Writing inspiration comes out of nowhere, one moment you’re making macaroni and cheese, the next a great idea for an article, story, poem, or whatever it may be has popped into your mind. Taking that idea and running to the nearest pen/paper or keyboard, you’re about to write when suddenly, poof. It’s gone and you’re sat there drawing a blank.
“What do I even write?” “How do I start this?”
These thoughts spin through your head, overcoming you. The idea is gone and your mind is a mess of frustrations. This is known as writer’s block.
Writer’s Block: “The condition of being unable of what to write or how to proceed with writing.”
See also: The never-ending despair that writers face and a daily basis, a crushing black hole of an empty mind, the anger of not knowing how to begin or end that one sentence.
It’s honestly one of the worst things that can happen to a writer, especially when you’re in the middle of writing. So, how do we combat this and save the lives of writers everywhere?
In my personal experience, writer’s block has always been lurking in the shadows waiting to stop my creative flow. I’ve developed a few habits and tips/tricks to challenge writer’s block and finish my works.
Tip 1: Free Writing
Recently, taking just 10-20 minutes out of my day or at night before bed, I free write. Journaling about my day, the conversations I overheard, food I ate, something that captured my eye on my way to work, a cute dog, the list of inspirational items goes on and on. Our days are packed with writing motivators, if we open our minds to noticing them, there will be content to write about. Not only this, but free writing is a great and therapeutic way to empty your mind. Letting go of thoughts that are bothering you, writing down questions you have and more will free up space for what you’re working on.
Tip 2: Focus
Sounds super simple and easy, I know. However, trust me when I say that staying focused is one of the greatest challenges writers face. Make sure there are little to no distractions around you. This means turning off your phone, sitting in a quiet focused space and giving your writing all your attention. Limiting the distractions around you, offers a better environment for concentration and the creative flow.
Tip 3: Walk Away
As a last resort, sometimes it’s best to step back from writing and come to it another time. Forcing yourself to wrack your brain for content, and put words down on the page will only cause more stress. Going for a walk, sleeping on it, or just taking a day from the piece will help you to organize thoughts and then finish it.
If all else fails, then sometimes it’s better to accept defeat. Some ideas or pieces just aren’t meant to be written. Another, better idea will come along in the future.
Happy writing!

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