How To Avoid And Overcome Writer's Block

There will likely come a time when you experience writer's block... You just hit a wall. Many new writers make the mistake of believing that only book writers experience it, but eventually, everyone who deals with words will sit down one day and find they have nothing to say.

So, what should you do?

One of the best ways to prevent and overcome writer's block is to eliminate your distractions. Unfortunately, for some just won't happen... not completely anyway. If you're a parent who is looking to use article writing as a way to generate extra income, you may find yourself writing with the kids screaming in the background. When possible, try to reduce your distractions.

This may involve turning off the television or moving to a different room in the house. If you're really trying to make a few bucks writing, hire a baby sitter or drop the kids off at their grandparents house for the afternoon. Do anything to can to find just a little bit of peace and quiet.

Another problem that many web content writers face is the internet. Ironically, the internet helps to make money for many writers, but it can also serve as a huge distraction. If you don't need to do research, but still find yourself surfing the internet, temporarily disable it from working on your computer. This can help to keep you focused and on task.

Another great tip is to create a work environment that is comfortable for you. Some may find working with background noise, like the television or radio, to be a distraction, but you may find that it eliminates other distractions like traffic or neighbors.

If that's your case, leave it on. I know a journalist turned novelist who got so accustomed to writing in the noisy press rooms that she can't write without some chatter in the background. So she takes her laptop and research and writes in a busy coffee-shop downtown. You need to create a work environment that suits your needs.

If you do experience writer's block, frustration will set in right away. In the back of your mind, you may know what you want to write, but the words just don't come out. You may also have a deadline to meet, but just can't seem to write.

Not matter how looming that deadline is, step back and take a break. The more you focus on your inability to write, the more difficulty you will have overcoming writer's block.

Try something fun. If you're a parent take your kids to the park for an hour. Or, you can put in your favorite movie or listen to music on your iPod. Even if you only write part-time or for extra money, we all need a break from work. After having a little bit of fun, you may feel refreshed, recharged, and ready to start writing again.

In addition to doing something fun during a small break, try doing something inspirational. One of the best ways to do this is to go for a walk. This can help to clear your mind or even give you new ideas. Remember one of the best ways to overcome writer's block is to step back and take a short break.

As mentioned above, you need to create a work environment that works for you. Are you tired of being stuck inside or do you want a change of scenery? If you own a laptop, have you ever thought about working outside? If the weather is nice, you may find the change of environment to be inspirational and calming, which may reduce or completely eliminate your chances of experiencing writer's block.

Brainstorming and creating an outline can also reduce your chances of writer's block. If you're writing for your own website and blog or for a client, start with a short brainstorming session. Write down the article titles you need to write and then state a few points that you want to cover. When you have a general outline to follow, you are less likely to experience writer's block in the middle of your writing.

If you're writing fiction or creative non-fiction, go back to your original outline and rethink it. What about the topic excited you in the first place. Is there a different section that you could work on right now?

Finally, it is important to know when to ask for help. These tips can help you avoid or overcome writer's block, but they may not work for everyone. Since it can hinder your ability to write articles and make money, you may need to ask for help. Try joining a local writer's group and do peer reviews. You'll find that you build a relationship writers in that group. Send one or two of them an e-mail and describe your problem. You'll be amazed as some of the amazing answers or tips that you get in reply.

Just remember to repay the favor when they're stuck in their own rut.

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