Every writer, in every shape and size, gets writer’s block. It’s really not a matter of how good the writer is – how much technical skill the writer has – how smart or clever the writer happens to be – or even how well-educated the writer is. Every writer gets writer’s block – because, hey, we’re all human here.
(If, by any chance, you aren’t a human and are in fact a zombie, I don’t think this really applies to you anyway.)
Now, I’ve had a massive case of writer’s block recently, and because of my oh-so-busy schedule – in which I attend classes, do homework, and go to work at a part-time job – I haven’t really had the chance to try and break the block.
At least, not until now.
There are several things to do to help you get over your writer’s block, either as a writer of nonfiction (articles or nonfiction blogs) or a writer of fiction (novels, short stories, novellas) or even as a writer of poetry (if you need an explanation for this one, maybe you’re not cut out for this writing business.)
Margaret Atwood mentioned a few tips on writer’s block in her blog. She has some good suggestions. A lot of her suggestions involve some creative mixing around, and some just involve doing other things until your muse comes back. (I think that’s just so you don’t waste your time staring at blank paper, though.)
Anyway, I’m no Margaret Atwood, but here are a few things that may help writers of a less professional nature, students and hobbyists alike, may also find helpful.
- Try going out of your comfort box. If you’re having trouble with your novel, spit out some poetry; if songs are your thing, try writing a journal-type article on something totally unrelated. Writing is about creativity, so get creative. If you open your mind to something new, you may find yourself opening up the floodgates.
- Travel somewhere, even if it’s just the short ride from Toledo to Ann Arbor or a train from Rahway to the city. While you’re traveling, try writing in a journal or taking photos. It’ll help you de-stress and make you think.
- If all else fails, go for a run. The endorphins are good for your brain. At the very least, you’ll get your blood pumping, and eventually you’ll have something to write about – how tired you are, how you twisted your ankle when you missed a step, or even about that cute girl you met in the park.
- Read a book. Okay, so this may not help you at all – you don’t want to rip somebody off, after all. But books are pretty great, and reading one will help you remember why you started writing in the first place.
- Visit your local coffee shop or bookstore. And I don’t mean Starbucks and Borders, either. I mean the indie one downtown. The one that’s family-run. To find an indie bookstore in your neighborhood, check out NewPages.com. Indie bookstores are always a great environment – and a good cup of coffee might stir up your brain.
If you’ve tried all this and you still can’t bring yourself to write, it may be time to work on another manuscript. Maybe the one you’re working on now just isn’t meant to be.
For more writing tips, keep checking back!
