Featured: Overcoming Writer's Block

At one time or another, nearly every writer has faced writer’s block -- or at the very least, knows someone who has encountered the dreaded block. It is a curse as old as the written word and has plagued many a writer since the dawn of time. Anyone who has experienced this phenomenon knows that is can be incredibly difficult to get rid of, and unfortunately there is no tried and tested method to stop it. The bottom line is that everyone is different, so what works for some may not work for others. Listed below is a variety of different ways to attempt to overcome writer’s block -- hopefully you can find one that works for you.

Rewriting

Sometimes, you may find yourself unable to write something new, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go back and work on older things. Some writers may find that, even in a time where writing is difficult, they are able to go back and edit, rework, and add to older pieces, whether finished or not.

If you find yourself unable to add to your newer works, go back to your older work and read through it, editing and critiquing yourself along the way. When you finish, you may find that your creative juices are flowing again.

Travel

Not everyone has the money to take a flight to Paris on a whim, but almost everyone can visit a new destination of some sort. Putting yourself in a new environment wakes up the mind, alerts the senses and gets your wheels turning again. You may find yourself inspired by the new ice cream shop down the road or the hiking trail in the next town over.

Wherever you find yourself traveling to, don’t force the creativity along the way. Bring a pen and pad of paper if you wish, but it is important to remember that this journey is not meant just to bring inspiration, but to free your mind and let it wander instead of focusing on your work or inability to write at the moment.

Write

This tip may seem redundant or even stupid, but it is something that hasn’t failed me yet. Often times, writer’s block comes from a fear of writing something bad or not worthy of your potential reader’s eyes. If you feel this is what you may have, write something for yourself. Write that random Dave Franco fan fiction with no plans to show it to anyone. Write what comes naturally without the fear of being judged or critiqued for it.

When using this tip, it is important to remember not to worry about what others will think, because they will not be seeing it. This piece is for your eyes only and is meant simply for you. Think of it as a gift to yourself for working to overcome your writer’s block and use it as a chance for some self-insertion with your favorite celebrity.

The truth is that writer’s block is a lot like the common cold. Everyone has a cure for it, some of which seem wacky, but in the end only you will know what will work for you. The important thing is to never give up, because if writing is your passion you will work through it -- maybe even at a time when you least expect it.

Special thanks to Fandango and aubs for editing!