As a writer, I know how frustrating writer's block can be. It's quite annoying when I'm in the mood to write and I have a general idea, but the words just won't flow. It's even more annoying that when the words do want to flow, I'm not able to write.

Writer's block is something that happens to everyone. Whether you're writing a novel or just an essay for school, there comes a time when it seems as though every creative bone in your body has left.

Sometimes we, unfortunately, create our own writer's block. It's not always just the lack of brain activity. It can be that people are afraid. I've been there. You feel anxious about putting yourself out there and letting people read and judge your work.

Timing can also create writer's block. I've found myself sitting down to write and I'll re-write over and over again because it's just not what I want it to be. I haven't let the idea sit long enough to actually gather what I what to write.

One of the main self-causing writer's block though is perfectionism. I work really hard on my pieces and I want them to be perfect. Especially some novel pieces I've been tinkering around with. Unfortunately, they haven't gotten very far because I'm so obsessed with trying to make everything flawless. Then I just get so frustrated with myself that nothing comes out.

Writer's block itself is hard enough, but knowing that part of you is causing it just plain sucks.

So, how do we fight off this writer's block?

1. Write about it

"Writing about writer's block is better than not writing at all." - Charles Bukowski

I've tried this a few times, and it actually does help a little bit. I've done it right inside of the piece I'm working on as well. I'll just start typing about how I have no idea what I'm doing and that I wish my stupid brain would just let me work. It keeps you going and, like the quote says, writing about it is better than nothing.

2. Routine

I find that if you try to plan out some sort of routine for writing, it helps. It's hard to just sit down and randomly start going. You don't even have to work on something big. If you don't have any ideas maybe you write a journal entry or something, just write.

3. Environment

Sometimes it's as simple a change of scenery. Staring at the same four walls, or sitting in the same old seat gets boring. I'll move from my bedroom out into the living room and I find myself just a bit more comfortable and writing becomes a tad easier.

4. Get comfortable

Seriously, get yourself comfortable. Get something to drink, maybe have a snack, I sometimes will listen to music or have a show on in the background. Yes, I sometimes work better with distractions going on. Everyone write easily in different ways, do what works best for you

5. Take a break

Sometimes, you need to accept defeat and walk away for a little bit. I've been stuck before and I closed the lid of my laptop and went in the other room. You do a few different things, get your mind off it for a little while, then go back with a fresh mind.

6. Free write

Writing should never feel like a chore. If your having trouble with the piece you want to be working on, just do some free writing on something else. I'll start a new short story, or make one of those "excerpts from books I'll never write." Who knows, maybe that free writing will spark an idea, or that free write will be the idea.

There are so many different things you can do to get yourself going. Everyone is different though, so you can listen to all the advice in the world, but in the end, it just comes down to what works for you. It also may take some trial and error. I've tried several different things, some have worked and some haven't. In fact, I'm still learning. You just have to be willing to try.

Tell me, what helps you when you're fighting writer's block?