Almost every writer will experience writer's block sometime in their writing career. Writer's block is when a writer is unable to think about their writing or proceed with writing. It’s the inability of a writer to draft new and original work that moves their story along. Essentially, writer’s block is when a writer's creativity shuts or slows down. Writer's block can affect any level of writer from an amateur writer to an established author. Having writer's block can be incredibly disheartening and sadness, fear, anger and other strong emotions often accompany writer's block. Even though it is difficult, it is essential to combat writer's block and finish your writing! Your voice matters and you shouldn't let writer's block halt the production of your work. Listed below are seven unique ways to overcome writer's block.
Change Your Scenery
A good way to conquer writer's block is by changing your scenery. If you normally write in the same place, changing your location can do wonders for your writing! After a while, staying in the same physical place can make you feel stuck. This is why a change of scenery can help you continue your writing. In a new place, there are new sights, smells, and sounds, all of which may inspire your writing. If you are feeling unmotivated about your writing, consider switching locations. You could take a vacation to see new sights, or it could be much smaller. Some examples include; moving to the park, to a library, or even just to another spot in your office.
Listen to Music
Listening to music is a great way to get over writer's block and start writing again. If you aren't liking how your writing is going, consider playing music. Music can help motivate you and inspire you, plus for most writers listening to music increases focus. It can also be helpful to listen to music that caters to your novel's themes. For example, if your book is set in the Renaissance, consider listening to old Renaissance music for inspiration. Music is a helpful tool, but ensure the volume isn't so loud that you can't think about your writing.
Utilize Writing Prompts
Writing prompts are a really effective way to "cure" writer's block. Writing prompts are 1-3 sentence prompts that are meant to provoke and inspire a writer. With writer's block, you usually can't get anything to come out and that's where writing prompts can help. If you have writer's block and are feeling unmotivated, try utilizing writer's prompts. Writing prompts help take the pressure off yourself and can free your mind to get you motivated again. You can find writing prompts listed under the "Writing Prompts" category on my blog.
Try Exercising
Remaining sedentary doesn't get your heart rate up, which is why sitting won't improve your writer's block. If you are feeling sleepy and bored with your writing, try doing some exercise. Exercise doesn't just improve your physical health, it can also improve your mental health. Science has found that exercise increases the production of endorphins in your brain, which leads to higher motivation and creativity. If you feel more creative and energetic, it will be easier to beat writer’s block. You don't need to exercise for an hour or run a marathon to feel the effects of exercise, instead, try stretching or doing 20 sit-ups. Whether you choose to dance, swim, walk, or run, exercising is a great way to improve your health and writing.
Declutter Your Space
Every writer has helplessly stared at their writing and felt completely stuck, but even if writer's block is common it is annoying. Part of what makes writer's block upsetting is that it strips away your productivity and creativity. To regain your motivation, consider cleaning your space or doing household chores. Washing the dishes, vacuuming, or doing laundry are all excellent examples. While you are cleaning, make sure you take your mind off your writing, so it feels fresh when you sit down again. Cleaning your physical space may help declutter your mind. Plus, cleaning gives you a fresh slate, which is very beneficial for overcoming writer's block.
Read for Inspiration
As writers, we often read our own work, but it is also crucial to put down our own work and read something else. Taking moments to read a book of choice is important because it gives you a chance to relax and takes your mind off writing. This can help you rewind for a moment, before writing again. Reading is also important because you may come across inspiration that motivates you to continue writing your piece.
Drink Coffee
Caffeine is a natural stimulant, which means it stimulates activity in your body and brain. If you are having trouble with your writing, you should consider drinking the coffee drink of your choice. Coffee is full of caffeine and caffeine is known to enhance your focus and improve your energy. Coffee gets you moving, which is perfect if you are feeling stuck! If you aren't comfortable drinking, there are many other natural stimulates. Listed below are 5 alternatives to caffeine to get you moving:
Cayenne
Dark Chocolate
Spinach
Tea
Nuts
As a writer, you shouldn't give up on your writing simply because you feel stuck or unmotivated. I hope with these tips you will combat writer's block and make the necessary changes to gain your writing motivation, again! For even more tips on how to stay motivated as a writer, click on the button below.
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