Experiencing Writers Block?

To many times to count we have sat at our computers with this empty look on our face. Writers block happens for many reasons. It may be due to fear, anxiety, a life change, the end of a project, the beginning of a project...almost anything, it seems, can cause that particular feeling of fear and frustration. Fortunately there are as many ways to deal with writer's block as there are causes. The items below are only suggestions, but trying something new is the first step toward writing again.

Step One: Having a writing schedule and sticking to it.
Ignore the writer's block and keep showing up to write, even if nothing comes right away. When your body shows up to the page at the same time and place every day, eventually your mind -- and your muse -- will do the same. Doing this and keeping up with it on a daily basis will help you to overcome the torments of writers block.

Step Two: Don't be too hard on yourself.
In fact, don't be hard on yourself at all while writing. Anna Quindlin wrote, "People have writer's block not because they can't write, but because they despair of writing eloquently." Turn the critical brain off. There is a time and place for criticism: it's called editing. Take a few breaths when you feel the anxiety coming on.

Step Three: Think of writing as a job not just something your doing for fun.
When you think about it its simple. When you are at work you stay there until your work is finished right? Well thats how writing is. Don't let yourself off the hook this is something that you want accomplished and in no way should you slack off.

Step Four: Take time off if you've just finished a project.
Writer's block could be a sign that your ideas need time to gestate. Idleness can be a key part of the creative process. Give yourself time to gather new experiences and new ideas, from life, reading, or other forms of art, before you start again. Take time away from your computer screen. Go into the other room and relax for a second. Only do this when you have accomplished the project and give ample time before starting another one.

Step Five: Set deadlines and keep them.
Many writers, understandably, have trouble doing this on their own. You might find a writing partner and agree to hold each other to deadlines in an encouraging, non-critical way. Knowing that someone else is expecting results helps many writers produce material. Writing groups or classes are another good way to jump-start a writing routine. Having a friend is a good source of help. They can not only push you to finish your work but they will most likely have some criticisms to keep you on the track you were intended to take.

Step Six: Examine any issues that may be causing your writer's block.
Write about your anxieties regarding writing or creativity. Talk to a friend, preferably one who writes. A number of books, such as "The Artist's Way," are designed to help creative people explore the root causes of their blocks. If your writer's block continues, you might seek counseling. Many therapists specialize in helping artists and writers reconnect with their creativity.

Step Seven: Work with one or more projects at a time.
Working with more then one project will give you a chance to go back and work on something different. This way when you get bored or can't concentrate on what your working with you can switch over to something new. This may help overcome boredom and the fear of staring at the same thing for too long.

Step Eight: Try writing exercises.
As much as it may remind you of your high school writing class, writing exercises can loosen up the mind and get you to write things you would never write otherwise. Try having a notebook handy and just start writing words that come into your head. This exercise will help you get words out that just may turn into something useful to you.

Step Nine: Get away from the desk for a while.
I know that you should finish what you start, but if you just can't concentrate then take a walk, do the dishes, or try stretching. f you leave the house, though, remember to take a pad and pen with you. Chances are that loosening up your limbs and changing your perspective will inspire the breakthrough you've been waiting for.

Step Ten: Remember why you are writing.
Look at what you're writing and why. Are you writing what you love, or what you think you should be writing? The writing that feels most like play will end up delighting you the most, and this is the writing your readers will instinctively connect with. At the end of the day, writing is too hard to do it for any other reason. If you continue to touch base with the joy you first felt in writing, it will sustain you, not only through your current block, but through whatever the future holds.