Staring at the Screen: 5 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block for Good
It’s a writer’s’ worst nightmare when the inevitable writer’s block kicks in and keeps the words from flowing.
If you’re dealing with writer’s block, don’t worry– we put together a list of five super easy and effective ways to beat writer’s block so you can get back to work.
Check out our useful guide below!
Staring at the Screen: 5 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block
Beating writer’s block may be easier than you think.
1. Try freewriting.
If you’re in the middle of writing your novel, it may be difficult to pull away from organizing the outlines and designing your mock book cover. However, if you’re just staring at the screen when it comes to getting the meat of the book written, you should take some time away from the project to focus on some freewriting.
Start with a simple and brief fifteen minutes a day writing whatever comes to mind. The beauty of freewriting is that you don’t have to worry about structure or even sense– the whole thing is just about getting words onto paper.
Freewriting is useful because it gets your brain working. Think of it as a warmup exercise for writing.
2. Move around.
Let’s be real– writing is a pretty sedentary occupation. Sometimes we just get a little too cramped and stiff from writing and the discomfort can cause our brains to be less than focused.
There are many ways to get moving and loosen up:
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Dance
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Tai Chi
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Yoga
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Stretching
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Jogging or walking
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Breathing exercises
A relaxed mind is a more open and healthy mind.
3. Quit writing altogether.
We don’t mean permanently, of course.
A lot of the time, writer’s block can happen because we are overworked or have done nothing but write for days.
If your writer’s block is especially dense, you may need to get creative in other ways and take a vacation from writing.
Step away from your laptop and try painting or drawing or collaging. Writing is an art, and sometimes through nurturing other types of art, we become a little less burnt out on it.
4. Get rid of distractions.
It’s very easy to get distracted while writing. However, it’s crucial to remove distractions while writing completely.
The first effect way to do this is to schedule your writing time and to stick to it. Pick a time during the day when it is quiet, the house is empty, and you are able to put your full focus on your work for about three to four hours.
Turn off your phone and, if you don’t need to research things for what you are writing, turn off your internet as well.
A messy workspace can be distracting too. Keep your area clean and declutter often.
5. Write early.
Write when your brain is still in Theta, the neurological pattern that your brain is in while dreaming. Your brain will remain in Theta mode for an hour or so after waking up early. The creative things you come up with when you are still kind of sleepy is quite interesting!
Writer’s block is a real bummer. Did our guide help you overcome this common roadblock that writers experience? Tell us what you think and what tips have worked for you in the comments below!
