Overcoming Writer's Block

 
 

Whether you’re writing a blog, an article for a newsletter, or posts for a social media site, it’s easy to get discouraged by “writer’s block”. One can compare it to pudgy little beaver splashing around in your brain, damming up all of your creative thought processes. 

There are many reasons why writer’s block may be occurring, but there are also plenty of tactics that will help you roundhouse kick your way through that pudgy little beaver’s creative-clogging dams.  Here are some that I’ve found particularly effective:

1.)    Keep an Idea Log

As a writer, I’m sure you have thousands of ideas floatin’ around in your noggin, and if they’re left unorganized, they’re probably contributing to the dams. When you have a good idea for a feature piece in your company newsletter or for an engaging question for your Facebook Page, write it down or record it on a mobile device. Keeping a record all of your ideas (both good and bad) will help you focus and possibly branch off of them with even better ideas during the days when the creative juices aren’t flowing.

2.)    Stop Writing

Yes, put down the pen and move away from the keyboard. Involve yourself in a completely different project or task. It’s possible your brain just needs a breather. You won’t be producing your best work if your brain is working in overtime. After your break, you will find your brain has regained its strength and is ready to bust through that creative dam.

3.)    Recite Your Ideas Out Loud

Read the last few sentences or even paragraphs of what you wrote out loud. Sometimes all it takes is hearing a sentence or idea orally to rearrange your creative thoughts. Also, many times it will help you recall ideas that have been forgotten.

4.)    Keep Your Office Door Closed

Writing in a busy office can definitely stifle the creative process.  When coworkers interrupt, it’s easy to get sidetracked and lose your train of thought. Treat your writing process as if it’s an important business meeting. Inform your coworkers of what you’re working on, and keep the door shut.

5.)     Seek Out Help through Social Networks

If you find yourself really stuck, consider “phoning a friend”! Ask Fans, Followers, and Friends for ideas on topics they’d find engaging or helpful. Even if you aren’t experiencing writer’s block, it’s important to connect regularly and get input from audience you are writing for.

Hopefully by applying one or several of these methods, you’ll be able to effectively combat that troublesome beaver. You’ll find with experience that while writer’s block can be incredibly frustrating, it is also just a minor speed bump that is easily overcome with the right tactics. What methods work best for you?