Right now, I'm sitting here and staring blankly at my computer screen. Maybe it's the lack of sleep or the preoccupation with completing one of the hyperbolic million things on my to-do list, but I am racking my brain on what to write about this week.
It's difficult when you're exhausted, busy or simply just can't think of a topic or subject that grabs you at that particular moment. It sucks, but it happens to all writers.
I thought about how frustrating writer's block is because that's exactly what I'm experiencing right now. I can't think of anything else to write about, so I guess I'll write how one can combat writer's block.
Here are 10 methods that I found useful to combat writer's block:
1. Just walk away from the computer screen
Sometimes the best thing to do is just close your laptop and walk away - take a walk, take a nap or have a snack.
2. Free-write
Just start writing what's on your mind or in your heart.
3. Change your environment
Is sitting at your desk just not cutting it and you feel yourself getting frustrated? If the weather is nice, go sit outside and let nature inspire you
4. Create a mind map
Map out everything that's been on your mind and see what inspires you, fills you with joy, pisses you off or what thoughts you want to share with the world.
5. Drink coffee
Maybe you just need a caffeinated beverage to help you come up with the right words.
6. Listen to music
I find that listening to classical music or instrumental covers works best.
7. Read a book
Writer's block is a perfect excuse to finish that book you started reading six months ago.
8. Do something creative
Taking a break from writing and doing something creative such as painting, drawing, sewing or some other form of crafting are likely to spark your creativity for writing.
9. Get active
Go for a run, do some yoga, do some sit-ups. Any kind of physical activity or exercise will get your brain in gear.
10. Jot down ideas as you have them
Keep a notepad on you so you can jot down ideas during the day. Keep a notebook on your nightstand so you can write down any ideas that pop into your head before you go to bed or if you wake up with an idea in the middle of the night. This is helpful if you have an active mind when the world is asleep.
I think I'll try some of these myself the next time I'm experiencing a bout of writer's block!
