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Overcoming Writer's Block - 6 Simple Strategies
Writer's block is that mental obstacle that prevents
you from turning ideas into words. Sometimes the ideas are there,
but getting them into a coherent form is problematic. Other times,
you know what you want to say but are having trouble getting it
to make as much sense on paper as it does in your head.
This phenomenon affects every writer, whether you're a writer by
trade, a student writing a paper, or a casual writer jotting down
ideas. Writer's block can be supremely frustrating, especially if
you are working on deadline and need to finish. After about 10 years
of writing, I've come up with six strategies for overcoming this
obstacle and getting you back to your writing.
1. Do something mindless. When I come up against
writer's block, I do something mindless like washing the dishes.
Doing monotonous activity can give your mind a break and allow your
mind to wander. Because writer's block can often be the result of
trying to hard or worrying about getting it perfect the first time,
giving yourself a mental break can be just the break you need.
2. Do something physical. I like to take a walk
outside if the weather is nice, and if it's not, I try climbing
the stairs at a leisurely pace. Physical activity is not only good
for the body but can help increase oxygen flow to the brain, which
aids in clear thinking.
3. Engage in conversation. Talking to a friend
about whatever I'm working on helps me to verbalize what I want
to write about and often leads to some great breakthroughs. Sharing
your ideas with someone not only allows you to think out loud but
also can provide you with new ideas. If I'm really stumped, I try
talking to a fellow writer; this strategy usually provides me with
a different take on an idea, which helps get my creative juices
flowing.
4. Brainstorm. When I'm stuck on an idea, I use
mind mapping or diagramming to help me get my thoughts in order.
To draw a mind map, simply get a pencil and a sheet of paper and
draw a large circle in the middle of the page. Write your topic
in that circle and then draw lines connecting smaller circles to
the central circle. In those smaller circles, write related topics
or ideas. Seeing how all the seemingly random ideas are related
can help you find a theme and focus your ideas.
5. Take a nap. When you're truly stuck and words
just aren't there, take a break and sleep. Sometimes a refreshing
cat nap can help you focus, and often ideas will come on their own
after a bit of shut-eye.
6. Just start writing. The best strategy I've found
to overcome writer's block is to just start writing. It sounds difficult,
especially when you're finding writing in itself to be difficult,
but it really works. When I'm stuck, I get out my laptop and just
start tapping away at the keys. I type out the topic. Then I type
a question that may or may not relate to the topic. Then I find
myself breaking through the obstacle by the sheer act of writing.
The next time you're stumped, try some of these strategies. Writing
isn't always easy, but overcoming writer's block need not block
your way to success.
Noelle has been a professional editor, writer, and proofreader since
2000 and specializes in medical editing, ESL editing, and business
writing. She has a BA in English and Master's degree in management.
She resides in Suburban Maryland with her husband and two daughters
and can be found online at http://www.wordsabound.blogspot.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Noelle_Boughanmi
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