Education

How to Avoid Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is a condition in which an author is unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with their writing. It can last for an hour or even a year. 

Every individual or professional could land in a situation similar to writer’s block, as we are all human and it is perfectly fine to get burnt out and bored, provided we are careful about it. However, the good news is that most of the time this situation could act as a springboard for your greater well-being and transformation.

Hitting the writer’s block can be attributed to several reasons like sudden lack or absence of creative thinking by the author themself. Other external factors could be physical or mental illness, relationship breakdown, financial pressures, or an impending sense of failure.

Writer block,

Can we avoid this situation?  If yes, let us look at what steps can be taken to ensure you do not fall prey to this condition. 

1. Change of place

In case you are writing at a designated place like your workstation or bedroom, try to move out of the familiar surroundings into another room or balcony. If you can afford to be mobile, try writing outside your house or office at a public library or a park. Changing your location can really make a big difference. 

2. Select your most productive time of the day

Choose the time of day when you tend to be most productive. If you are not a morning person, refrain from writing in the morning. Also, switch between standing and sitting positions while writing, as standing spurs creative thinking and is considered ideal for brainstorming and problem-solving.

3. Time management and the Pomodoro Technique

Time management will motivate you to finish your work within the defined time limit rather than racing against it.  The Pomodoro Technique can come in handy as it lets you break your workday into 25-minute chunks, wherein you need to sit tight and work through. After your 25 minutes are up, you can enjoy a well-deserved 5 minutes break by treating yourself to some uplifting music or a cup of coffee.

4. Eliminate distractions

Try to stay focused when you are writing.  Make sure you have researched beforehand. Turn off the Internet, TV, all phone and notifications.  Keep your table clutter-free and write peacefully without any disruptions.

5. Engage your five senses

Listen to music or read a book that inspires you. Go to a coffee shop and treat yourself to the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans followed by a cup of steaming, hot coffee. Enjoy it with a snack. Watch a movie or TV show you have not seen yet.  Or else, go out with your friends for a stroll in the park or the beach and observe the people who go by. You can play a game too!

6. It is perfect to be imperfect

It is completely OK to not have the first perfect draft.  Do not bother about spelling or grammar or even good writing (if it is handwritten) in your first draft. Just start writing.  You can always edit later.

Finally, it is all in the mind. So do not acknowledge that the writing block exists. Just write and try to prove it wrong.

In current times, online writing classes are a boon for beginners learning to write. It is believed that you can be good at writing if you are disciplined, have an eye for detail, strong vocabulary and above all a passion for reading.

So sit back and use this time to not just learn but also read books of different genres so that while writing is your basic nature, you can nurture it by following the above tips.

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