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Let's face it - we have all been there. You finally find the time to sit down and write. You open up your page, your fingers hit the keyboard, and then...nothing. Not a single creative thought comes to mind. The dreadful writer's block has returned once again, and you are stuck.
It's important to remember - you are not alone! Writers around the world are plagued by writer's block every day, but it is possible to overcome these feelings of blankness and keep moving forward! Here are 10 of our favorite tips for restarting your creativity:
- Try writing in a different location.
Do you always write at your desk? At the kitchen table? Switch it up! Try taking your writing outside to your favorite park or coffee shop. Sometimes a change of scenery can provide a spark of inspiration that your routine writing spot cannot.
- Read something that you love.
Re-read that story that first inspired you to write. Take a break from your project and revisit something that inspires you - whether it be your favorite novel, screenplay, magazine, or blog. Fall in love with that story all over again.
- Go for a walk.
Take a break from the creative process. Grab some fresh air and think about something other than your project for a while. When you're ready, you can return to your writing feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Revisit the drawing board.
Oftentimes, the phrase "back to the drawing board" has a negative connotation, but sometimes, that is exactly what your project needs. By going back into the brainstorming phase, you can allow your creativity to flow without the pressure to make all of the pieces fit together.
- Ask a trusted friend, family member, or colleague for feedback.
Ask someone that you trust to review what you have written so far. Their feedback may be the perfect recipe for writing the next piece of your story. (Plus, it gives you a free pass for taking a break while you wait for them to respond 👍).
- Create a writing calendar.
Life is busy, and finding time to write can be tricky. Schedule time for yourself every day or week that is dedicated specifically to writing. Create page or story line deadlines to meet to help encourage you to keep writing even when writer's block strikes. Consider using this assignment calendar from StudyCrumb.com.
- Jump to a different part of your story.
Just because you are stuck at one part of your story doesn't mean that you can't work on another. If you are struggling to write the introduction, jump to the ending. Figuring out details that happen earlier/later in the story can make it easier to write the parts you were struggling with before.
- Work on a completely different project.
Whether it's a new project or something that's been sitting in your drawer for years, try working on something that is not related to the project you are stuck on. Exercise those writing muscles in another way.
- Silence your inner critic.
It is easy to be your own worst critic. Try to silence the self-criticism for a while, and remind yourself that you can always edit later. The most important part of a first draft is writing one! You have to get all of the words and ideas onto the page before you can revise.
- Read SoCreate's blog post "Give Writer's Block The Boot" 😉
I am only sort of joking.Take some time to read what other writers find helpful in overcoming their fits of writer's block. Try out some other methods, and then redefine what works best for you!
Writing can be tough, so give yourself some slack when faced with writer's block! It's okay to take breaks as long as you come back stronger than before.
What are YOUR favorite ways to give writer's block the boot? Share with us below in the comments section!
Happy writing!
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