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Writer's Block and How to (Hopefully) Fix It

A Guide for Writers in Crisis

By D1amondPublished 5 years ago 3 min read
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First off, let's admit one major thing. Anyone who has ever written anything has had writer's block. Whether you're writing a paper for a class or you write books or articles for your job, everyone will inevitably have that feeling of their brain being leeched of all ideas as they blankly stare at their paper. I have already done it twice just trying to phrase this paragraph. Thankfully, there are tips and tricks that are tried and true to cure writer's block and can help restore your ideas and will to write, and here, I'll be going over three of them.

1. Stop!

Just like you take breaks from relationships and really intense TV shows that stab you in the heart, you also should take breaks from writing. Now let's clarify something though. Everyone's breaks are different depending on where they are emotionally and where they are in their writing process. If a break for you means "I'm going to shut my computer down and forget about it for a week while I treat myself," then that is awesome! Or maybe if your break means "I just want thirty minutes to go change into some clean, comfy clothes and to get some food," then still, amazing for you! While you are writing, remember that you need to be taking care of yourself in this whole process and that taking a moment to recharge is a great way to overcome writer's block.

2. Just Write (Or Draw)!

After a long session of writing and using most of your brain towards generating ideas, it may feel as though you have absolutely no new, original thoughts left. That's where this exercise comes in to play! At the peak of your writer's block, take out a pen and some paper and do one of two things. First option, you can list random words. Do not put too much effort into this, just whatever words pop into your head or the ones you see around you, write them on the paper. At the end of it, try and take those words and see if they generate any ideas. More often than not, you're getting your brain spinning by listing words and it's ready to write again.

Alright, I did say there was a second one. This is for the more artistic ones, I guess you could say. You still just need a pen and paper, but instead of listing words, you're going to close your eyes and just scribble all over the page. It can be in circles, lines, however you feel. Once again, do not think too hard about this. Your brain should be completely relaxed for these exercises. After you're done, take a look at the big picture you've made and try to see any symbols you've made. Maybe there's a seven inside a cloud, or a flag above a circle. Try, just like the last exercise, to make some ideas out of the pictures. This will just loosen up your brain and get it spinning again.

3. Move Around!

Last but not least in this writer's block crushing seminar, it is always helpful to get up every once in a while and stretch or walk a little bit. If you're in the same position for an extended period of time, you're going to form muscle cramps, so doing simple movements like swinging your arms back and forth or touching your toes is a great way to relieve tension. It's very easy to go an hour or more slouched in front of the computer or in front of a notebook, so every once in a while, just do a little check in on yourself and make sure that you're not hurting. When you have writer's block, just small simple stretches like the ones I mentioned can really clear your head and put you in a better frame of mind to write and string your ideas together.

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About the Creator

D1amond

Writing has become my escape from reality. While I love writing about my favorite fandoms, I want to steer towards important causes to me like LGBTQ+ and black lives matter.

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