For the A-Z challenge, I am posting writing and editing tips to help you improve and enhance your writing.
W is for Writers’ Block
Writers’ block is something most writers will be familiar with. It may be just an hour or so of a dreadful blank mind, or it may be an inability to write that lasts for days, weeks or even months.
There are ways to kickstart your brain, and get writing again.
- Write anything. Even if it’s absolutely terrible. A blank page or white screen can be intimidating. Filling it can sometimes be enough to break the fear and get going again.
- Move on. If you’re stuck in a scene and you don’t know where to go, leave it. You can write in any order you want. No one will know. And writing something that happens later on in the story may help you tackle that scene you’re stuck on later.
- Set a target for writing and stick to it, even if it’s only a couple of hundred words a day. Forcing yourself to write can sometimes be enough.
- Go for a walk. Get out of the house and get some air. Try not to think about your writing. Sometimes a change of scene can work wonders.
- Take a break away from the writing and read a book. Or watch a film. Stimulate your brain and you may come away refreshed and inspired.
Got any great tips for beating writers’ block? Share them by leaving a comment below.
As writers we know the saying and the fact that in order to write well, you must read well. I would add to your list of tips that when stuck, READ a great writer. Works every time.
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Absolutely Stepheny – great advice 🙂
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Very sound advice, Alison. The importance of taking a break is something that I need to remind myself of more often.
*Shantala @ ShanayaTales*
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Thanks – I think we all do, and of course not to feel guilty about doing so!
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I wrote most prolifically when I had least time to spare. I’ve never tried this, but my hunch is that if you only had one hour in the day in which you were able to write, you would fill it easily.
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I agree – I think a lot of it is about just sitting down and getting on with it!
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