Chances are if you engage in any sort of creative hobby then you've gotten "stuck" at some point or another-- and writing is no exception. As simple a task as sitting down to write may seem, a number of things can make us hesitate to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and get to work on whatever is at hand; be it for homework, your job, or for leisure. Writer's block can feel massively defeating, but next time you are at a loss for words take a deep breath and try one, or all, of these five steps.
1) Carry a Journal
Inspiration doesn't care about convenience-- it strikes whenever and wherever it pleases so the best way to make sure you don't miss out on your best ideas is to be prepared. Carrying a journal, personally, has helped me more than anything else on this list. It gives you an excuse to pay more attention to the world around you as you go about your day and is a great way to gather ideas. You'd be surprised all of the interesting things you see and hear when you take the time to tune in.
2) Stop Being Afraid to Write
Everyone has to start somewhere. If you feel under-confident about aspects of your writing don't feel ashamed or afraid of trying. Telling yourself that you simply can't write will only serve as a self-fulfilling prophecy. It won't always come easily, but writing anything is a step in the right direction.
3) Free Write
Sometimes the best way to get over writer's block is to throw caution to the wind and just start. Set a timer for yourself and just write anything that comes to mind. Don't edit yourself, obsess over wording, or nitpick your ideas-- just write. Making mistakes is okay (that's what the editing process afterwards is for) and sometimes you might even stumble upon a great idea in the process.
4) Write Somewhere New
A change of scenery can do wonders for the creative mind. While we all love our regular haunts, a new environment can mean new ideas and new perspectives. If you usually write at home try a different room; maybe even venture out to a park or coffee shop. Having new things to see, hear, smell, and experience might be just what your writing is missing.
5) Take a Break
If all else fails and the words still won't come, it might be time for a break. Put down your pen, leave your laptop, and go do something. Go for a walk, watch a movie, take a nap, or do whatever else suits your fancy. If the ordeal of trying to write has become more frustrating than you can handle, it's okay to step away for a few minutes or even a few days (pending your assignment isn't due tomorrow). We're only human and sometimes even things we love doing can become a chore. You aren't less of a writer for your writer's block, even in chronic cases. The right words will come.
