Defeating Writer's Block
If you're a writer, or a student, or anyone who's ever felt the
desire or need to write, you know all about the dreaded thing
known as writer's block. You sit at the computer, or your're at
your desk with a pad and pen, ready to write. But nothing
happens. Your mind is drawing a complete blank. You feel as if
you'll never be able to string even five words together into
something coherent. It's a tragic problem and many experience
it. The sad thing about this particular monster, is that once
it's bitten, it sinks its teeth in and begins to work its way
into your mind. If you don't defeat it immediately, it can be
around for quite some time. You'll find yourself thinking "why
can I write anything?"
There are a few fabulous techniques for slaying this
particularly ugly monster: Just write! Write absolutely
anything, even if it doesn't pertain to what you want to write.
It doesn't matter how bad it is, it's just important to
continue. Even if doesn't even make sense! Who knows? Somewhere
in all of the mess, there might be a few incredible pieces!
Take a walk! If weather permits it, a walk outside just might
help you, as something you see might break the wall that's
holding those good ideas hostage.
Remember when you were in kindergarten? That's right, take a
nap! Some of the best ideas come from dreams. And it's been said
that we often dream the solutions to our problems.
Meditation is an easy task, even if you've never practiced it
before. There are many reliable resources that can teach you how
to meditate. Like taking a nap, meditation offers the ability to
quiet the mind long enough to find a solution or an idea.
Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! Do some yoga or aerobics, or maybe
go to the gym and walk on a treadmill. While you're at it,
observe the other people in the gym. See if that doesn't jog
your brain into giving up those great ideas.
Sometimes, it just helps to talk to another writer. There's an
expression that many authors use - "Only another author would
really understand this." It's true - it's hard to explain to
someone who doesn't write how sometimes our minds and our muses
just don't want to work with us when it comes to our writing and
coming up with great ideas. So, call another writer friend and
talk about your writer's block. Sometimes two heads really are
better than one.
It doesn't matter if you're writing a research paper, a love
letter, or the next great international bestseller - everyone
suffers from writer's block now and then, even people who don't
consider themselves writers! The important thing to remember, no
matter what option or techniques you use, is not to let the
writer's block defeat you. You have to destroy the monster!