It happens to the best of us - the dreaded writer's block. It seems most common when we have a new project, a large project, or a recent success. You stare at the computer screen and watch as the blank page taunts you. What's someone to do? Here's a list of tips that have helped me stave writer's block off.
- Give yourself permission to write a terrbile first draft. This is possibly the best peice of writing advice I've received and it came from Anne Lamott's book, Bird by Bird. By allowing yourself to write the worst first draft ever written (trust me, I've got some dousies hidden away in my files), you then can free your creative side from the pressure that wanting to write the best thing ever to be written places on you.
- Write every day, even when you hate writing, even when you don't want to write. Write why you don't want to write and do it for 15 minutes. Alternatively, use a writing prompt to get you going. You'll find some here on my blog, but there are some other great places out there to find writing prompts including Creative Writing Prompts and Writer's Digest. These short exercises are a great way to get the juices flowing.
- Take a walk. Sometimes by being outside of your normal environment you can find yourself inspired.
- Read. Sometimes reading a talented author will inspire me to write. Writers should read and read widely over a broad range of subjects.
- If you are taking on a large project, break it down into the smallest steps possible. For example, if you are working on a dissertation, break it down into chapters, sections, and resources. Try to complete one task a day.
- Give into it - for a little while. Do your dishes, dust that bookshelf, alphabetize your movie collection, clean out behind the refrigerator. Trust me. You'll find that writing will be more exciting than these tasks.
There you have a list of things I do to overcome writer's block. What are some things you do to overcome writer's block?
