Writer’s block seems to be a considerable problem beginners struggle with.
I'm not saying that only beginners experience this blank page phenomenon, but
it seems like it's a much more prominent problem with beginners. It’s possible
that beginners are overwhelmed with the amount of information and advice out
there for them, and are confused on what to write. Maybe it's just that
experienced writers have more practice at managing writer's block, or no longer
get it at all. Maybe more experienced writers write more often, therefore
decreasing the chance of writer’s block. At any rate, most of us experience
writer's block from time to time, and there are some tactics that can help
lessen it. Try these strategies to help you lessen writer's block:
Take Notes:
Go buy a notebook just for story ideas. Make sure it's smaller than 5 X 7 so
you can carry it with you. Take this notebook with you everywhere, and jot down
ideas as you get them. When you are feeling inspired, take out your notebook
and brainstorm.
Brainstorm:
How does one brainstorm, anyway? It's actually easy and fun. Remember those
weird brainstorming sessions teachers made you do in school? Forget about it-it
has to be fun for you in order to work. If those school lessons were fun for
you, then use those. I keep a binder full of magazine and newspaper clippings
that interest me. When I feel like brainstorming, I pull out my clippings and
start reading. That helps me come up with ideas for my own articles. Find your
own style, and make sure it's fun!
Write!
Seriously, just write! Even if you think it's crap, just keep writing. Maybe
you'll eventually work out of writer's block, or come up with other ideas as
you're writing. Either way, you've kicked writer's block.
Do Something Else:
Maybe you should try writing on another topic, even if it's just temporary.
You could also try writing in a different genre. If you always write
nonfiction, try fiction. You could also go for a walk, call a friend, watch a
movie, or anything that has nothing to do with writing. Maybe you just need a
break, and some time to relax.
Read:
Pick a book from your bookcase, and start reading. Reading
is how writers study. We read to study other's work to figure out why it's good
or bad, and to discover new styles of writing. However, this time you should
read something to enjoy it, instead of to analyze it. If you don't have one
you're interested in reading now, go to your library and browse the books
there. Find something you'd like to read, or one of your old favorites. If
you'd rather not invest the time in reading a book at this time, pick up a
magazine or newspaper.
Keep practicing these ways to lessen bouts of writer's block, and you may
soon find yourself wondering how you once let it control you.
Nicole Allard is the Editor of Writer’s Success
(http://writerssuccess.com), a free online magazine for freelance writers. She
has written for various online and print publications. Her writing samples are
available at http://nicoleallard.bravehost.com