As you may be aware of I am in the process of writing my first novel and through the process I have learned a lot about the writing process. One of the things that I have learned is how to deal with the infamous writer’s block.
Have you ever experienced times where you are sitting in front of a blank page or blank screen and absolutely nothing comes to mind?
I’ve been there as both a blogger and a novelist. I have a few tips to share with you that you can use the next time that you are struggling with the blank screen.
Beat the Blank Screen
Just start writing
This may seem like silly advice especially for the person who feels that their mind is a blank. Believe me, I know the feeling of having nothing at all to write.
As a blogger I’ve sat in front of a blank screen with no ideas of where to begin and I’ve been there many times lately with my novel. I may have an entire scene in my mind but I don’t know how to begin it. In many ways I’ve found that to be even more difficult than not being able to start a post.
One thing that I’ve learned from the “just start writing” idea is that just writing gets the creative juices flowing. Even if what I write ends up being the lamest thing ever written (and seriously, what are the chances of that?) I can always delete it and start over. But most times I don’t end up deleting to start over. Even if I do end up deleting some of it there is usually a good bit of it that is plenty usable.
I may end up writing something that goes in a completely different direction than I had planned. Sometimes that leads me to some really good ideas – and I would have never gotten those ideas if I hadn’t started writing!
Walk Away
If you have already started something and you get stuck (you have a partial blank screen) sometimes walking away from the screen is the best thing that you can do.
It helps to clear the mind and often times you find the answers that you were looking for as you are doing something else completely. Even though you aren’t thinking about it directly your subconscious mind is still working on it. You may just get a light bulb moment while going for a walk or sitting in the sun.
A new perspective can do wonders! A frustrated mind is very limiting.
Look over old work
In the case of my novel I go over older chapters every now and again and I become inspired with new ideas. Perhaps I find something that I left hanging and needs answers or I see something that I had forgotten about completely that gives me a whole new idea for what I’m writing at the moment.
With blogging we can look over old posts for new ideas. Often we can find that as we read something we wrote a year ago we have gained all kinds of new knowledge that we can write an update or part two. Or we can scroll through the comments for post ideas. Comments often have questions or new ideas that we hadn’t thought of.
Do you run into writer’s block? What helps you out?
To Your Success,
Thank you for reading! I'm Stacy, the owner of this blog. You can learn more about me here.
I'd love to hear from you, please share your thoughts or questions in the comments section.
You can get free bonus chapters from my novel Deception!
Website: → Stacy's Fiction
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#2 point is quite realistic and I know this technique always works. Taking little break from your work always make your mind fresh and fresh mind has more ability think fresh.
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Stacy Claflin Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
That is very true!
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I think that writing a content is not that easy, there are many things we should bear in mind,reading this article allows me to gain new knowledge that I can use for my future endeavor.
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Stacy Claflin Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Reading what others write can be a great inspiration!
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I completely agree with ‘Just Start Writing’. I think this is what writers should focus on rather than just talking. Definitely, when you just start writing, it sometimes leads you to something that you had never expected.
Thanks for these cool tips.
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Stacy Claflin Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Just start writing seems intimidating when in the midst of writer’s block but I have found it to be very effective in practice!
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Yes, I have
But, I believe it isn’t writer’s block – it isn’t the lack of ideas. It is the lack of mood or presence of tension/stress that causes writer’s block. Ideas are there, it is just that we can’t find it, due to our mood or motivation or the presence of pressure or stress caused by something else (or the fact that we haven’t published or written anything).
For me, I try to beat it by taking breaks, watching movies or reading books. I have also been experimenting with a tool called Zenwriter (it is an inspirational writing tool, and I have been able to write a lot since I got this tool. The plus point of the tool is that it allows us to be in a writing environment – typing sounds, different backgrounds, fonts, music etc).
Anyways, thank you for the post, Stacy!
Jeevan Jacob John
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Stacy Claflin Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:31 pm
You’re right, our mood and levels of stress are major factors in our levels of creativity! Thank you for sharing that.
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Hi Stacy,
Ah, what a great topic for today!
