Writers are a very unique bunch of people. We don’t exactly fall into all the norms. It’s not a career you choose, it chooses you. What kind of “normal” person locks themselves into their rooms for long periods of time, isolating themselves from the outside world? Writing is like a muscle. We need to constantly exercise and use the muscle. Writers NEED to write. Just like how the human body needs water. So what do you do when you can’t write? How do you fight writer’s block?
Being a writer is kind of like being a walking talking oxymoron. Writers need to go out into the world and have experiences in order to write. But when you’re spending most of your time pounding away on the keyboard, it’s hard to have many experiences. So that’s important. You have to go out and experience the world. You need to meet people. You need to talk to people. More importantly, you need to listen to people. Here about their stories and experiences, meanwhile, create your own. The world is your oyster, go out there and explore. Have fun. If you don’t, you’ll have nothing to write about.
Another thing to combat the infamous writer’s block is to find inspiration. Read books that you like. Read writers that have always inspired you. Go to readings, and explore bookstores Also, check out some new movies that seem up your alley. Watch some of your favorite movies. Check out some cool TV shows. Listen to some music that gets your creative juices flowing.
Music is highly important. Some people like to listen to music as they write. Others need complete silence. But try listening to something while you sit down and battle the blank page. You can listen to songs with powerful lyrics. Or you can listen to music without lyrics at all, so the words in the song don’t distract you from your own. Classical music is great. There are no lyrics, but filled with emotion. Listen to Vivaldi. Picture the scene that comes to mind while listening to his stuff and write about that.
Control your environment. Organize your room or apartment in a way to help you with your craft. Keep some of your favorite books handy so that you can skim through them whenever you feel blocked. Stock up on literary journals. Get a Keurig. Make sure you always have fresh coffee, or a fridge full of wine or beer (if that’s your thing.) Put up cool paintings and posters around the house that tell a story that is interesting to you. Put up quotes by some of your favorite writers and intellectuals. And the most important thing… is have your own space just for writing. Whether it’s a desk or a comfy chair, this is extremely important. Writers are creatures of habit. You need to feel comfortable in your own creative environment. Make your writer’s space and decorate it with things that inspire you. Whether it’s an action figure, a picture, a quote, or a book.
If all else fails, try to find some cool prompts online. Challenge your ability, and be creative. If you can’t find any prompts that fit you, create your own. Buy writers’ magazines. There’s usually something in there to inspire. You can even buy a book filled with writers’ prompts.
There you have it. Now you’re all good to go. And if none of these tips work for you, use them to figure out what works for you. You may just not have the time to write. If that’s the case, then try to schedule it out and make it work. It’s worth it. Now go out there and create!
