It happens to every writer. It’s inevitable. Your prose has turned to mush, you don’t have a creative bone left in your body, and you want to throw in the towel.
Writer’s block. Every writer struggles with it. But what you do with it is what really matters. Before we talk about solutions, though, let’s talk about the problem.
Common causes of writer’s block
The reasons for your block may vary, but some common ones include:
Timing: It’s simply not the right time to write. Your ideas may need to stew a little longer before writing them down.
Fear: Many writers struggle with being afraid, with putting their ideas (and themselves) out there for everyone to see and critique. Fear is a major reason some writers never become writers.
Perfectionism: You want everything to be just right before you ever put pen to paper or touch a keyboard. You try to get it perfect in your head and never do, so you never begin.
Creative solutions to writer’s block
Here are a few ideas to help you work through your creative constipation:
- Meditate, Yoga Quiet Time
- Go for a walk
- Eliminate distractions
- Do something to get your blood flowing. (I like running)
- Play. (My personal preference is LEGOS with my son :-)
- Change your environment.
- Read a book
- Listen to music (try classical or jazz to mix it up).
- Brew some coffee ... and of course, drink said coffee
- Create a routine (mornings are our most creative time).
- Spend time with someone who makes you feel good
- Call an old friend.
- Brainstorm ideas in bullet points.
- Read some inspiring quotes get you started.
- Visit a museum and simply look at beautiful things.
The possibilities are endless, but movement is critical. You need to generate momentum to get out of your funk.
Once you start heading in a direction, it’s easier to pick up speed. And before you know it, your block will be a distant memory and you’ll be doing what you once thought impossible. You’ll be writing.
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