How to Overcome Writer's Block: Tips and Tricks for Authors

How to Overcome Writer's Block: Tips and Tricks for Authors

We have all been there, a blank screen staring at us with absolutely no idea of how to start or what to even write about. It’s like a wall has just appeared between our fingers and words that need to be put to paper. A deadline looming over our heads makes the entire situation more anxious and stressful. Could something be preventing us from coming up with creative and clever things to write? We did it yesterday and the day before, but today, for some reason, we can't string words together to make two sentences.

It's not uncommon, and it's not even unusual, and it has a name. It’s called writer's block, and all writers and authors have, somewhere in their writing journey, experienced varying levels of it. How can you get past it? Well, we have some great writing tips and tricks that can help and great ideas to keep in mind when you experience a sudden loss of words.

 

Is Writers Block even for Real?

Before we delve into how to overcome this phenomenon, let us discuss exactly what it is and why it sometimes occurs. Some professional writers do not believe that it even exists. There is a theory that sometimes you don’t write as much as you do on other days. There are days when your creative writing and best work come naturally. Like any art, perfection cannot be rushed or forced.

Others believe there are certain times in our writing journey when we may be impacted by external factors that prevent us from being able to write. This may be our own ego, fear, and even anxiety about completing a deadline. Whatever causes it, there are certain things you can do to overcome it.

7 Writing Tips to Say Goodbye to Writers Block

These tips can be used together in combination or separately, one by one, whenever you need help producing written content. This can be content for a novel, essay, or even something smaller, like a book summary. Whenever you feel that nothing is coming to you, follow these creative writing tips, and you will undoubtedly be able to work past this mental writer's block. The worst thing you can do is to wait for it to pass and do nothing.

1. Write for Short Intervals

Short intervals for writing can help you get over writer's block. This technique is used by many writers who need to create a certain amount of content daily. They break up the total amount and write for 25 minutes in one hour or longer, depending on how much they need to get done. Breaking it up into sizeable chunks will help you meet your targets.

2. Make a Ritual

The acclaimed author John Girshm had a morning ritual that involved waking up at 530 am and writing one page daily. He was a full-time lawyer; this was the only time he could fit in his writing time. Sometimes, when you make a habit of something, it comes easier to you rather than picking different times of the day to do it. This is one of the better-known creative writing tips that regular writers use.

3. Change your Environment

One of the easiest ways to get over writer's block and encourage creative writing is to change your location. Go to a coffee shop, the park, or any other place except the usual place where you sit to write. It does make a difference when you are not staring at the same white wall, and it can help you overcome other distractions that may be impacting your ability to write.

4. Turn Off All Distractions

Turn off all of your distractions and take the time to focus. This sometimes seems easier said than done. But this means turning off notifications on your phone, computer, and even in the house. Lock yourself into a room, turn everything off, and tell everyone that you should not be disturbed. Sometimes distractions become the excuse we need not to write. Please don't fall for it.

5. Read a Book

This is one of the best ways to get your creative juices flowing. Writers love reading, but what helps getting over writer's block? Reading other writers' words. It works because reading words can inspire you to write. It also helps to write better or explore a different writing style.

6. Do a Writing Prompt

Teachers often use writing prompts to encourage students to write on specific topics in school. Use this for yourself. Assign a writing prompt relevant to what you need to write, or pick something completely random that has nothing to do with what you should write. It can help you not focus on what you must write and create the right atmosphere to start writing.

7. Don’t Think About It

If you feel that all you are focusing on is not being able to write, don't talk about it or think about it for a few days. Sometimes, when you do not focus on something or do something else, it can help you start writing before you know it.  

 

Writers Block No More

Knowing writing tips that can help you overcome writer's block will bring you one step closer to getting words on the screen. The best thing you can do is not think about it negatively but accept it as part of your writing journey and learn ways to overcome it. Writers worldwide can agree that writing is an art and not something you can always quantify. There will be good days and bad days, but at the end of the day, keep trying and keep writing!

 

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