Cure My Writer’s Block
Writer's block is a real problem, guys.
I've written a few blogs about my struggles with writer's block. As someone who spends their 9-5 job writing blogs but also opts to do it into their personal life, I'm surprised I don't struggle with this more frequently.
Writer's block is like a massive brick wall to your creativity, and there are loads of reasons that you could get a bad case of writer's block. Here are a few ideas, just in case you're starting to doubt yourself;
Fear of failure or high standards
Exhaustion (too many writing projects)
Imposter Syndrome
Lack of structure
Busyness
Anyone can get or will get writer's block, whether its with creative writing or academic writing. It does not reflect negatively on you or your writing ability.
Recently, I've been trying to figure out a new way to squeeze in the blog writing and my other writing commitments. I've said before that I could generally crack out 2/3 blog posts I one sitting, but I sat down to write one blog last week, and I couldn't think of anything to write! This one blog, which didn't need to be longer than 750 words had become a complete block to my creativity.
I think I've overcome the problem now, I've been writing endlessly this weekend, and this blog was a big part of me overcoming my writer's block. So instead of chucking it back into my drafts like most of my random writing sessions, I thought I'd share it with you all.
So if you're struggling to overcome your writer's block, I hope this helps.
Ways To Overcome Writer's block.
Go For A Walk
Escape your writing space. Go for a walk and find somewhere quiet to think and get your thoughts in order, It doesn't have to be a walk, it could be a jog or a hike or whatever you do when you need to be absent for a little while.
I feel like meditation would also be a good option if you have space or the environment where it's possible too!
Write Yourself Out Of It
This is probably the most effective option for me, personally.
If you're a writing obsessive like me, then the likelihood is you've probably got a few writing projects/ ideas in the pipeline at any one time. So close the book on your problematic piece and focus on something new for a little while. Instead of writing about your post lockdown bucket list, why don't you finally start to write up the blog on cocktail recipes? Try to make it a theme that is the polar opposite of your problematic post.
Write Anything
Writing prompts, fan fiction or even shopping lists. Write anything else but what you're currently meant to be working on. If I'm honest, I think this falls under the 'Deny Method' where people ignore the fact Writers Block exists. But will probably give you a better quality of writing.
Personally, out of all the options, I think writing prompts are the best solution, they're often so random that you won't even be thinking about the problematic post, but you'll still be channelling your creativity.
Sleep On It
I feel like this method doesn't require too much definition. Sometimes you need to know when to take a step away from your work. Frustration and exhaustion are both genuine causes of writer's block. Respect your mind and your body; sleep on it.
When you wake up in the morning, you'll have a brand new view of your work. You might have even dreamt up the solution to your problem!
Write With The Flow
I'm a big fan of the 'write without fear, edit without mercy' method when it comes to writing anything. I'll sit and write whatever comes to mind; I'm not a fan of structure. The closest I ever get to planning a blog or opinion piece is prewriting titles. Then after I'm confident I've got a whole blog right in front of me, I edit like there is no tomorrow. I spell check, I peer review, I check my SEO rating, and I spam Grammarly.
It's a method I've found to be useful. Even while I was studying for my Journalism degree, I felt more drawn to opinion pieces or articles where I could inject my style and not require too much research. At the time I think It might have been because I was a bit lazy. But it's quite an effective method. As a result of this style, I've noticed my writing become more passionate and assertive. I hate academic writing styles just as much as I hate writers who overuse their adjectives. So if you're seeking the perfect balance between the two, then I suggest using the above method.
I understand that a lot of these cures for writer's block may have been mentioned in my previous post, but a lot of them are new. To overcome my writer's block, I've started writing throwaway blog posts like this. But more often than not they can be used as blog material. If I'm honest, I'm still yet to finish my problematic post, but I'm well on my way to completing it and clicking 'submit'. You won't be able to read it yourself as it's not something that I'll be posting here, but let me know if you'd like to read it and I'll link to it on my blog/Medium.