I would definitely second the tip of just start writing – that tip alone is worth its weight in gold!
I forget who it was, but several writers put this into practice – each morning or whenever you are most alert, sit down and just write. Don’t think about it, just write. Put that into practice everyday and you’ll soon have a ton of content to work with.
Thanks for these tips – have a great weekend!
~Christine
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Stacy Claflin Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:33 pm
Christine,
There’s a great website for doing just that. I believe it’s called 750words.com. It’s based on the quot3e you’re referring to. I used to use it before I started writing my novel. Now I write 1-2,000 words per day for that.
Stacy
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You get no argument from me with these tips, Stacy. I practice all of them and they work. Another method that helps me is to simply read other blog posts in my niche. Sometimes, I come across ideas that I can either expand on or argument against. Doing this on a regular basis tends to keep the creative juices flowing, and keep writer’s block on the back burner.
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Stacy Claflin Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Hi Anthony,
That is one method that works very well in blogging! Sometimes I get some really good ideas that way. Thank you for sharing.
Stacy
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Great tips Stacy and I usually have to just walk away. Maybe get something to drink or take the dog out for a brief walk. Just get my mind totally off of what I’m trying to think about and usually the words start to flow. Then I’m rushing back inside to make sure I don’t lose my train of thought. Funny how that works but great tips.
Things may work differently for everyone.
Enjoy your weekend.
~Adrienne
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Stacy Claflin Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Hi Adrienne,
Isn’t it amazing how getting our mind off of it will help us to come up with ideas so much easier? It’s the best thing I can do when I’m really stuck!
Stacy
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Walking away surely works like magic!
Another thing which helps me is to jot down whatever comes to my mind as points. This way I don’t have to worry about the logical sequence of my thoughts or the best way to put it across. Once I have all the points on paper, I can work on the other aspects.
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Stacy Claflin Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:37 pm
I do the same thing, Gaori. One time I used that method and it was almost a year from the start to the finish of the post and it ended up being a very popular post that people really enjoyed!
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This is the second post that I have seen today about writer’s block. Summer fun fog must be in the air. You know where we all have thoughts of finding some place cool and fun and not in front of our computer screens.
These are some really great tips. I have gotten writer’s block although mine usually stems from not knowing what to help people with that day. I usually use the write till something good shows up then I refine that into a blog post.
Thanks for sharing these suggestions. It is always fun to see how other writers handle things like writer’s block.
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Stacy Claflin Reply:
August 9th, 2012 at 1:43 pm
Hi Gen,
I like to hear how other writer’s handle it too. Others usually have great ideas!
Stacy
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Hi Stacy,
Starting to write works best for me, although it’s tricky sometime to put actual sentences on paper. so if I don’t have a whole sentence I just put whatever words are relevant and wait for the ideas to form on their own:)
MAriella
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Oh Boy Stacy, I have those days. The days where everything just goes BLANK! Yes, I feel like I’m a blank screen. I like the idea of walking away. For me that works.
If I push hard, I only go in backward circles and get frustrated. Walking away does seem to help me. Just doing a small task of accomplishment away from my computer screen puts me in a different mindset. When I come back, my mind is clear because I have the sense of accomplishment and I can start fresh.
I do, however, will use your tip on reviewing old work. I have so many things on Evernote that have not been completed. Thank you!
Donna
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I often read my previous work and my this habit develop a sense of progress and satisfaction in me. I agree with all of your points that are realistic.
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Hi Stacy,
I’m happy to say that I do all three. Because of having three blogs in which I have to post weekly plus my freelance work I had to develop a few tricks to be able to find ways to write when my head is empty
Writing anything does help me, indeed, even if I delete it all or like you say, most time I get to keep a lot of it.
Walking away and “walking” literally does help me find tons of ideas.
Then, yes, I do look at all articles that I have published on article directories to help me find inspiration for blog posts.
All three work great
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Freewriting is one technique that I use a lot and it usually rescues me. I love how it gives me new ideas to write about.
Looking over old work is something I haven’t tried in a while, will try now!
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writing blocks are common, what i do, i read some articles with diffrent topics then mine and right after i get my ideas
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[...] Simple Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block [...]
I think writing is still a difficult task but there are very possibilities to remain focus. By removing every distractions on your way when writing, a listen zone and also , having the URGE to write.
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Another tip is make sure you don’t get it in the first place by making sure you have a big list of topic ideas to work off. Evernote is great for this, every time you think of any potential content put in there then when you sit down to write you’ll have a big list to choose from (if you get as many ideas as me anyway!).
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Writing is not an easy job , it must attract others and to know what readers need and then put them into words is not easy at all ..I really salute all the Blog Writers
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Ah, what a great topic for today!I would definitely second the tip of just start writing – that tip alone is worth its weight in gold!
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Nice post! Idea generation and creative thinking seem to be some of those things overlooked in school. I’m not a writer, but things are pretty similar on the art side. Things like doodling can help. Also, I always like to have a second project to switch to. It helps break the block if you can work on something else. But like you said, sometimes you just need a break.
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You know what Stacy, your writings is really from deep emotions. I admire you for that!
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Hey Stacy, good tips. Our University recently wrote a post on this as well. As a blogger, I come across writer’s block quite frequently. I find that it often helps if the writer’s is in a particular state of mind. The more relaxed I am, without a ton on my mind, I find the better my writing tends to be. That could be another bullet point: Find your relaxed state.
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Hello Stacy!Really its great tips In my opinion That writing a content is not easy. I think this is what writers should focus on rather than just talking.There are so many thing which should be in your mind.Anyways thanks for sharing this post.
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I haven’t written or introduced any fresh content to my website in over 10 years, talk about being in a RUT! Maybe this time next year I will have a reason to unlock my website to the public, I’m excited to find out.
Thank you kind lady!
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Hey Stacy,
One thing that helps me with writer’s block is to bounce a ball off the wall. There’s something about bouncing a ball (or any repetitive activity), that occupies your conscious mind while bringing in view your subconscious mind so ideas can start to flow.
Try it. Of course not everything works every time. When I’m just having a really hard time with writer’s block, diverting your attention completely to something else for 15 or 20 minutes works well too.
Blessings,
Liz
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These are really nice tips on how to surmount writer’s block. I agree with number two. If you feel that you are too distracted and cannot focus on writing, then leave your writing task for a while. You can take a walk or do other interesting activities that can help you generate more ideas.
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I agree with number two. If you don’t feel to write then you can do some rest or some wandering of the mind and you could go back after a moment when you are ready. Leaving your task won’t distract you, instead, it may lead you to have new ideas which can contribute a lot in your writing. Thanks stacy! These are really helpful.
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This is true. What I often do is tip 1. I start with writing about writer’s block, in a very bad unstructured way since I do have a block, and then later, when I get the hang of it, it’ll become less hard to write about what I want.
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Stacy, Very good. As a writer/blogger I experience writer’s block. I could be working on 3 articles at the same time and all of them blank. The points you gave are very insightful and valuable. Thank You
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Stacy, These are great suggestions. My favorite is to walk away as a walk in nature helps me (and my book coaching clients) settle into a more relaxed state that is open to creativity. I’d love to share a link with you and your readers if that is okay. It’s a free audio. I call it my “Meet Your Muse” visualization and many of my clients find that this visualization helps them break through a variety of blocks by asking their creative muse for answers or a shift. Your readers (and you) can find it here: http://www.lisatener.com/meet-your-muse. (You can’t actually get to it from my home page at the moment). And I should say it’s no fancy recording–just done on a phone, but it often makes a difference and leads to a breakthrough for writers.
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Stacy Reply:
January 9th, 2013 at 8:03 am
Hi Lisa,
Going out into nature really does wonders for us mentally! I’ve found that if I can’t get outside, looking at nature photos has a similar effect. I have a board on Pinterest for just that!
The audio sounds like a great resource. Thank you for sharing. I look forward to checking it out!
Happy new year!
Stacy
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