You are sitting at the computer staring at a blank screen. You type a few sentences delete them, and end up typing your name over and over again. Yep, that's right you have it, and every writer has and will experience it. That's it; the dreaded writer's block. We've all been frustrated with it and have done everything we could to eliminate it. Here are a few things that have helped me deal and overcome writer's block.
Write:
I know what you are thinking "if I could do that I wouldn't need to read the article." When I say write, what I mean is write anything and everything. Describe the room you are in, relive an event or characterize your friends and family. No matter what you write, just write. When you've been hit don't simply stop writing because nothing inspires you at the moment. You just have to keep trying to keep your mind thinking and creative. Whatever you write, save it and come back to it. The second time around you may get a new wave of inspiration.
Read:
Back in the day all the writers knew the works of their peers and those before them. GRanted it would be hard for us to know the works of ALL authors, but the more we read, the more ideas can come. Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" is a response to Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness." You could also write a parody of a poem not the same theme, but lines, syllables and tone. We writers should acknowledge ourselves with our predecessors and peers; future generations will be looking at us.
Take a Hike:
Spend some time alone in nature. Take in all the sights, sounds, and smells. Knowing what you are describing helps you find the words you need. In nature you are alone in the elements and your own thoughts. You can just sit there and organize your thoughts and shift through things. Just spending a couple hours in nature can do wonders for your writing.
Look to the Ordinary:
Look at a photo: what does it say, what moment was captured? Better yet, what could have happened before and after that moment was taken. Your pet, what are they thinking; what could their day be like: that could be the beginnings of a children's story. Being a parent or spouse have sparked the beginnings of countless stories, plays and poems.
Try Something New:
If you normally write poetry attempt to write a short story. DO you write romance? Try a mystery story or a comedy. You never know what is lurking the the corners of your mind if you don't explore them. You never know you may find a new love.
For writers, writing is not just a hobby, it's a passion; it's who we are. When we get writer's block, it's as if we are missing a part of ourselves. There are things we can and should attempt to do to help defuse the writer's block. Writer's block doesn't have to be a horrible thing, but a chance to try something new.
