We all get writer’s block sometimes, and it can be the worst. Whether you’re creating a company newsletter, working on blog content, or putting together a speech, sometimes our brains just turn off. The words stop flowing (or they never started at all) and you are left staring into the abyss of a blank page. So what’s a writer to do?
The first thing you should do is STEP AWAY. Go do something else to clear your mind. Many times, writer’s block comes from an overload of information that we can’t sort through. If you give your brain a break, it is easier to come back later with a clear mind.
Another thing to do is FREE ASSOCIATION WRITING. When our thoughts are jumbled and we can’t seem to put them in order, we’re sometimes able to start with just writing haphazardly. Write down words, phrases, or sentences that relate to your topic. Once you get some basic points on paper (or on your screen), you can go back through it and sort things out. Figure out which ideas go together, and go from there.
You can also try READING. When you’re reading someone else’s writings, it can give you ideas on the best way to put your thoughts together. It’s always a great way to find suggestions for phrasing and word choice. You can see the way that someone else described an idea that you’re trying to portray, and you can give it life from there.
One last way that you overcome writer’s block is by USING A WRITING PROMPT. There are thousands of writing prompts on the internet – just do a Google search and you will find them. By starting with a writing prompt, it gets your creative juices going and gets your mind on track for writing. After you’re done with the prompt, you should have your mental flow ready to take on any piece that you need to conquer.
