Although I'm only a college student, I consider myself to be a writer more than anything else. I'm constantly writing an article for the school newspaper or The Odyssey, a new poem or an essay for class. In other words, notebooks and pens are like water to me.

Since I'm always scribbling something down, I have dealt with my share of writer's block. There's nothing I hate more than sitting at my laptop's blank screen or an empty piece of paper, not knowing where to begin or how to continue. I've picked up a few tricks that keep my ideas flowing, and I hope that this advice is helpful!

1. Take frequent breaks 

Some people are good at banging out a five page research paper in one sitting, but unfortunately, I am not one of those people. It's okay to take breaks as you write, because if you don't, your brain will be fried. Feel free to go grab a snack or watch a quick episode of your favorite series on Netflix when you feel too overloaded. Just don't forget to go back to your writing when you're finished!

2. Read a book or listen to music

It's amazing how quickly a writer can draw inspiration from a powerful song or classic novel. Look at the author or musician's work and see if you can implement their emotion and influence into your own work.

3. New environment

It's boring to sit at your desk every day, so why not mix up the scenery? Go to the library, a coffee shop or a grassy spot in the park. Personally, I have trouble sitting in the same spot all the time, so a new environment is usually the best way to stay motivated.

4. Talk to someone about what you're writing

A new person can help spark new ideas, make you want to make certain changes or edits and help improve your writing overall. A professor, classmate or best friend can make you see things from a new angle.

5. Start writing ahead of time

Procrastinating is never worth the last minute stress or lack of sleep. If there's a deadline, no matter how far away it is, start writing a little each day instead of everything at once. You will have less to worry about, plenty of time to work and the chance to revise everything.

6. Keep coffee nearby

I always feel a little bit more motivated when I have a yummy drink beside me. Also, the caffeine will help you stay awake, especially if you find yourself utilizing these tips late at night as you're cramming to finish an essay on time. (Don't worry though, we've all been there before.)

7. Be passionate about the subject you're writing about

Not everything will be fascinating, especially if you're writing an essay or research paper for a school assignment. However, try and find something in it that you think is interesting and focus on that. Or simply enjoy the fact that you are learning about something new and take advantage of that opportunity. When you like the topic it is more fun to write about.

8. Stay focused and ignore anything that's distracting

If you're ready to write, it's time to turn off your phone and close every tab (except the tab that contains what you're writing, of course). Try to eliminate as many distractions as possible. If you don't, you will only be frustrated.

9. Don't forget to go back and edit

When you reread your work, not only will you notice mistakes, but you may generate new ideas you want to add to make your work stronger. It could be a stronger point to defend your thesis or a crazy plot twist in the middle of your short story. Either way, plan to have extra time to compose more than one draft.

Writer's block is common and it happens to everyone. The most important thing is to overcome it instead of letting it overcome you. It will go away, and I hope these tips help it go away.