Writing is a difficult task to do and as many writers have experienced, getting a great idea onto paper in a timely fashion isn't as easy people think it is. There is a lot of drafting involved and outlining, and even thinking about how you are going to form your writing is stressful. I have struggled with Writer's block over and over again until I was finally done with it controlling me. These are some helpful tips to try and overcome Writer's block.
1. Play Sims
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This game has been around for a long time. Not only is it a great Virtual Reality game, but it is also a great way to build your own world and create characters. I have used Sims numerous times to either jog my ideas or create my world that I imagine to be in my book that I am writing. Now for journalists, Sims is a great outlet to get your mind off of things. Writing isn't just about telling a story, it's about consuming the reader with great vocabulary. It's hard to get those thoughts onto paper when you have too many thoughts up there.
2. Read a Book
I know from personal experience that I hate reading a book while I'm trying to write my own story. What you hear and see influences what you put down on paper. If you are known for being easily distracted by other books you've read, don't read a book while you're writing. Instead, read your thoughts. Which brings us to number three.
3. Keep a Journal
Your journal can be a dream journal, bullet journal, everyday journal. The number one rule of writing is 'Write what you know.' I cannot write about a topic I'm not familiar with. I tend to form my characters after myself. They have the same personality, thoughts, tastes. Don't force yourself to be interested in something. Also, if you are a writer with a deadline, don't try to write about something that requires a lot of research. Like I said, write what you know. It'll be easier and will help your story flow better.
4. "Dead Poets Society"
"Dead Poets Society" contains a variety of themes, but it is a great movie to watch to understand and recapture the true meaning of writing. It gives you a clear understanding of the English language and language in general. Our greatest tool as humans is our ability to use language to create images and ideas in other's minds.
5. Tumblr
Unless you follow writing blogs, Tumblr is a great place to take a break. But, do not use Tumblr as a way of procrastination. Use it as a refresher. You should write like you would study for an exam. Write in 5-10 minute time frames, take a break, get a snack, then go back to writing. Remember to give yourself and your mind a break.
6. Pinterest
Pinterest contains a lot of board with specific writing ideas, prompts, story starters, in all, it is one of the best places to get writing help. During late nights, I go onto Pinterest and scroll through the different Writing boards. It is a fantastic source to relieve writer's block.
7. "Stuck In Love"
This movie is now available on Netflix, and it is about a family with divorced parents. The father is a great writer but has issues with holding onto the past. The son and the daughter are both writers and as the audience, we follow their lives as the parents try to fix their relationship, the daughter publishes her first book, and the son starts to create experiences as a teenager.
8. Go for a Walk
Pretty simple. Walking around and watching life go by can help you with your writing. The way this helps me is, I tend to write random stories about the people I see on my walk. When you see a person, try to imagine how their life is. You can really come up with fantastic stories.
9. Listen to Music
This is very much like number two. Music is a great way to relax and open your mind, however, music can play a huge part in what you are writing. Try to listen to music with no lyrics. That way, it cannot influence what you are writing.
10. Talk to People
I hate talking to people just as the next introvert, but talking to people will let your thoughts free and clear your mind for the story that you are trying to write. Doesn't have to be a full on conversation. Just a little chit-chat.
No matter what, your writer's block won't last forever. Remember to give yourself a break and have fun with it. Writing shouldn't become a task, it is a passion and a hobby.
