Good morning writers, bloggers, and all those who have struggled with this freak phenomenon “The Blank Page Syndrome” you know that moment when writing you look up and realize you have absolutely no idea where to go, or what to do, or what to write about anymore. Have you ever been there? Chances are if you write in any form or fashion, then yes you’ve experienced writer’s block!
It’s easy to become immobilized with writer’s block, but one of the best ways to get the creative juices flowing again is to give yourself just a few minutes to write creatively about something completely different. Writer’s block is the brain’s way of saying “Hey I’m tired, I need a break you fool” so put the pen down, stop typing, and go get me a cup of coffee, or let me stare into space for a few minutes. When writing we need mental breaks, and sometimes as writers, we get in the zone and forget that we need to step away for a bit and take those mental breaks.
Personally, I struggle with writer’s block all the time, but over the years I’ve learned what my brain needs to get past those things that trip me up. Honestly, this is just something that takes time to discover about you personally and what trips you up when writing. We could look at every self-help writing book out there, but truth be told, when the ole brain is tired it’s hard to push forward and force writing as it becomes tiresome, and you burn out quickly on what used to be enjoyment and passion.
So if you are at that wall-banging your head, here are a few things to think about and try.
1. Take The Step, Take The Risk
To be a writer means to take risks, putting yourself and your ideas out on a limb, making yourself vulnerable to criticism, maybe even ridicule. Does that make you step back and question if this is something you should be doing? Just remember this is your little slice of the internet and you can make it what you want, but there will always be the Nay-Sayers lurking around! You as a writer have to be willing to take that jump and just do what you love. Remember that no writer can please everyone, and you will never benefit from trying to form your writing around that thought either.
2. Creating an Atmosphere
Open one of your favorite novels and pay attention to the techniques the author used to create atmosphere. What is it about the place referenced in the book that draws you? Drawing an atmosphere when writing can be one of the most creative and relaxing moments you will have when writing. Whether it be a descriptive word or a creation of scenery for the reader to get sucked into; this is definitely a way to break the writer’s block.
3. What’s In Your Descriptions
Writing is a wonderful way to see the beauties of this world, and it’s a way to describe what you as a writer want the reader to see. When you write look for new and fresh ways to describe what you want. Use old drafts or stories you’ve written in the past to practice with or look up some poems to spark a new idea. Either way getting out of your story for a bit, and looking at new ways to describe things is always a good way to improve one’s writing skills.
4. A Fantastic Fairy Tale
Fairy tales are also a good way to get the creative sparks popping! The whole point of a fairy tale was to dramatize struggles between good and evil for the most part. So why not take a look at some of those classic gems, because at the heart of fairy tales is a reminder of pure storytelling. Why not sit down with a good cup of tea, or coffee and try to do a play on one of your favorite fairy tales. Make it personal and watch what happens.
5. Let That Imagination Run Wild
You don’t have to be a creative writing major to enjoy writing or a professional journalist to write about a passion you have. You just need to be imaginative. To have a good ghost story, the ghost needs a house to haunt, or some spooky hotel, right? Well if that’s the case then what will you let your imagination create for this story to take shape?
Just remember the only one holding you back from writing is you. Find what you enjoy, write like you’ve never written before, and make it fun while you do it.
A Hobbits Journey 