Writer’s block – it’s a condition that almost every writer has experienced at some point during their life. While every writer is different, here are a few exercises that writer say have helped them to break through writer’s block.
Journaling is an excellent way to get you in the habit of writing every day. By making writing a daily routine, it becomes familiar and natural. Many writers find that journal entries can spark creative inspiration. They mine their old journals to find ideas for short stories, poetry and novels. Other writers prefer to discard the ideas that come out in journals; these writers simply find the act of writing useful. Getting into the habit of daily journaling makes writing become second – nature.
That’s just what you need to become a successful writer.
Like journaling, blogging lets writers get into the habit of writing regularly. The difference is that blogging on the Internet gives the writer an immediate audience. This can be very useful for writer because it provides encouragement and feedback on his or her writing. It can help writers to overcome the feeling of isolation that can accompany writing and lead to writer’s block.
Also, an expectant blog audience can have the effect of forcing a writer into production.
Writing Groups or Classes
Many writers find talking to others in the profession to be helpful in overcoming writer’s block. This might be organized as an informal group or an accredited course. Classes that include assignments to complete a project such as a short story or play can provide the stimulus needed to produce work. Also, being able to communicate with other writers about difficulties with writer’s block helps a writer to feel less burdened. Finally, not to be underestimated is peer pressure!
The pressure to read his or her work among a group of peers, will certainly get the writer motivated.
Another useful exercise for overcoming writer’s block is free writing. In this exercise, the writer fills several pages with writing. It does not matter if the text is typed or handwritten. The point of the exercise is simply to write without editing. Even if nonsense comes out, the writer continues to write. The point of this exercise is to free the mind from its editing and censoring habits. Writer’s block is often associated with a tendency to second-guess.
Free writing allows the writer to discard the habit of self-editing and can be very freeing.