As someone who has spent my entire life writing, "Writer's Block" is no stranger to me. Especially when I was seriously struggling with my mental health, I could hardly even get a sentence down on paper without my brain cramping.

Here is some of the advice I've gotten from writing mentors of mine and what has worked for me:

1. Don't wait for inspiration

There are a lot of assumptions out there about what it means to be a writer, one of which is that we are naturally struck by inspiration. This, however, is not always the case. Actually, it probably isn't usually the case at all. Writing is a multi-step, rigorous process that requires equal parts skill and perseverance. Full-blown inspiration (having an epiphany about how to create something beautiful about a specific subject) is hard to come by, so take any idea you have and do your best to roll with it. No matter how much time and editing it takes, try to push yourself by truly creating something out of (almost) nothing.

2. Try a different form than you'd usually go with

If you're used to writing academic essays, like I am, try writing a story or poem. If your specialty is creative writing, try writing some non-fiction or a narrative. Dabbling in a new form can expand your horizons as well as shake loose some material for when you do return to home base.

3. Write with no form at all.

Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to let go of rules and guidelines, so just write. Whether it's single words in no particular order or strange sentences that don't really mean anything, you'd be surprised what going structureless can do for you, especially if you're usually very strict about it.

4. Write with a pen and paper.

Note: it is important to use pen, not pencil. Using pen on paper rather than a computer is a way to remind yourself of the writing process. Since there is no way to erase or delete, all your cuts, additions and alterations will become a part of the final piece. Writings that are completed on an electronic device often delude us into believing that the first draft was the perfect draft since we can't see all that we changed. Allowing yourself to face all of those mistakes and changes you made will allow you to get reacquainted with the reality of the writing process and lessen the pressure we often feel to create something perfect on the first try.

5. Write to a prompt, even if it's not for academic purposes

Unsurprisingly, there are tons of "self-help" type books out there for writers that come in the form of "365 Days, 365 Prompts," "1,001 Things to Write About" and such. I, in fact, have my own personal collection. These guides can actually be so helpful when you're feeling lost for words. Though some of the suggestions may seem difficult or stupid, writing about something simply because you feel that you have to can get the cogs moving again in the creative parts of your brain. To make it even more challenging, try writing different prompts in different forms: a poem for one, a manifesto for the next.

6. Two words: Image. Poems.

For me, there is no better way to get myself into a creative mood than to write some image poems about the things around me. Image poems are free-verse, no rhyme or meter, and can be as long as you want although they are generally two lines long. It could be about something more philosophical like time, emotion, etc., but sometimes the best topics are those that seem like they could never be turned into something creative. I've even written about the windshield of my car, a toenail and a grapefruit, so nothing is off limits.

7. Write late at night

Writing during the quieter hours is a perfect way to free yourself from distractions. The serenity of night time can be very inspiring and also makes it much easier to stay focused, especially since social media tends to calm down in the late hours.

8. "Sell Me This Pen"

Remember that scene in The Wolf of Wall Street, where workers are encouraged to use their language and rhetoric skills to sell a plain old pen to their superior? Do that. Take any ordinary thing and use your words to make it sound like something beautiful and crucial. Really flower it up, hyperbolize. It can be so fun to turn something ordinary into something almost comically compelling.

9. Create a video diary

Sometimes just talking is the best way to get ideas flowing, so creating a video diary can be the perfect way to chronicle your train of thought. It is also less pressure to just speak since many writers suffer from perfectionism when it comes to their first written draft.

10. Revisit old work

Edit old work, even change it completely if that helps. It is very important to be able to modify your writings, just as it is important to be able to recognize and hold yourself accountable for your mistakes. Plus, revisiting old work with a new perspective can be a pretty simple way to come up with new ideas, even if that is simply writing the same idea in a new way.

11. Most importantly: Read

This is the simplest advice of all. There truly is no better way to get inspired than to soak up the works of fellow writers. It can give you concept ideas, expose you to unique voices, and teach you about different forms. Reading is the writer's most effective weapon because reading is the best way for us to get motivated about what our works could become. Plus, it only makes our love for the art grow.

Remember: writing is all about the process, which includes the evolution of ideas and experimentation with the execution. Block is normal, we just all need to explore which ways best allow us to break free of it. Good luck.