There is nothing worse than being a writer with nothing to write about. If you understood the concept of that first sentence, then I am sure you’ve experienced the little phenomenon we like to call writer's block. It’s almost like the blank page in front of you just gets whiter and longer as the time goes by. As a writer, it’s so easy to become discouraged, and if you're like me you’ve probably thought to yourself, “I’m sure Maya Angelou, Ernest Hemingway, or Dr. Seuss never had these kind of brain hiccups.” Well, I have not spoken with any of them personally but I am pretty sure every single writer has had a point in their career where the paper simply keeps coming up blank. I’ve put together a small list of tips that can help anyone struggling with communication between your brain and the paper.
If you're searching for words that you just came seem to find here’s a few tips:
1. Don't procrastinate.
Since the dawn of time, procrastination has been the downfall to many young minds, so try to write at least 3 days out from your submission date.
2. Avoid distractions.
If you’re anything like a normal person you think that watching television, scrolling down your timeline, and having a conversation is a good writing environment. And if I was the writing police I would tell you to put the pen down and step slowly away from the paper. When writing you want your mind to be as clear as possible so try a room with just you, your thoughts and watch the ideas fly.
3. EAT.
Just like taking a test, writing on an empty stomach is the worst thing that you can do when trying to come up with inspiration. How can you possibly think when your stomach is louder than your thoughts?
4. Think of 5 things/people you could never live without.
Ideas are much closer than you think, try thinking of 5 objects or people that you can’t live without, and if you can’t live without that person or thing, there’s a pretty big chance that you can come up with at least a page worth of meaningful content about that subject.
5. Tap a nap.
Sometimes all your brain needs is a little refresher. Don’t be afraid to take a brain break that way, you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle those words.
*Move in closer because I am about to disclose the biggest tip of all!
6. When all else fails you, WRITE ABOUT WRITER'S BLOCK.
There are at least 400 characters that you can derive from having absolutely nothing to write about. I mean just take me for example, all week I have been pondering on the route that I wanted to take my article down and I couldn’t think of one thing worth submitting. Then, just like that, it dawned on me, why write about the only that’s able to come to mind? Why not write about not being able to write about anything? And just like that, the words began to flow!
So take these tips to heart young skilled writers, because they may save you a lot of time and an unwanted headache or two!
-Move forward, write freely, and may the pen be with you!
