On Writer's Block
Start writing a post
Student Life

On Writer's Block

The bane of my existence

17
On Writer's Block
Bookworm's Diary

We've all experienced it. Staring at a blank notebook page or word document, we have all felt it. Words are simultaneously jumbled in your brain and your brain is also totally empty. It's the feeling I get when there's a pop quiz or I get called on in class. If I was asked the question in casual setting I'd probably whip out the answer, but the minute there are all eyes on me or any form of pressure a loud "ummmmm" gets drawn out of my mouth. I once panicked on a pop quiz and wrote down the death date of a person because I couldn't remember anything else once pressure was applied. Needless to say words fly out of my brain at high speed. Writer's block is when I get that pop-quiz feeling and all I can do is stare at the blank page and say "ummmm."

Sometimes I get writer's block when I have to write an assignment. It is guaranteed to happen if I try and start by writing the title. I cannot title an academic paper to save my own butt. This could be because I have a nasty habit of labeling things "assignment for [insert name of class] 1" or "paper for [insert name of professor]". This habit makes tracking my documents relatively simple but I never get points for creativity.

Writer's block often happens when I have the most thoughts going on in my head. It's like the jumble of thoughts and words and fragments is a pricker bush and inside that bush there is a flower. That flower is the kernel I need to start writing. But I can't get it. I can't quite reach it so I sit there and chase my thoughts around without my fingers ever touching the keyboard.

So how do I overcome the writer's block? I don't. I let it take its hold on me for as long as it needs. There are little things I do to try and get my writing flow back. I can't say if they work or not. But here's the list.

1. Put on a movie

This is rather simple. We all have that one movie that we've seen countless times that gets our thoughts going. Sometimes I need a movie to trigger a certain emotion that I feel stuck on. Sometimes I just need to feel inspired by something outside of the realm of my everyday life. Sometimes I just need a distraction. For any of these reasons I often find myself watching a movie to get unstuck.

2. Stream of consciousness

Something that is tried and true to help get the writing flow going is setting a timer and just writing every thought. This thought could be writing "I have nothing to say" over and over again if need be. Stream of conscious writing can help the process of writing get started. There's also a chance that maybe there's an idea that pops out of stream of conscious writing that is the exact starting point you needed.

3. Go for a walk

I love walking. While writing is one of my favorite activities my favorite thing to do that far eclipses writing is walking. I love to put headphones in, sneakers on, and just go. My mind goes faster than my feet and nothing matters but just existing. I often find when I come home from a long walk I can focus the best. I also find that after a walk grabbing an idea and sticking with it is much more like grabbing a flower that's just popped up in the sidewalk-far easier than delving through a pricker bush. This might not work for everyone and sometimes a walk isn't always feasible, but this is the best way to get rid of writer's block in my opinion.

4. Organize your thoughts

Sometimes when writer's block occurs it can be helpful to make a list or mind map. Not being able to get organized or being overwhelmed by a paper in its totality can be at the heart of writer's block. Getting a list of points to hit in the piece of writing or even just making a flowchart of ideas can make a world of difference.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49035
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31162
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954931
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180229
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments