If creative writing comprises part or all of your home based business, you have probably run into at least one situation where you’ve sat down to write and… nothing. You have writer’s block.
The last time that I experienced writer’s block was last night. I had experienced it before and had not given it much thought. For me, writer’s block seems to be a nuisance that prevents me from getting my work done one day, and is gone the next. Last night was no different. I sat and stared at my computer for an hour or so and could not think of what to write. I got irritated and huffed and puffed around the house a little, and then went to bed. Today, the thoughts and words are flowing freely again and I am grateful for that.
As I rejoice in the fact that I am over my most recent case of writer’s block, I realize that now would be a good time to learn more about writer’s block, so that I can be prepared for when a more serious case strikes. Fortunately, it seems as though there are as many potential cures for a case of writer’s block as there are potential causes of it.
The list of things that could possibly cause a writer to become blocked is very long and includes things like being distracted by other tasks, fear, anxiety, deadlines, self criticism, and many more. The key to overcoming writer’s block is being willing to try different methods for overcoming it until you find the method that works for you at that particular time.
Some things that you can try if you are confronted with a case of writer’s block are:
* Sit down at a scheduled time every day and write whatever comes to mind. If your body gets used to showing up at the same time and place each day, most of the time your mind will follow suit.
* If you are anxious or fearful, write down what you are anxious or fearful about. Sometimes, simply seeing it written on paper and acknowledging that you feel that way is enough to get you through the feeling so that you can move on.
* Get outside. Take a walk around the block, or around your yard. Sometimes, a little exercise can spark creativity. If this suggestion does not work, at least you have done a little something good for your physical and mental health.
How do you break through your writer’s block?