Stop Writers Block and Start Writing

Every writer, from beginner to advanced has all had one experience in common - the arrival of writers block. An idea may come to the surface or you may want to just write about something that day, but as soon as you sit at the computer or pick up a pen and paper the thoughts just disappear. Somehow you completely draw a blank and have no ideas or thoughts at all. This is particularly frustrating for those who have an assignment for work or school to complete. But how do you work past writers block and keep your ideas flowing? Here are some basic tips that can get you started on the writing process. Keep in mind that a written piece is only a series of words that have been put in an order that makes sense and expresses ideas. Writing does not have to be perfect, especially when you are writing for yourself. You can always make changes to your written piece, and chances are you will always be able to make changes to what you write.

Don't be so picky
Sometimes writers block can occur because you are trying to come up with a specific idea. If the idea doesn't work it is automatically discarded. However don't be so hasty to throw out any idea for a personal or assigned writing project. Write down the idea, and then write down the idea after that, and keep repeating the process. Eventually you will come up with the idea that you wanted in the first place but could not express. Perpetual writing of ideas creates a flow and thought pattern to the writing process. It may take a bit of time, but if you are willing to work through a series of ideas it will eventually lead to a successfully written piece.

Be general
Writing about specific topics can be difficult - if you start with being specific. First write down a general word or two of what you want to write about. Then, write something about the general topic that focuses it a bit more. Keep repeating this process while writing and eventually you will arrive at several specific ideas to write about rather than the one you were originally trying to focus on. The hardest part about stopping writers block is attempting to get the ideas to flow. Once you start to write ideas your writers block will eventually be lifted

Pick something you enjoy
Writing about something you enjoy is much easier than trying to write about something that you have no interest in. And chances are if you enjoy what you are writing about you already have some general knowledge about the subject. First write down a few things that you enjoy, and then what you already know or want to know about the topic. After that, write down your ideas or do some research on the topic. Eventually all your ideas and notes will lead to a final written piece of work.

Do something new
Doing something new and different not only adds a new experience to your life, it can be something you can write and express to others. If you can afford to do whatever you want, go for it! If you are on a tight budget your options are not limited. See what is going on in the community, go to a museum that you have not been to, go visit a part of town that you haven't been too yet. Your options are only limited by how much effort you are willing to put in.

Walk away
Strange things happen when you walk away from a blank screen or piece of paper. The emptiness of either can be overwhelming as you wonder "how am I going to fill the page?" Sometimes you need to stop trying so hard and focus your energy on something else for awhile. You never know when a random idea will enter your mind. Or if you need too, take a nap. When your energy level is low you are less focused on the task at hand. A 20 minute power nap never hurts if you have the opportunity.

Stopping writers block starts with some form of writing or sometimes not writing. Even though you may only have ideas and not full sentences to write, it is a start. Getting started is the hardest part to stopping writer's block in its tracks. Remember, don't just stare at the blank monitor or piece of paper - express anything that comes to mind or take a break and the written word will eventually flow.