How to Overcome Writer’s Block: 3 Easy Ways
Writers at times, reach a point where their creative juices decide to flow slowly. Sometimes it even becomes impossible for a writer to produce any content at all. If you are struggling with writer’s block at the moment, there is no need to panic. Writer’s block is not permanent, and there are ways to overcome this situation.
To overcome writer’s block, try to eradicate any distractions that can confuse your mind, engage in some freewriting, and develop a writing schedule.
Now, let’s look at how exactly you can apply these three easy ways of overcoming writer’s block.
Develop a Writing Schedule and Stick to It (Writing Is Your Job)
First of all, think of writing as your job, and not just as art. A person with a 9 to 5 job goes to work daily because of his or her work schedule. Whether or not this person has work to do in the office, they go to work and wait for work to show up. The moment you think of yourself as a laborer, you will find it easier to sit and write.
When you don’t think writing is a job just like any other, you find yourself only writing when you “feel artistic.” Other times when you feel like your creativity side is lost or not its normal self, you decide not to write, and only pick up your pen and paper or computer when you feel creative again. To overcome writer’s block, you need to push yourself and be disciplined. With a regular writing schedule, you will train your brain to get into the writing mode.
Engage in Some Freewriting
Regardless of how bad you think your writer’s block is, there is always something you can write. Take some time to write whatever comes to your mind, ignoring any grammatical or punctuation errors as you write. Let vand free write. Be as random as you can be, and feel free to change subjects as many times as you want. For example, mix your fictional writing with some journaling. You can even decide to write down your frustrations as well. Whatever it is, write it.
Freewriting is an important practice because it helps you tap into words in your head, and bring them to life on your computer or journal. You can try doing this for seven days consecutively and then resume your writing project. If you want to complete your project in a short time, try freewriting for around twenty minutes to get those words flowing, and then immediately resume writing. You will be surprised to discover that some freewriting entries inspire the greatest ideas.
Eradicate Distractions
Take a break from social media. Maybe you need the internet for some research, but if you are not using social media for research and you know you are easily distracted by app notifications, uninstall the apps for a while or block notifications from them. At least do that just until you are done writing for the day. Switch off that TV. Put a “DO NOT DISTURB” sign on your door. Ensure you are working in a tidy environment, with no clutter around you to distract you. Do everything you have to, to ensure that you rid your mind of any distraction.
The issue with distractions is that they can confuse your mind and cause you to lose focus. Your mind is where the words you need for your project live, and when it is confused, then you cannot find those words easily. Always make sure writing time is specifically for that, writing.
If you apply any or all of these ways of overcoming writer’s block, you’ll be on your way to completing the best piece of work you’ve ever worked on.