate the imagination and evoke powerful emotions. But not any type of music will do. Choose the one that works best for you. The slow and sentimental type—such as that by Lene Marlin—works best for me.

• Think of your own experiences

  No idea what to write about? Think of your own experiences. Experienced anything that you think would be worth writing about? I am sure that you have come across works which are ‘based on a true story.’ I have written one myself, and most of my readers were glued to it. Try it!

• Be Observant

  Good writers do not just hear; they listen. They do not just look, they see. Stories are found all around us. If you are truly observant, you will get a lot of ideas, just by taking a look around you. If you have the time, review the following articles: The Idea – the Starting Point and Writers are Thinkers.

• Write About What Excites you

  Write about what you have very little enthusiasm for and you’ll struggle through it! It is often good to write about things that you know very well and are every enthusiastic about. In such a case, it is nearly impossible for your brain to shut down.

• Brainstorm

  Writing down any idea that comes to your mind, especially before you start writing will prevent you from running out of ideas later on. If you do get stuck, you can simply refer to your list. Keep on making additions to that list. It is often a good idea to carry around a notepad so that as soon as the idea hits you, you can jot it down.

• Read

  Read a lot of books, newspapers and magazines. You might just find something in them that might inspire you.

• Watch Movies, documentaries, plays etc.

  I don’t need to say much on this one, do I? Same as above, you might just see something that will inspire you.

• Choose a time When your Mind is most alert

  Some people can work late into the night, whereas others, like me are knocked out as early as 10:00pm. Bottom line? Never work when you are tired. You will produce substandard work or nothing at all. Take a nap.

• Don’t Fret about grammar

  Your job is to create…Leave editing for later. Fretting about grammatical inaccuracies will only discourage you and bring you to a halt. Just let your thoughts flow freely. Being fussy will only hamper them. Relax, close your eyes, imagine…

• Socialise!!!

  Share ideas with other writers, or read what others have written. Join writing groups or forums. I am working on this one myself.

I hope these suggestions will help you get rid of that irritating writer's block…

For further info on how to combat writer's block, check out Audrey's writer's helper.

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