Seven Common Cures for Writer’s Block
By PaperStreet on July 31, 2018 in Content Writing
If you’re trying to write and find your mind going blank, you are suffering from writer’s block. Writer’s block is a common condition that all writers struggle with at some point in their lives. Whether your inability to write is due to fear, distractions, anxiety, burnout or simple fatigue, the good news is that writer’s block is only temporary and there are many ways to deal with it. Below are some “common cures” for writer’s block that should help you get your writing back on track.
1. Create a Writing Schedule.
Let’s face it when you are having difficulty writing you can always come up with an excuse to procrastinate. One of the best things you can do to overcome procrastination is to block off writing time on your calendar and stick to the schedule. Creating a set period of time to write will help reduce your anxiety, increase your focus, and, most importantly, ensure that other projects won’t get in the way.
2. Do Some Research.
If you are working on a topic and can’t think of anything to write, look to other writers for inspiration. Conducting some quick research can help you generate new ideas, boost your creative juices and approach your project from a different perspective.
3. Consider the Needs of Your Readers.
Sometimes the easiest way to get started is to focus on your readers. Outline what you think your readers are struggling with and how you can help. Identifying pain points and coming up with solutions can help you overcome your writer’s block and create content that your readers are truly looking for.
4. Look to Your Past Work.
When you draw a complete blank and start to feel like a failure, you need to reflect on your earlier successes. Take some time to look back at the writing projects you have completed in the past. A quick review of your prior works will confirm that you have done this before and can easily do it again.
5. Take a Break.
Whether you work as a professional writer or only have to produce an article or blog from time to time, the pressure to write can get to anyone. Sometimes the best thing you can do is to give your mind a rest. Go for a run, call a friend, read a book or do whatever helps you relax. Taking a break can alleviate the pressure and make you feel re-energized so that you can get back to the task at hand.
6. Eliminate Distractions.
While taking a break from time to time is a necessary part of the writing process when you are ready to write you need to eliminate distractions. Whether you are constantly checking social media channels, organizing your desk, or walking down the hall to talk with a colleague, you need to create a working environment that allows you to stay focused on your writing.
7. Just Start Writing
When all else fails, sometimes you just need to force yourself to put something down on paper. Remember, writing is a process so when you start to write you don’t need to be perfect or even on point. You will have plenty of time to review, revise and redo– the most important step is to get the process started.
While writing comes easier to some people than others, everyone struggles with writer’s block from time to time. If you are finding it hard to find the time to write, or just can’t seem to come up with any ideas for content on your website, contact the Content Team at PaperStreet. Writing is what we do and we would be happy to help you produce creative and engaging content that converts your website readers into clients.
