One of the most common problems of authors is experiencing writer’s block. This is the time when no matter how hard you concentrate and think, nothing comes out of your head. No ideas, no visions, and no stories. Writer’s block does not happen every day, but when it does, it can be extra irritating, time consuming, and frustrating (especially if you’re beating a deadline!). But, fret not, because there are simple tips that you can try if you want to overcome writer’s block.
- Stop writing for a few hours or days and focus on another creative endeavor.
Whatever it is you are writing, leave it be for a few hours or days. Turn your attention to another creative endeavor – like a poem you’ve been trying to finish, or a jigsaw puzzle you want to complete for your son, or maybe even a picture you started painting a couple of days ago. You may be stuck in the novel you are writing, but you can still continue your creative adventures; you can still keep your brain working. Eventually, after a few hours or days, you’ll get back into your regular writing flow.
- Move around from time-to-time.
Sometimes, our minds go blank because we’ve been using it too much. It needs to relax, too. So, from time-to-time, get up from the chair and move. Do some stretches, walk in the garden, or do a few yoga poses. You can also close your eyes, relax, and meditate. De-stressing your mind will help it relax and pretty soon, you’ll be back to writing.
- Work as far away from distractions as possible.
One of the reasons why authors get writer’s block is distractions like the TV, radio, and the mobile phone. The Internet is also a major distraction. The solution to this? Find a quiet and distraction-free corner or room in your home or office and work on your book there. Turn off the Wi-Fi and disconnect from the Internet.
- Practice writing by freewriting.
Find a few minutes in a day to practice freewriting. This simply means writing whatever it is that comes into your mind. Don’t mind your spelling or your punctuation. Just write freely and randomly. You can write about a different subject every day, or you can choose one topic for the week. After a week-long freewriting activity, go back to your regular writing schedule, and you’ll discover just how many new ideas you have!