Writer's block--we've all been here. There's an essay or an assignment due, and we cannot for the life of us think of anything to write about. We're stuck. We sit at our computers looking at a blank screen for half an hour, then get frustrated because everything that we type just sounds dumb.
Sound about right?
I know this feeling-- sometimes all too well. So, I've compiled a list of 11 ways to cure your writer's block, and get those creative juices flowing again.
1. Call your mom.
A mom can fix anything; it's what they do. So call her up, ask her how she's doing, listen as she tells you the latest drama going on with your grandmother, and ask her for some advice. There's no shame in asking for some inspiration, especially from mother dearest.
2. Go outside.
Nature can do wonders for a struggling mind. So go for a walk, a run, or a bike ride. Get out of your own headspace for a while and take in the world around you. I promise, it can be quite the refresher.
3. Read a book.
Read your favorite book, read a magazine, or read an article on the internet. It doesn't matter what you read, just read. Allow yourself to draw inspiration from another author's words and build your own ideas.
4. Listen to your favorite music.
You know a good dose of T-Swift can make anything OK. So turn up the volume on "You Belong with Me" and proceed to drown out the rest of the world.
5. Go to a coffee shop.
Whether it be Starbucks or your local small town coffee place, go sit, observe, and be still. Ideas can be sparked from anything, so why not allow others to help you out a little?
6. Read the news.
If you don't keep up with the news for the sheer fact of staying updated with what's going on in the world, do it for inspiration. Current events are a great topic to write about, and spreading awareness about them is super important. So download the CNN app and find what piques your interest.
7. Take a shower.
OK, I know this one might sound dumb, but it works! Whenever my brain is tired and I get stumped, I stop what I'm doing and take a shower. Let your mind wonder and de-stress. You'll feel refreshed, ready to start working again, and best of all, squeaky clean!
8. Go for a drive.
Go on, do it. Roll your windows down and turn up whatever is on the radio and just drive. Drive with no destination and just let go. Believe me, it works wonders.
9. Use a different means of writing.
Instead of sitting at your laptop staring at a blank Word document, try switching to a different writing tool. Try going back to a pen and paper or pull out your iPad. It doesn't matter how or where you write, just as long as you write.
10. Write for yourself-- not for anyone else.
Do not let the opinions of others deter you from writing-- especially about something of which you are passionate. You write for yourself and because you want to. Your aim is not to please everyone, so don't waste your time and energy trying to do so.
11. Simply get your ideas on paper.
Just allow yourself to "word vomit." Get all of what is circling around in your brain onto a piece of paper or type it all out into a jumbled list of nonsense. You can go back and sort it out later. Remind yourself that a first draft is just that, it's a first draft. Revising and editing can wait-- just write.
