My 6 Tips To Overcome Writer’s Block
It doesn’t work for everyone, but it could help somebody, right?
Whether you’re an aspiring writer like myself or not, everybody comes across something they have to write about. It may be an academic essay, a resume for a dream job, or a strongly worded email to an annoying boss.
You may not write everyday, but you’ve written and you will write again. At some point along the way, you’ve come across it: writer’s block.
Now I’m certainly not an expert by any means. What I do know, through personal experience and thoughtful teaching, is that writer’s block is fake. We don’t write because of this sudden inability to put words onto paper, or trail off mid-sentence because an invisible force field is blocking out our thoughts. It’s our own anxiety, our own motivation, and our own inability to be creative and think outside the box that gets to us.
I’m going to leave with you some methods I use to get past my own writer’s block, but if none of these work, I’m merely one person with a few ideas. Try your own methods, be creative, and never stop writing.
GO OVER THE PROMPT/OBJECTIVE
Why are you writing what you’re writing? What purpose does it hold? Who is your audience? When’s the deadline?
Whenever you get stuck, always go back and address these questions. This can also be helpful when you’re proofreading, as you may catch mistakes you may have not seen from earlier. Reviewing your guidelines of your said piece of work can help find new ideas or concepts you can add to it, or even help shrink a piece down.
At the end of the day, deadlines move work. Even if you’re not 100% satisfied with your work, missing a deadline can be much worse than crafting your idea of a perfect piece. That alone should get the fingers typing.
I’m not saying blow through your writing, but allow yourself enough time to produce solid content. You know yourself and how long it takes you to write- plan accordingly!
WRITE DOWN YOUR THOUGHTS
This one is the one that always helps me when I feel lost or stuck. Whether it’s on a separate page or document, spend 5 minutes or so writing what’s going through your head. Even if it’s complete gibberish, or you just want to put down “this is stupid and I hate writing” a hundred times, that’s totally fine! Get some emotions out on that page; use it similarly to someone who doodles.
We’re human beings, and every one of us has stuff going on in their daily lives. We all have a story. Sometimes those emotions can get the best of our work ethic. Get them down onto paper. Vent that frustration, that anger, that sadness, or even that overwhelming joy or happiness into words. Heck, you can even burn it after. I heard that helps relieve stress.
Who knows, you may find something worth publishing in that mass of random thoughts!
TAKE A PRODUCTIVE BREAK
NO: watch TV, take a nap, go on your phone, eat a lot, lay around, play video games
YES: do other work, talk to someone about the assignment, exercise, eat light/healthy, drink water, stretch
This one doesn't need a whole lot more explaining. All there really is left to say is to not spend too much time away, as any thoughts/ideas you may have had will be lost. You know the best ways to be productive!
I do a lot in the NO category, so I’m not here to shame anyone! Breaking those bad habits are hard, but you got this!
TALK TO OTHER WRITERS/PEOPLE
Writers can’t always isolate themselves. We always need insight, even just someone to proofread. Don’t be afraid to talk to someone if you’re stuck. Even if their comments aren’t helpful, just venting out your concerns or complaints can be soothing to the mind.
Another crazy idea: talk to someone who is also working on this assignment! If this applies to you, reach out and ask what they may/may not be doing. Even if your subjects or type of writing don’t match up, writers are meant to work with other writers: it makes us all better writers! Have someone read your work so far, and you do the same, and see if discussion and feedback brings forward the missing puzzle piece of your work.
DON’T DO IT ALL AT ONCE
Unless it’s last minute or too short of a piece, break down what you’re writing over a span of time.
For example: a five paragraph essay on why To Kill A Mockingbird didn’t need a sequel. Spend x amount of time for y amount of days working on the piece, so in this case, maybe 30 minutes a paragraph for 5 days. Writing shouldn't be rushed, so as long as you utilize your time wisely, you don’t have to spend a ton of time and energy blowing through it. Build off of your work, sleep on it, allow your mind to relax and think of new ideas.
ASK FOR HELP
Don’t be stubborn!
Requesting advice from an instructor or said person who assigned you the work isn’t the end of the world, as long as you actual listen and be considerate as to what they say. Take notes, appear invested to their wisdom, and don’t argue with them! This isn’t a negotiation: they want to help you, so long as you’re willing to listen and be respectful. They’ll appreciate your desire to succeed and take that into account when they read your work.
I hope that some of this helps you with your future writing. Remember, be creative, be motivated, and keep your work true to what you think is right!
