Writing 101: Writer's Block

The reason this is being posted so late is simple, writer’s block. I had absolutely no idea what to write about, so I figured I’d tackle it head on. So, you sit down at your computer desk. Microsoft Word is open, you probably have some snacks by you, and you’re munching away while trying to figure out what you want to say. The words aren’t coming out so you log onto some form of social media in hopes of finding an idea but you only end up distracting yourself more. Eventually you give up and go play Candy Crush or Farm Frenzy.

            

    Woah, let’s rewind. Giving up is the easiest choice, but it’s never the best. You have A LOT to say, you just aren’t spitting the words out as easily.

    Well, Anna, since you seem to know my struggle, what do I do?

I have a few tips and tricks that may help you, actually.

1)      Look at what is in front of you. What do you see? Write it down in as much detail as possible. For example, talking about the smooth texture of the desk may spark something. Maybe the smooth texture somehow relates to the characters or setting of your new novel.

2)      Grab a piece of loose leaf. Sometimes all it takes is having a pen in your hand to motivate you to write.

3)      Once you have the paper or your laptop ready, write anything. I mean ANYTHING. Any single word can lead to the next best-selling novel, you never know.

4)      Take a break and come back later. Everyone needs a break sometimes. You may be putting too much pressure on yourself. Clearing your head will definitely benefit you.

5)      Take a nap. Did you know that Stephenie Meyer got the idea of Twilight from a dream she had?

6)      Eat some food, you’ll work better.

7)      Look up some writing prompts online. There are so many websites dedicated to this. Free writing can lead to something much bigger.

8)      Watch a movie. Sometimes the distractions really are necessary. The plot of a movie may inspire you to write something similar, or maybe even strikingly different [because you hated it so much].

Here are eight tips that may help you with your writer’s block. While I’m not guaranteeing that any of these work, you will come out a stronger writer by free writing and your body and brain will thank you for the break. Thanks for reading and happy writing!