You don’t have to be a writer to have experienced the brain-numbing, progress-dampening, inspiration-killing phenomenon that is “writer’s block.”
Whether writing an email, a thank you note or a novel, this blockage works a little like brain-freeze. Only putting your tongue on the roof of your mouth doesn’t help this time.
But the misconception is that writer’s block stems from a lack of inspiration. In my experience, it actually is created by one particular roadblock: anxiety. Because after all, if we don’t write, we can’t fail.
But just like drivers ignore yield signs – and most stop signs for that matters – writers must also ignore anxiety. Or let it fuel them.
Writer’s block can be beaten. Here’s a few tried-and-true methods to do just that:
- Go for a walk. Fresh air does the body and mind good.
- Turn on some music. “Classical for Studying” is my favorite Pandora station.
- Do something else creative: read, paint, craft, work on another project.
- Keep a slinky at your desk. If Johnny Depp does it, so should you,
- Change your environment up… If you are at home, go to a coffee shop.
- Do twenty jumping jacks – get your blood flowing!
- Reread your story’s pitch. Get inspired again.
- TURN OFF YOUR PHONE AND CLOSE EMAIL & SOCIAL MEDIA.
- Give yourself a break. The world will not end of you set your novel aside for an hour or two.
- Do not take it out on your computer. That is an expensive mistake.
- Take a shower. I get all my best ideas in the shower.
- Call a friend or family member. Talk through your plot with them.
- Play around on Pinterest, but set a timer! Otherwise, you’ll look up and two hours will have passed.
- Have a glass of your favorite alcoholic beverage. Take the edge off… There’s a reason so many writers are drinkers.
- Get a good night’s sleep.
- Stop writing when you know what is coming next.
So what are some of your favorite writer’s block beaters? Let me know in the comments below!
Ready… Set… Write!