Whether you write novels, articles, screenplays or anything in between, you've probably experienced writer's block. If you haven't, I hate to be the bearer of bad news but there will come a day when your brain will absolutely refuse to work with you, and your creative juices will cease to flow like bountiful a river and dry up. That's just how the cookie crumbles. I experienced writer's block while trying to come up with an idea for this article, which is ironically how I came up with the idea to give tips on writer's block. These are just a few of the tips and tricks that work for me, so I thought I'd share them. Let's get to it!
1. What's your favorite thing to do? Do that thing. Unless it's writing. Then try one of the other tips.
2. Read something. It doesn't have to be a book, although that's my favorite cure. Read anything from a magazine to an article about things only 90's kids will understand. You never know when inspiration will strike.
3. Get out of the house. Whether you go Pokemon hunting or grocery shopping, sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to get those creative gears running smoothly again.
4. Watch TV. Seriously, just let your mind go blank for an hour or two... or three. I find watching something I don't really have to pay attention to, like old favorites I can binge watch on Netflix, usually work best. Although intense shows may also work, as they tend to keep your mind occupied with something other than your word count goal. What's a word count when there are lives at stake!
5. Write something else. Refresh your brain by scribbling down whatever nonsense pops into your head first. A story about a mailman who delivers food instead of mail? Write it down. Give it a backstory. Does this mean that you have to buy mail? Only you can tell the tale. An article about the pros and cons of being a horse in the Middle Ages? Do it. I would read that. You don't have to publish it or anything, but sometimes you have to warm up your writing muscle with a little silliness.
6. Listen to music. I feel that music is just a different way to tell a story. So play your favorite tunes and relax. Be inspired by someone else's storytelling. Have a dance party. Maybe even write a story inspired by your favorite song or band.
7. Eat something. My only explanation for this is that food makes everything better. It's science.
8. Take a shower. Everyone knows that all great ideas are conceived in the shower or while taking a bath. Plus, depending on how long you've been sitting there trying to write, you could probably use a little soap in your life.
9. Write down every word you can think of. This is another exercise to warm up that writing muscle.
10. Exercise. I hate exercise, but apparently it's good for you. Also it means that this list has ten tips instead of just nine.
Hope this helped! Happy writing!
