Whether or not you choose to consider yourself a “writer,” the obstacle of “writer’s block” has occurred to nearly everybody whose ever taken upon any sort of written assignment. It’s as if your brain knows exactly what it must accomplish, yet something is hindering its projection of information. The frustration that it produces is generally unbiased of the circumstances. However, I have found it to be particularly perturbing for myself as a self-proclaimed writer. While a pen and paper, or a keyboard, are generally the most effortless outlets of my thoughts and ideas, I have a difficult time handling when something interrupts the usual ease. Although the sources of the issue vary, it typically stems from some sort of lack of inspiration. As I’ve embarked on more and more writing endeavors, I’ve subsequently encountered a great deal of occurrences of writer’s block. Each time that I have, my ability to overcome these hindrances gradually improves, as I’ve discovered many constructive ways of attaining inspiration. For all my struggling students, workers or simply creative thinkers, here are seven solutions to the dreaded “writer’s block.”
1. Read
Some of my best pieces that I’ve written have followed the conclusion of an incredibly written work of literature. There’s something magnificently inspiring about a polished piece of writing. Whether by a classic novel or an interest-sparking article that appears on your Facebook feed, reading the written expressions of others will surely be a beneficial component to your accumulation of writing motivation.
2. Seek out other art
While writing was always my preferred outlet of expression, I maintain a sincere admiration for all methods of artistic expression. Find what inspires you the most. Whenever I lack the necessary inspiration to write, I often seek out the assistance of music. My creativity was sparked by the lyrics of my favorite songs more times than I can count. Films, photography, paintings or dramatic performances are all useful tools in sparking inspiration.
3. Make a change
Stagnancy is quite often the greatest hand in the implication of my writer’s block. My creativity is severely damaged by lack of dynamic occurrence. Much of my advancements in my writing career were made at times of intense change and transformation in my life. Although many large changes are difficult to strategically plan, little alterations may work just as well. Dye your hair, make a risky investment or step out of your comfort zone in some way and your writing will be pleasantly surprised.
4. Ask for help
Pride, which hinders one from asking for help, is detrimental for writers. I find it exceptionally helpful to accumulate a select group of trustworthy confidants to proof-read or inquire about my writing endeavors. Likeminded creative thinkers and/or writers are generally my preferred group of editors. However, I also often seek out the opinions and revisions of those closest to me regardless of their writing abilities, more so in terms of reviewing the authenticity of my work and its value of interest in my readers.
5. Find a change in scenery
Staring at a blank screen at the desk in your dorm room may solve absolutely nothing. Step away from your desk for a while. Take a walk or ask your friends to go into town for some food; something different. Maybe bring your laptop somewhere different: outside, a library or a cafe. I’m often inspired by the scenery that I immerse myself in. Uninspired circumstances will undoubtedly leave you creatively deficient.
6. Go back to your roots
Too much of a good thing is never good. When too much change is occurring around me, my brain is often left frazzled and overwhelmed. Returning to familiar circumstances or reminiscent situations often allows me to reflect upon myself and enables my creativity to flow.
7. Wait it out
Sometimes there’s simply no answer to the issue except that of poor timing. Don’t force it. If you're trying too hard, your writing will be visibly lacking in inspiration itself. Give yourself time to feel inspired. Find the times of day in which you experience your greatest sparks of creativity and use that discovery to your advantage.
