Writer's block affects everyone at some point or another, although for different reasons. You may be struggling with the timing, fear of putting your ideas on paper for others to critique, or perfectionism. Regardless of the reason, here are some strategies you can try.
1. Take a break.
It might not be the right time for you to write. In that case, you may need to think about your ideas longer. This is why I recommend taking a break. You can watch your favorite show, eat a meal, or walk outside. The hope is that a break will help your mind recharge, so that when you come back to your work later, you will feel refreshed rather than frustrated.
2. Change your environment.
It may help to move. Figure out if you prefer writing in a quiet or busy place. You can try moving to a library, coffee shop, bookstore, or even another part of your home. It may help to try a busy place where you can "people watch." Hearing other people's conversations may help you spark ideas. Regardless of where you choose, eliminate distractions. Make sure your space is clean and tidy. Stay off your phone, and make it fun by using the app Flipd for complete focus. Flipd locks away your distracting apps and keeps track of how long you've been studying. You can also try using the writing application Ommwriter.
3. Read a book.
Reading a book can help inspire you through the author's unique style, character development, and storyline. Make sure to write any ideas you get down while reading, and if you're feeling really inspired, put down the book and begin writing!
4. Listen to music.
Some people consider music a distraction, but for creative writing, music helps me overcome writer's block. I would recommend listening to music with lyrics that aren't distracting. Personally, I listen to pop music, and its noise and feelings neutralize my ability to distract myself. I use Spotify because it's free and chooses the songs for me, so I don't have to fiddle with my phone every three or four minutes.
5. Just write.
If nothing else works, you can try this trick to overcome writer's block. It's a fail-proof strategy, but one you probably don't want to hear: just write. Write anything. Don't think about it too much. Ignore how it sounds and if the grammar's right. It doesn't have to be good; it just has to be written down. Once you get some words on paper, you'll have something to work with and fix afterwards.
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