4 Ways To Overcome Writer's Block
Start writing a post
Student Life

4 Ways To Overcome Writer's Block

The bane of all college students' existence.

Angelina Sakkestad
Dec 13, 2018
Rowan University
39
https://www.pexels.com/@startup-stock-photos
Pexels

What do you do when you can't write, when you can't find a single thought in your head that's worth sharing?

Lots of people do nothing.

Which is frustrating, because as writers, we want to write. We want to share these thoughts that buzz in our heads throughout the day. We write to create discourse and to build a community, but sometimes, you just feel like you're standing in an empty field instead of a bustling city.

I find that too many of these thoughts pass too quickly. But sometimes you don't have a skip or a pass that you can use. Sometimes you have to push through the writer's block.

1. Just write.

Sometimes the best way to get past writer's block is to simply write. Sit down with a pen and paper or at your laptop and word vomit all over the page. You might even create something you're proud of.

2. Take a break.

Get up, go for a walk, and rest your eyes and hands. Get some inspiration from the world around you. Hell, call your mom and tell her your problems. More than once, my mom has helped me get past writer's block by just talking through the situation.

3. Write a list.

When it comes to articles, I get stuck all the time on a topic. Recently, I made a list of things that I'm interested in or things that make up my identity. When I'm stuck on a topic, I can glance at the list and write about a new topic.

4. Power through it.

Essays. The bane of all college students. These are the papers we procrastinate until hours before the deadline. The papers that have us chugging caffeinated drinks and sometimes even shedding a tear. You have that topic, but your soul just doesn't want to write. The deadline is creeping closer and closer, and you're just going to have to power through it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

Siena College
17299
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
small towns
Relationships

Grateful Beyond Words: A Letter to My Inspiration

I have never been so thankful to know you.

University of New Haven
295329
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Smith College
91154
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
waitlisted
Swoon

Navigating the Talking Stage: 21 Essential Questions to Ask for Connection

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

National Writers Society
153529
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
single life
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Marist College
65258
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments