Writer's Block - The Dam of Idea Flow

Ideas flow. Your words are painted on paper like an artist's paintbrush creates a masterpiece. There aren't enough hours in the day to write all that has filled your mind. It's so exhilarating you can hardly sleep through the night! Then it happens.

The dread of all writers: writer's block. The gremlin that overtakes your pen and paper as if they've never met. It's the cause of the blank stare you get while gazing at your computer screen, and your mind races wondering if you'll ever write another word. Writer's block can lead to desperation and panic. Sometimes a writer's greatest challenge is finding ways to combat the enemy of idea flow.

The following are some suggestions for moving past the idea flow dam. Some may be new to you, or they may spur you to use the methods that already work best for you.

Change Your View of Writer's Block
Instead of looking at writer's block as brick wall, view it as a speed bump for your mind. Consider the onset of writer's block as a rest for your mind. A time for your mind to slow down and save some energy.

Relax
Sit back; take a deep breath and just chill. Meditate. Take a leisurely walk, and enjoy the fresh air. Go for a drive. Take a soothing bubble bath. In other words, do something that will help you unwind and clear your mind. Clarity is essential for idea flow to evolve and relaxation is a great mind cleanser.

Change Your Routine
If you usually write at morning's first light, switch to writing in the evening. Do you write while listening to music? Try turning off the music, or listen to another genre of music. If you sit a computer in a dimly lit room to create your manuscript, take your laptop outside for a change of atmosphere. Even switching to pen and paper can give you a new perspective. A change in routine can stimulate your mind to give you a fresh outlook on ideas, writing style, proofreading, etc. Remember, not all change is bad. Nor, does it have to be forever.

Try a Different Style or Subject
Spark your creativity by venturing into a style of writing you have never before attempted. If you're a science fiction writer, try writing a romance story. If you're a poet, delve into an editorial piece for a day. Strictly a current events reporter? Try writing a historical love story. Is sports reporting your forte? Attempt applying your writing skills to a political article.

Exploring other writing styles or subjects may force you to leave your comfort zone, but overall, it can make you a better writer. It makes your mind think differently, and challenges you to learn something new. By taking the step outside your zone, you may even uncover a hidden writing style you never knew you owned, and upon returning to your normal writing activity, you'll return with new vigor.

Writer's block is never fun. It something that can quickly zap your confidence, but you have to develop a way to bounce back. Create a recovery formula that works best for you so you can keep those ideas flowing.

And, maybe the first thing we as writers should do is stop calling it writer's block and start calling it the-challenge-that-makes-me-a-better-writer!