Most writers experience writer’s block at some point in their life, at various stages of the writing process. Writer’s block can be caused by fear, stress, or lack of self-confidence. Often a solution can be found by speaking with your instructor (if you are a student) or a writing tutor. But there’s ways to combat writers block personally, even when you aren’t feeling that inspired.
Here are some tips to beat writer’s block:
- Free Write
Sit down and write whatever comes to mind. Set a time limit for yourself, fifteen minutes, an hour, two hours, etc. Don’t leave your computer until you’ve finished this time period. You can do the same thing with page limits. Let yourself free write for two pages, five pages, or ten. Don’t worry about grammar, organization, or “sounding smart.” Just write.
- Keep it simple. Just start writing
Just begin to write your paper. Outline the base of the paper and then you can go back and add in detail later . Don’t worry if your ideas seem simple at first. They will become more complex as you begin to write. Remember that ideas will come to you as you write. You don’t have to plan them out in your head before you start.
- Try a Writing Prompt
Remember in grade school when you would be assigned a topic that you had to write about for 15 or 20 minutes? Treat the beginning of your writing time the same way by using a prompt. Writer’s Digest has a section of its website dedicated to them.
- Plan a Time and Make a Habit
Much of overcoming writer’s block is sitting down to work. It could be based on time or a page length goal. Put time on the calendar and commit to that time. You don’t have to come with ideas or inspiration, but you do have to show up and follow through.
- Read
If you’re an avid reader, you can glean inspiration from your favorite writers. Even if you’re not always reading, try cracking a book before you sit down to write. Read poetry for 10 minutes, a chapter of a book, or a short essay. This will put you in the right mindset to write your own words—or at least imitate those of your favorite writers.
- Talk over your paper with a friend, professor, or writing tutor
Sometimes, we get our best ideas simply by talking things over with another person. Have them look over your work or present ideas over your topic to them. Talk through pros and cons of each topic, and another point of view can help the writing process.
What are some ways you use to overcome writer’s block?
Resources:
https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/student-life/7-ways-overcome-writers-block/
https://slc.berkeley.edu/writing-worksheets-and-other-writing-resources/conquering-writers-block
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/general_writing/the_writing_process/writers_block/index.html
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