How to Defeat the Dreadful Writer's Block

Just about every writer understands the frustration and hardship of encountering the infamous writer's block. I have struggled many times with ideas swirling through my head about a specific topic, but then drawing a blank when sitting down at the computer to type. I often find myself staring at a blinking cursor bar for what seems like hours and then constantly pressing the backspace key. I fought writer's block for years before thinking of a plan that works best for me. Here are my suggestions and I hope they will help others defeat the dreadful writer's block.

• Invest in a plain spiral notebook to write down any and every topic that might be of interest to you. Make sure to include product, book, music, and movie reviews to your list of topics. The best thing is to compile a list overtime when you think of a new topic. Keep the notebook in the same spot so you will be able to quickly write down what you are thinking instead of forgetting about it while trying to locate the book. The notebook is especially great for the days where you want to write but can't quite pick a topic. You will be surprised at how easy it is to write once you realize there are so many topics to choose from and you can pick which one gives you the most ideas. Make sure to cross off the topics you have written about as time goes by.

• Open any typing program you regularly use with your desired topic and just start writing. Don't worry about grammar, punctuation, or paragraph transitions. Just type everything you can think of regarding the topic. Then read what you have just written and modify it so you bring it together as an article. Sometimes additional information will need to be included, but you have just written the foundation of the content. I find this method especially useful when I have a hard time deciding how to start and end a paper.

• Try to establish a routine for when you write. When are you most creative and least distracted? I am such a night owl and have to write during the evenings or else nothing is accomplished. Find a time throughout the day that works best for you and stick with it. Consistency is the key.

• Create a writing goal for yourself. Do you want to write one article a day, three a week, or something else? By giving yourself a goal you will be able to feel motivated and accomplished once the article is done. I gave myself a goal of one article a day, regardless whether I submit it or not. Just remember that you can't write two articles in a day and skip the next day's goal. Make sure to follow through on your goal and know after it is done, the stress of writer's block will melt away.

The most important thing to remember is to defeat the writer's block and not let it defeat you.