Writer’s block is a huge problem in the creative community – and one that doesn’t just affect writers – despite the name.
We’ve all been there; staring at a blinking cursor or a blank page, willing the words out of our brains, our minds stuck for any creative flow.
Whether you’re a seasoned copywriter, you’re just starting your writing journey, or you work in any other creative field, it can be so annoying when you sit down to work and the ideas just won’t come out. Or sometimes you get started and realise what you’ve written isn’t great, so you delete it and start again. I’ve done this numerous times. Or I’ve started writing and realised I didn’t know what point I was making.
However, help is at hand. Writer’s block, while annoying, can be overcome. Here are some practical tips to help you beat the blank page and get back to crafting creative content.
1. Get your mind ready:
Your brain is one of the strongest muscles in the body and just like any other muscle it needs a proper warm-up before you give it any sort of workout.
Try some freewriting. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes and write anything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar, spelling, or even making sense. This exercise helps you loosen up and bypass the critical part of your brain, so your subconscious can generate much better ideas.
You can also try brainstorming, or as I so often call it a ‘brain dump. Write down anything that comes into your mind from keywords and phrases to word associations related to your topic. Mind maps and visual diagrams can also be helpful
Read something inspiring (There are plenty of these newsletters if you need inspiration.) Dive into some well-written articles, poems, or stories that resonate with you. Pay attention to the use of language, structure, and storytelling techniques as sometimes, absorbing well-written words can spark something inside you.
2. Shift Your Perspective:
Sometimes, the problem isn’t a lack of ideas, but rather the approach. Try changing your environment, move away from the space that’s giving you a creative (and literal) headache, and work somewhere different. Go to a coffee shop, park bench, or a shared working space. You can even just move to a different room in your house to grab a fresh perspective.
Sometimes, old school is best. If you usually write on a computer, try grabbing a pen and paper. This could also spark a different creative flow. As could writing using a different voice. Now, this one is a bit out there, but try writing from a different perspective. It could be a historical figure, a fictional character, or even an inanimate object. Whoever thought that someone would ever suggest writing as a candle or a teacup to help your writer’s block?
3. Accept your imperfections:
The fear of not getting it right the first time can be a major factor in writer’s block, so start with a rough draft. A lot of times perfection won’t be the first thing you write, so don’t strive for it, or get annoyed/upset when it doesn’t happen. Just getting your thoughts down, even if it feels messy and incomplete, will be better than nothing. You can always go back with a fresh pair of eyes later to refine and edit.
Forgive yourself for mistakes. Remember, writer’s block can often be a normal part of the creative process. Don’t judge yourself for getting stuck. Be kind to yourself, and trust that you can overcome this temporary hurdle.
Writer’s block is annoying; however, it doesn’t have to be the end of your creative journey. By using these practical tips, you can break free from the blank page, ignite your creativity, and craft the brilliant content you crave.
And if you’re still stuck, talk it out with someone, an idea from a different source could make all the difference.