Real Words

 I’d like to share a guest post with you that has some great tips on getting around Writer’s Block. We all experience writer’s block now and then so we all need to consider the ways that there are to get around (or through!) this problem. This article can help with that!

There’s both an upside and a downside to being in the creative field – on the one hand, you’re dependant only on yourself to give your best, but on the other, there are days when writer’s block gets to you and you’re unable to find a way out, no matter how hard you try. And that’s when you wish your job was mundane enough that you didn’t have to constantly come up with your creative best. But I speak from experience when I say that writer’s block or whatever else you call the drying up of words has a way of disappearing when you least expect it to. So if you’ve ever found yourself with absolutely no words to pen, here’s what you must do to get back into your flow:

• Take a break: You may feel yourself unable to write like you normally do when you’re stressed due to working too hard and long, when you’ve not had enough sleep, or when you’re worried or anxious about something. In that case, it’s best to take a break from writing for a while – it may be for an hour, a day, a week or even a month. But shut down your computer, and don’t turn it back again until you have words jostling in your head and clamoring to be penned down and given form. Sometimes trying too hard has the exact opposite effect of what you’re trying to achieve, so let go of your work, and watch it work wonders for you.
• Do something you really love: When you take time off to refresh and relax yourself by doing something you really love, you find your creative juices flowing again. And that’s because you’re happy when you’re engaging in a pastime that you love – be it going to the movies or playing the fool with your kids. A relaxed mind is the best way to unlock those creative instincts and let the words flow.
• Seek inspiration from other sources: There are times when reading other people’s work ignites the spark of your own creativity. Put your work aside for a while and read a book or articles that interest you. You’ll find the idea for an article of your own creeping slowly into your mind.
• Keep a journal: A diary of random thoughts and events is a must for any writer worth their salt. Whenever you find yourself with an idea, pen it down before it leaves your mind. And then when you find yourself with a lack of ideas, turn the pages of your journal to seek inspiration.
• Believe in yourself: Writer’s block sometimes overtakes you because of a negative experience or comment that makes you feel a failure. You’re made to think that you’re not a good writer, and this depression blocks the words from flowing freely. Turn to a good friend or close family member for comfort, someone who can boost your confidence and make you feel at ease once again. Alternatively, you could read what you’ve written earlier, work that has gained positive and glowing reviews, to get back the feeling of self-worth.

Remember, writer’s block is in your mind; it’s psychological, not physical, which means that all you need to get over it is think positively. 

This post was contributed by Kelly Kilpatrick, who writes on the subject of online colleges. She invites your feedback at kellykilpatrick24@gmail.com.

Aren’t Kelly’s tips great? Several of them seem to relate back to “filling the creative well“, a concept that encourages writers to make time to take in inspiration by doing the things that they love and enjoying the playfulness of life. Your additional tips on getting over writer’s block are welcome in the comments!