Do you ever just feel like there is a dead-end sign inside your brain which is not letting your mind pour itself out the way you'd want it to? No matter how hard you try, you are simply not able to put your thoughts to words.
Writer's block is a big hurdle for someone who writes or blogs regularly, but for an "occasional" blogger, it is nothing less than a curse. It is not easy getting back in your blogger flow once you've been out of touch for a while. I personally go through this quite often - a couple of times a month, on an average. So here are a few tweaks I have come across to overcome a serious case of Writer's block - some are tried and tested, some I am saving for my next dry spell.
1. Write on paper.
Seriously, go old-fashioned. Pick up a pen and a sheet of paper or a notebook - and start writing. Sometimes, you see, a keyboard just doesn't do it.
2. Invest.
This is in continuation with point number 1. Go out and buy something to scribble on and scribble with. I personally love investing in notepads and notebooks. Looking at them lying around in my room is enough to get my creativity going.
3. Have access.
The aforementioned notebooks and notepads? Yes, make sure you always have access to them, because an idea can strike you at any time. If not a notebook, you can always put down your thoughts as notes in your cellphone - something you always have access to.
4. Start simple.
Two months back, you could write all sorts of fancy poems and blog posts in one go, but right now, nothing seems to strike you. Consider this - maybe you are putting too much pressure on yourself. Understand that no one is expecting you to be William Wordsworth. Try to pick up an easy topic (hint: coffee) and write down short, simple sentences.
5. Write drunk, edit sober.
Enough said.
6. Write on a dare.
Sometimes it is more difficult to pick a topic than to write about it. Simple solution - Ask a friend or someone special to give you a topic. And start writing, not for them, but for yourself. And remember point number 4 - keep it simple.
7. Read a book and review it.
Can't write? Read! Pick up a good book, invest some time to go through it, finish and then write a review. A well written novel works like a charm to get over writer's block.
8. Make lists.
Totally what I am doing right now. Effective, isn't it?
9. Use the speech to text feature in your device.
Ah, technology! Although this point totally defeats the purpose of writing, but if you have too much going on in your mind, or are super busy or simply feeling lazy to type, definitely give it a try. It disentangles all your thoughts at once.
10. Focus on other hobbies.
Some of the most interesting posts on my blog were written while I was traveling. Also, sometimes, I like to sketch to get my creative on. And I can come back to writing in no time. Point is, focussing on one hobby has a direct correlation with the other hobbies. Perhaps you like photography, or listening to music, or going for long runs. I would suggest spending some time pursuing other hobbies, and you would get back to writing in no time!
Writer's block is a big hurdle for someone who writes or blogs regularly, but for an "occasional" blogger, it is nothing less than a curse. It is not easy getting back in your blogger flow once you've been out of touch for a while. I personally go through this quite often - a couple of times a month, on an average. So here are a few tweaks I have come across to overcome a serious case of Writer's block - some are tried and tested, some I am saving for my next dry spell.
1. Write on paper.
Seriously, go old-fashioned. Pick up a pen and a sheet of paper or a notebook - and start writing. Sometimes, you see, a keyboard just doesn't do it.
2. Invest.
This is in continuation with point number 1. Go out and buy something to scribble on and scribble with. I personally love investing in notepads and notebooks. Looking at them lying around in my room is enough to get my creativity going.
3. Have access.
The aforementioned notebooks and notepads? Yes, make sure you always have access to them, because an idea can strike you at any time. If not a notebook, you can always put down your thoughts as notes in your cellphone - something you always have access to.
4. Start simple.
Two months back, you could write all sorts of fancy poems and blog posts in one go, but right now, nothing seems to strike you. Consider this - maybe you are putting too much pressure on yourself. Understand that no one is expecting you to be William Wordsworth. Try to pick up an easy topic (hint: coffee) and write down short, simple sentences.
5. Write drunk, edit sober.
Enough said.
6. Write on a dare.
Sometimes it is more difficult to pick a topic than to write about it. Simple solution - Ask a friend or someone special to give you a topic. And start writing, not for them, but for yourself. And remember point number 4 - keep it simple.
7. Read a book and review it.
Can't write? Read! Pick up a good book, invest some time to go through it, finish and then write a review. A well written novel works like a charm to get over writer's block.
8. Make lists.
Totally what I am doing right now. Effective, isn't it?
9. Use the speech to text feature in your device.
Ah, technology! Although this point totally defeats the purpose of writing, but if you have too much going on in your mind, or are super busy or simply feeling lazy to type, definitely give it a try. It disentangles all your thoughts at once.
10. Focus on other hobbies.
Some of the most interesting posts on my blog were written while I was traveling. Also, sometimes, I like to sketch to get my creative on. And I can come back to writing in no time. Point is, focussing on one hobby has a direct correlation with the other hobbies. Perhaps you like photography, or listening to music, or going for long runs. I would suggest spending some time pursuing other hobbies, and you would get back to writing in no time!
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| Just a sketch I made |
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