I know you’ve heard about writer’s block. You might even think you suffer or have suffered from writer’s block. But what do you do when you get stuck?
Do you just stay in the rut? Do you whine and complain about not being able to write? Do you seek inspiration or do you hide away hoping it will find you?
I’ve been a writer for many years. I can honestly say that I’ve been stuck many times myself. Sometimes, I’ve allowed that block to stop me in my tracks. Thankfully though, I’ve learned to pull myself up and out when I start feeling stuck. Here are some things you can to help pull yourself out of your rut, too:
- Take a break. Sometimes you just need to walk away. Step outside or just walk away from the computer for a little while. When you return, you’ll most likely find that your head has cleared and you can think and write again.
- Go for a walk. Taking a 10-minute walk can do wonders for you when you’re stuck. It’s even better if you can walk for a longer period of time. Go to a park or walk in a heavily wooded area. Nature’s sights and sounds will open up your senses.
- Refill your well. How long has it been since you refilled your creative well? All work and no play will cause you to become blocked quicker than anything else. Feed your starving artist: buy a new paint set, take horseback riding lessons, visit an art gallery.
- Brainstorm for ideas. Keep a notebook handy at all times to write down ideas. This will quickly become your rich source of inspiration when you can’t come up with a new idea.
- Write with pen and paper. Technology is great, but sometimes it helps to do something different. Shake up your routine by writing with pen and paper. Even better, take your notebook outside and write to the tune of a song bird.
- Ask a friend for help or ideas. Get some input. It never hurts to ask for help. Call on a few artist friends to have a brainstorming session. You’ll really get the ideas flowing fast!
Popularity: 11% [?]
[...] remember to refill your well. Continuous writing without a break usually leads to a big old nasty writing rut. And once you’re all written out, it can be very difficult to get [...]
Catch Your Second Wind | Hope Writes
July 18th, 2008