Writer’s block is a curse for journalists, copywriters, editors, and writers. Each author has experienced torments of literary powerlessness when the lines refused to form in their head.
There is nothing worse than many hours of vain attempts to find inspiration. Writer’s block makes you fall into the trap of procrastination, surfing the web, switching to other things, and results in the final disappointment with three short paragraphs.
In order to get out of writer’s block, you need to liberate yourself, to feel free, to go a little bit crazy. This is what we are going to do today.
1. Talk to an imaginary friend
Imagine that you have a friend, and they are a real fan of your blog. They love all your articles and support you in all your endeavors. Think up their name; find a photo and attach it to the wall in front of your desk.
And now, as soon as you have done this, start talking to them. Tell them what you care about, what you dream about, and what you want to achieve. After that, discuss your article with them.
What is it about? What will it teach your readers? And what are your thoughts on the topic? After voicing your ideas to your imaginary friend out loud, try to transfer what was said on paper.
2. Swear like a sailor
Is something bothering you? Release this feeling. Swear. Get mad. Let your emotions free. Write about what you care about and feel free to use strong language. Indeed, the meaning of blogging is not to choose the right words but to evoke emotions in the audience.
Of course, you will have to edit your first draft significantly, and, perhaps, completely redo it, but this is not the point. You can easily remove mistakes from an emotionally strong text, but it’s unlikely that you can add emotions to a “dry” text.
3. Change your text editor
Are you looking at the screen but can’t write anything worthwhile? Try changing your text editor. Instead of the usual Microsoft Word, start using Evernote.
Another option is to immediately create a new post in your website’s editor and write right there. Try changing the font (for example, instead of Calibri – Times New Roman), the font color (black to blue) or its size (11 to 14).
This tip may seem silly at first sight, but I highly recommend you try it. You will be surprised how quickly these small changes can stimulate a new wave of interest in the creative process.
4. Take a short trip
Do you miss your family? Have you wanted to meet your old friend for a long time? So do it! Bus, train, plane – choose what you want, just do not drive. Spend this time on writing. Do not stop until you arrive at your destination. Instead of a tablet, use plain paper.
5. Stop writing for your readers
Taking into account the needs of the target audience and writing about what is interesting to them is important and correct. But sometimes you need to move away from this practice.
If you are experiencing a strong writer’s block, it is better to try to write about something that interests you instead of adapting to your readers. In this case, it does not matter if the topic of your post matches the topic of your blog.
Just throw it out. Believe me, you will feel better. Readers will surely enjoy your whirlwind emotional outburst.
6. Stop following a plan
Everyone knows that an article plan can significantly speed up the process of writing it. Yes, it can. But it can also suck all the joy out of it. So, if you feel that you are stuck on some point of the plan, stop following it!
Write the first thing that comes to your mind. Who knows, maybe your crazy spontaneous thought will be the basis for a magnificent and unusual article.
7. Try writing at another time
We constantly hear how important it is to form a habit of writing by doing it at the same time. Stephen King wrote on a schedule, as well as Haruki Murakami and many others. A clear, set regime is usually useful for creativity.
But what if your writing process brings only lack of inspiration, procrastination, and despair? Sometimes to beat writer’s block, you need to break the regime. Try writing at another time. Do not be afraid to experiment.
8. Wash the dishes
Have you ever had a great idea while you were taking a shower? I bet yes. After all, the brain works in such a way that it finds it easier to generate good ideas only after relaxation. The concentration on the problem does not work.
If you are not satisfied with the option of a shower or you just don’t want to waste water multiple times a day, try other activities: wash the dishes, tidy up the room, or wash clothes. Your main goal is to relax (mentally) and get the ideas to start flowing in your mind.
9. Walk aсross the room
Did you do all the housework? Or do you just feel reluctant to deal with it? Then try another method – start walking across the room. It seems silly, but it really works. No wonder all the great writers and scientists are constantly engaged in this activity.
Try it too. Take a tape recorder and say what comes into your head. Then write it down.
10. Review your photos
Open your old photo albums or folders with photos on your computer and review them. Remember the funny incidents that happened to you and share them with your readers. Think what lessons you learned in your life, and who inspired you to do the most daring and wonderful things. If you share this information with your readers, they will be very pleased.
Writing is hard work. There is no doubt about it. But writer’s block can make it even harder. Do not torture your brain and body. Try to enjoy this activity. Experiment. Find what is right for you. Write when you want to, don’t force it. And do not be afraid to seem crazy.
What always helps me is qualitative advice and someone in the role of editor. Recipy for all times.
Lol, I am too!
Great advice, Will certainly implement it into my routine