We've all been there. The pen, resting on a blank page. Your fingers tapping aimlessly on a keyboard, waiting for an idea to strike. It's the worst thing any author (or college student) can experience: Writer's Block.
I'm dealing with Writer's Block as I (try) to type this. This article has been saved in my drafts for days--along with a few other half-written pieces. And you don't even want to look at my Google Drive right now. I'm notorious for starting projects -- school assignments, articles, creative writing -- and then getting stuck and leaving it alone for days, weeks, even months at a time.
That's why I've come up with a list of tips to try and combat the dreaded creative dryspell:
1. Make an Outline.
Organize your thoughts. Figure out what you're writing, how you're writing and why you're writing it. Take a minute to get yourself back on track.
2. Eat a snack.
Hunger can be a huge distraction. Go grab something to eat to recharge!
3. Go for a walk.
Sometimes some fresh air is all you need to clear your mind.
4. Avoid running errands.
When you go out for some fresh air, avoid running errands. Errands are the easiest way to get sidetracked!
5. Avoid doing chores.
Same thing with chores. Once you start washing your dishes, you'll want to clean the whole kitchen. And while you're at it, the bathroom could use a good mopping too. And you know, the carpet could really be vacuumed. And then, before you know it, your whole house is cleaned and you're one step closer to your deadline and not a step closer to finishing your paper!
6. Don't let yourself stray too far.
Going along with the previous three points: whenever you decide to walk away for a bit, try not to let yourself get too far. The further you get, the easier it'll be for you to stay away.
7. Avoid Netflix.
This goes without saying. Netlifx is the #1 distraction when trying to get anything done.
8. Avoid Social Media.
Again, this goes without saying. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are black holes of useless information and unproductive scrolling. Once you fall in there, it'll be hard to come back out.
9. Clean your work space.
Sometimes a messy desk can block your thoughts. Taking a few minutes to tidy things up can be all you need to clear your mind and get back to work.
10. Read through your notes.
This is especially helpful when writing papers for school, and goes back to point number 1. Why are you writing? What are you trying to tell your readers? Skim through your notes to find your point again.
11. Read an article.
Sometimes reading an article can help jog your memory. Go online, read a few articles, and get inspired!
12. Write.
The only other thing you can do to fight off writer's block is to write. Write anything you can think of. Even if it sucks, just get it down. You can always revise it later!
