As a writer, I’m sure you have experienced that dreadful moment where you run out of all good and sensible topics while searching for something inspiring for you to write about. This could hit you hard at any moment, while in the middle of a 10 paper essay for a class, at a poetry slam contest, or when you're trying to finish the last book in your three part series of novel, okay maybe not then, but it does happen to everyone. Whether you're J.K. Rowling or a preschooler, we all get horrible visits from writer’s block, which I prefer to think is a horribly dressed creature wearing a pantsuit that likes to turn off all the little creative and imaginative lights in our head and leave us with a dark and empty place of nothing. I always get writers block at the worst times when I need to think of some of my best ideas. So, next time you're stuck and need to bust out a sarcastic opinionated piece, or a shockingly hard news article, try following my 11 steps to cure that big bad case of block that no writer has ever called a friend.
1. Go on a pinning spree
Since you're already on your computer and the tab is conveniently opened, try going on Pinterest and researching some fresh new topics. Whenever my brain feels empty, I always check out what popular pins a lot of users are interested in. Just give yourself a time limit or else you’ll be looking up pins on how to make snowman crafts until two in the morning.
2. Get some grub
This is a no-brainer, but maybe you can’t find your creative inspiration because your mind is focused on more important things, like meeting your basic human needs. Maybe you’re hella hungry and, if you’re anything like me, the sound of your stomach growling will most definitely not encourage you to write that story. The keys will all start to look like alphabet soup and before you know it you’ll be back on Pinterest looking up food recipes that you’ll never actually follow through on cooking because there is no stove in your dorm room!
3. Chat up a bud
Hang out with one of your many unique friends. Ironically enough, some of my friends who excel in the math and science areas have given me really creative ideas of stories to write. Other peoples’ perspectives and opinions on a topic might just inspire you to think differently. Also, if you need help with that math homework from last night, you can kill two birds with one stone!
4. Party like it's 2012
A little party never killed nobody, but seriously a night out with some friends is a great way to de-stress from writer’s block. Just make sure that you don’t bring a notepad around and interview people at the actual party, they might not give you quite the quote that you were looking for.
5. Catch some Z's
Consider taking a little cat nap. This could put you in a very dangerous situation if you don’t set an alarm. The goal of this is to not sleep over 45 minutes. After you snooze past the 45 minute mark, you experience slow wave sleep which will make you feel groggy, lazy and confused after you wake from your slumber. If you’re still tired after the 45 minute nap, go drink a cup of Joe.
6. Wash away the pain
Take a warm shower, turn on some tunes and sing your heart out. Who cares if you just showered this morning, you probably smell anyways, you’re a college student! When we are in comfortable or relaxed environments we release higher levels of dopamine. Dopamine triggers the creative thinking in our brain.
7. Get some fresh air
Go outside and leave your phone indoors. Become inspired by the natural world around you, find a nice quiet place to sit, think and observe. Don’t worry about the time or who could be trying to get ahold of you. Take a few deep breaths and an idea is sure to make an appearance.
8. Netflix and note
My own personal adaption from the popular slang term Netflix and chill. Find a comfortable setting, watch a show on Netflix and take notes on it. Notice funny jokes, outrageous plot lines, or just plain odd hidden objects or advertisements. Who knows what kind of inspiration you will gain. Caution: you may experience extreme forms of binge watching, I recommend watching only a 30-minute episode.
9. Read to succeed
Read a book, a blog post, or look through a photo gallery. Our best ideas don’t have to be original, often times we can become inspired by people who are creative in ways very different then us.
10. Draw something
Try drawing a picture, if it’s the words that can’t seem to make it to the page, maybe your creativity can be expressed in a different way. Drawing is also proven to be a great stress reliever. Draw whatever comes to mind, don’t put too much pressure on it to be perfect. Stick figures are acceptable in this situation.
11. Learn to take a risk
Last but not least, if you have tried all these and cannot seem to find whatever it is that is stuck in your old noggin, consider trying something new, maybe the same continuous everyday routine is draining on your creativity and you need a spark to ignite your creative thought process. Switch things up and challenge yourself to take risks. Embark on a new journey, even if it’s as simple as taking a different path to class or eating a new food.
Writer’s block disrupts the creative thinking process for all of us. But if you ever want to rid yourself of the pesky little geometric shape, I guarantee these tips are sure to be helpful. I recommend only trying one at a time, due to the fact that many could lead to extreme forms of procrastination! Even though you may seem at a total loss, your words are sure to be found, and if not take this thoughtful advice from Charles Bukowski, “Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all.”
