Ways to Overcome Writer's Block

chillibreeze writer — Sharmila S

“I just can’t think of what to write. It’s so frustrating!” Does that sound familiar? I faced the same problem when I started to write this piece initially. Everyone faces the same problem at some point of time or the other – even the most intellectually productive writer!

Do you think you may have writer’s block? It may be because you could be trying to write a creative piece and trying to put the right words on paper. However, there are several ways through which you can overcome writer’s block:

Often, the simplest of methods work in such cases. The first thing that I would advice you to do is to walk away from your keyboard, have a cup of tea or a short break or just take a deep breath. That would help you come up with fresh ideas and you would have already overcome that writer’s block.

Often, taking a break doesn’t work. In that case, try doing something different. Jot down your thoughts in a diary on a day-to-day basis. It could be something like a random memory or even a joke that you may have come across recently. As I usually say, an article a day would keep the writer’s block away.

If you still can’t write something, try picking up a book or a magazine that you think would make a good read. Reading would augment your knowledge and also serve as a source of inspiration and entertainment.

Suggesting to yourself that you are only facing a temporary problem and that you would put your pen down to paper soon would also help overcome the writer’s block, since it is purely a notion and the situation can be turned to your advantage with autosuggestion.

Try to find yourself a quiet room and try to turn off all other distractions including your mobile phone, radio and all other distracting gadgets. Writing in a peaceful environment will help you bring out a store of thoughts when you are feeling trapped.

Having a sample work done by you before could help recollect thoughts and would serve as great future reference too! It could be a good clipping from a newspaper or a magazine article or simply a catalog that you picked up at your local store.

When you overcome apprehension, you would automatically overcome writer’s block. When you build up confidence, you could figure out the best way to outwit the writer’s block instead of letting it bring you to a standstill.

You could always fall back upon traditional word exercises or games on a sheet of paper to improve your vocabulary. You might even find yourself coming up with an unexpected or a sudden idea. Last but not least, avoid confusing the writer’s block for an off-the-cuff work. It will take some time and patience before you could completely overcome the fear and get writing.

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—About our writer:

Sharmila says, "I would describe myself as a hardworking individual, an avid reader and have a scientific temper. My interests include traveling, reading, writing, listening to music, learning new things and much more. I hold a Master's degree from the University of Mumbai in Sociology and work as both a German translator as well as a web-content writer. This is due to my multi-talented nature."

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