Don’t you hate that feeling? You want to write, or you have an assignment that needs to get done. You make yourself a cup of tea, you sit down with your precious laptop in your lap, you place your feelings delicately on the keys…and nothing. Not one single idea comes to your head. It’s just as you feared: you have Writer’s Block! This can occur at the beginning of the process, in the middle, choosing a title, or even on the very last sentence of a five hundred page novel. But never fear, here are some personal tips that may help you get through the smoky haze of writer’s block.
Call a Friend Who is Different Than You
Perhaps you need a new perspective or idea. Someone differently than you can see the world in a whole new light: different experiences, different thoughts, and different points of view. Hopefully this will get your mind thinking about new things and generate a spark.
Go For a Walk
Who knows what you’ll come up with outside. Note the weather, the sky, the temperature, the wind, the plants, the animals, and the people. In this big beautiful world there is definitely something to write about out there. If anything, being alone with your thoughts may help you think out your current writing issue.
Watch a Movie/Read a Book
Works of fine arts and fiction are perfect for generating ideas and getting creativity flowing. Try watching a different genre than you’re used to, or than your current project is. Take notes even. Invite someone over to analyze or discuss the movie with you. Go online and see what others thought of the book you just finished. Write down what you liked, didn’t like, or an idea you thought was creative. Collect snippets of information that you could utilize in your own writing. *Note, this does not mean plagiarize.
Take a Nap
It sounds simple, but can be quite effective. When you sleep, your body and brain are refreshed. This might help you give you the clarity you need. And who knows? Maybe you’ll have a dream that inspires you. Write down all your dreams that you can remember, and keep them just in case as sources for ideas. It worked for Stephanie Meyer, and I’m sure you’re a much better writer than she is.
Write About Your Writer’s Block
Jot down your feelings and frustrations. Try to describe them in different ways. Everything around you can be inspiration, so why not your own writer’s block. It’s real, truthful, and relateable. For example, how do you think I got the idea for this Odyssey article?