Even the greatest writers lose their inspiration at least once in their lives, unable to squeeze out even a passage or two. For example, Francis Fitzgerald, the author most famous for his novel “The Great Gatsby”, often struggled with writer’s block. Who would have thought that having to deal with constant jabs from his wife and plagued with personal issues, Fitzgerald suffered from an incredibly low self-esteem? No matter how hard he tried to remain productive, these unfortunate factors would always get in the way of his work. Even more surprising, his dear friend Hemingway, despite his well-earned reputation for his disciplined writing habits, struggled with creative blocks as well. The situation only worsened due to his health issues and life full of turmoil.
But it doesn’t matter if you are Oscar Wilde, an aspiring author writing fantasy books or just a student trying to finish an essay. Deadlines can’t wait, and the pressure can drive you crazy.
So, what should you do when experiencing writer’s block? Well, first, try to relax. There’s always a way out, as well as several useful strategies you can resort to if you want to get back into the flow of writing. Instead of panicking and asking yourself, “Should I just pay someone to do my homework?” you can use some effective ways to deal with writer’s block. Here are some for you:
Take a Break
Physical movement can stimulate creativity and provide a mental reset. Sometimes, stepping away from your writing for a short break can help clear your mind. Go for a walk, do some exercise. Shifting your focus to another activity to restart your brain. Stephen King, one of the most prolific writers in history, suggests that taking a break from writing and engaging in physical activity can be beneficial. King himself often goes for long walks, searching for inspiration in the world around him.
Stop Criticizing Yourself
It’s okay if your first draft is not perfect. It’s okay if your final essay isn’t perfect. Allow yourself to write without the pressure of producing something flawless. Sometimes, things don’t need to be perfect. They just need to be done.
Change Your Environment
A change of scenery can make a significant difference. If possible, move to a different room, try working at a coffee shop, or find a quiet place outdoors. Change of scenery can stimulate creativity.
Try Freewriting
Start writing without a specific goal. Let your thoughts flow freely. It can help you bypass the mental block and tap into your creativity. Gaiman, the celebrated author of fantasy novels, advises writers to write even when they don’t feel like it. He believes that even when facing a creative block, the act of writing, even if it feels forced or unrelated to the main project, can help reignite inspiration.
Set Small Goals
Break down your writing task into smaller, more manageable goals. Focus on completing one section or paragraph at a time. Achieving these small goals can boost your confidence and motivation.
Try Famous Creative People’s Techniques
Learn from the best. For example, the surrealist painter Dalí practised “napping,” where he would hold something in his hand while seated in a chair. As he drifted off to sleep, the object would fall, waking him up and allowing him to capture the surreal images that lingered in his semi-conscious mind. Unusual methods like this can tap into the subconscious and spark creativity.
Read and Research
Immerse yourself in related literature or research. Reading about the topic you’re writing about can provide inspiration, generate new ideas, and help you overcome the mental block. Writing about celebrities? Go read some news about celebs on BuzzFeed on litecelebrities.com. Need some inspiration for describing the interior of your main character’s room? Go check out some ideas on Pinterest.
Try Becoming One of the Time Lords
Some people like to use the Pomodoro Technique or a similar time management method. Set a timer for a short period, like 25 minutes, during which you focus solely on writing. Take a break afterwards, and then repeat.
Change Your Writing Routine
If you are used to typing, try switching to pen and paper. Alternatively, use a different writing tool or software. Changing the medium can alter your perspective and break the monotony, helping you come up with some interesting ideas.
Get Rid Of Distractions
Find and eliminate potential distractions in your environment. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs in your browser, and create a quiet atmosphere for writing. If you need some music as background noise, YouTube offers many excellent playlists and compilations that can help you get into a writing mood and get inspired.
Share Your Ideas and Ask For Feedback
Ask for help from someone you trust and respect. Constructive feedback can give you some new insights and much-needed encouragement. Just discuss your ideas with someone. It can be a friend, colleague, or even your cat. Voicing your thoughts out helps you shape them into something more coherent and put them into writing.
Remember that writer’s block is a challenge that everyone faces at some point. Don’t be hard on yourself. Try experimenting with different strategies to find what works best for you. The key is to keep writing no matter what. Good luck!