Writer's Block Tips and Why They Are Useless

An odd fact about writing is that there are countless books, articles and guides about writing. This is mostly because the process is different for everyone. While all of those words about writing can be extremely helpful, you will not be able to find all of the answers in someone else's book.

The following tips to boost creativity and bust that dreaded writer's block curse came from several sources that I purchased and read. I will tell you exactly why they did not work for me.

Join a writers group - A writing group with thoughtful, hard working writers can be an incredible resource. However, with work and family, I do not have the time to write much less keep up with the obligations of a regularly scheduled club.

Look at a photograph - I have seen this tip frequently. A stimulating picture always inspires me to put down my pen, pick up my camera and leave. Writing quickly becomes the last task on my mind.

Take a walk - A little fresh air will do wonders for your mind and body. The only problem is I never want to go back to a stuffy desk and bury my head in paper. If I am out and about, I intend to make a day of it.

Have your own space - Any man who has a family but does not have a greasy garage in his house is not afforded his own space. Everything is officially the kid's space. Every room corner, every counter top and every bathtub.

Make a list - I have many lists. A list of article topics, books to read, music to check out and work related tasks. Without action, the lists mean nothing. When I dodge a list for a while, when I eventually come back to it, my tastes, ideas and purposes have changed. Time for a new list.

Act successful or Act Like a Writer - It is one thing to say, "I am a writer." It is altogether different to be able to sow physical written work if you have not done anything or very little. There is a reason they call the people in a play actors, they are playing make believe.

Those were just a few of many tips I have tried. Only one thing has ever worked for me. Determination. Even on a project-by-project basis, I must become determined to sit down and put in the necessary work.

Writing has never been a glorious outpouring of thoughts and emotions splashed across pages upon pages of written word. It is always hard work. Sometimes excruciatingly hard work.

There are no easy tricks, just my desire to be a writer and the willingness to put in the work and learn the process for myself. A constant work in progress.