We have all experienced the dreaded writer's block. Whether you're writing creatively or have an important essay that is due, it's never fun to handle. It can be unproductive, self-deprecating, and just all around annoying. I have compiled a list of things that help me overcome this terrible ordeal.

1. Listen to music

Create a playlist based on your genre and crank up the tunes to get your creative juices ~flowing~. Even if you have no idea what songs you want next or what music relates to what you are writing, head on over to 8tracks. If music distracts you easily, you can always listen to some rain (with some thunda!) or white noise.

2. Go for a walk

Anything to get your body in motion. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals that help aid in creativity. Who said the best ideas couldn't come to you on the treadmill or a bench-press?

3. Fill out a character questionnaire

It doesn't have to be that exact one, but they are always helpful.

4. Read someone else's work

It's OK to be inspired by another's words. My only dilemma is when I'm reading a book or something, I get motivated to create fanfiction instead of original work. While fanfiction is awesome, it may not be what you are shooting for. However, you can influence characters, settings, etc. from your favorite novels or author. Just keep in mind, plagiarism is #bad and #illegal.

5. Create an outline/goal set

What message do you want to convey to your readers? What would this character do in a certain situation? Is there something that you definitely want to happen but don't know how to incorporate it? I use bullet points so I can move onto the next scene, but can still recall what I wanted to go down.

6. Download ZenWriter

Which is also known as the greatest invention of all time. You can change the font, background, and it even lets you play music! With this, I feel like a published author with all of the aesthetics. So pretty.

7. Hang out with people

Life mimics art. An abundance of authors base character relationships on those of their own IRL. Is the main character's mom inspired by your own? Do you want to create a character on the basis of your best friend?

8. Start somewhere in the middle

Or right after the beginning. For me, this is especially helpful when it comes to writing essays. I am dreadful at writing introductions so I typically just begin right off the bat and brainstorm an intro later on. Trust me, it saves a ton of time instead of you staring at a screen, trying to whip up an attention grabber.

9. Change your scenery

My place to write is laying down in my bed, but that doesn't always work out. Are characters going to a cafe or just outside in general? Go out and experience it. Is Paris an important setting? Hop on a plane. That may not be realistic as not everyone has extra cash or time to go on an impromptu trip but definitely do your research and talk to people who have been.

10. Grab a "300 Writing Prompts" writing book and get crack-a-lackin'

While it may not be what you would like to focus on, it's a start. Here's a trick: pick a character and write the prompts as you feel they would portray them.

11. Don't write for a while

I'm not talking days at once, but maybe take a break for around two hours and then go back to your work. Perhaps your brain is tired from running a mile a minute. Take a nap, take a bath. Relax. While this may be hard when you are writing against a deadline, make sure you have an adequate amount of time for yourself.

Keep in mind, Rome wasn't built in two days. Going through long periods of writer's block does not mean you are a poor author, it is a part of the creative process. You got this.