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5 Effective Ways To Overcome Writer's Block

Good news! It is curable.

Hailey Mathieu

Feb 29, 2020

University of South Florida

5 Effective Ways To Overcome Writer's Block

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Writer's block affects everyone at some point or another, although for different reasons. You may be struggling with the timing, fear of putting your ideas on paper for others to critique, or perfectionism. Regardless of the reason, here are some strategies you can try.

1. Take a break.

It might not be the right time for you to write. In that case, you may need to think about your ideas longer. This is why I recommend taking a break. You can watch your favorite show, eat a meal, or walk outside. The hope is that a break will help your mind recharge, so that when you come back to your work later, you will feel refreshed rather than frustrated.

2. Change your environment.

It may help to move. Figure out if you prefer writing in a quiet or busy place. You can try moving to a library, coffee shop, bookstore, or even another part of your home. It may help to try a busy place where you can "people watch." Hearing other people's conversations may help you spark ideas. Regardless of where you choose, eliminate distractions. Make sure your space is clean and tidy. Stay off your phone, and make it fun by using the app Flipd for complete focus. Flipd locks away your distracting apps and keeps track of how long you've been studying. You can also try using the writing application Ommwriter.

3. Read a book.

Reading a book can help inspire you through the author's unique style, character development, and storyline. Make sure to write any ideas you get down while reading, and if you're feeling really inspired, put down the book and begin writing!

4. Listen to music.

Some people consider music a distraction, but for creative writing, music helps me overcome writer's block. I would recommend listening to music with lyrics that aren't distracting. Personally, I listen to pop music, and its noise and feelings neutralize my ability to distract myself. I use Spotify because it's free and chooses the songs for me, so I don't have to fiddle with my phone every three or four minutes.

5. Just write.

If nothing else works, you can try this trick to overcome writer's block. It's a fail-proof strategy, but one you probably don't want to hear: just write. Write anything. Don't think about it too much. Ignore how it sounds and if the grammar's right. It doesn't have to be good; it just has to be written down. Once you get some words on paper, you'll have something to work with and fix afterwards.

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5 Effective Ways To Overcome Writer's Block

Good news! It is curable.

1. Take a break.

2. Change your environment.

3. Read a book.

4. Listen to music.

5. Just write.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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