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Suffering From Writer's Block

Tips to help control it

By Lynn HeckmanPublished 7 years ago 3 min read
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You're writing a novel and the sentences are flowing, the scene is set and suddenly, you're stuck. Sound familiar? You guessed it, that dreaded thing we call writer's block.

I have struggled with it for so many years that I've lost count. The main thing to do is to let your mind flow freely. Don't think about your project and just write freehand. It's important to keep your mind active; whether you're writing fiction or non-fiction, opening your mind to new ideas can increase your productivity as a writer.

Also, if you're writing a novel, you can find books that allow scenarios to involve your characters in real-life situations. They list topics and provide four different options as to how your characters will react in that situation.

Writing poetry is also a great way to help keep your creative side in check. I have written two poetry books and it’s not as mind boggling as a novel. Don’t get me wrong, I love the fact that I have started a novel, but sometimes my muse takes over. The trick there is to not let your muse affect your writing

If you're like me, you've been to every bookstore in town; then you're aware of the writing books out there that study the craft in detail. At the end of some of those books are writing exercises that will take your mind to a whole new world. They will help you to keep the creative juices flowing on paper. Set a timer to write freehand about any topic you choose.

Another way to keep your mind working on writing is to do word puzzles. I like word searches, but they don't give you the opportunity to think. Puzzles, like word jumbles or a variety of puzzles, which you can find at the local grocery store, will help you keep your mind at ease.

The main point about writer's block is that you need to keep writing. Even if only for an hour or two. You need to keep the mind thinking about writing. Whether you're writing your novel or the next screenplay.

Not only thinking about writing but where you are when you're thinking about it. Time of day is also a factor, if you're awake at night, consider writing at that time when everything has calmed down and the family is sleeping. I've found that writing at night works best for me as well.

Trying to write in a place you've never been can be exciting. Sure it may cost money, but it doesn't have to.

Another way to help alleviate writer’s block is find a different place to write, take a walk to the park, lay on the beach or by the pool. Go people watching at the local mall, it’s interesting to see how people respond to their surroundings. Also, listen to how they talk and what they say, it could be great dialogue for your novel. Wherever you decide to write, it can eliminate your writer's block.

Reading a genre other than the one you’re writing can inspire you to keep writing. I like mystery/thriller, every now and then I pick up a romance novel. Almost every novel, (regardless of genre), has a bit of romance in it.

Coloring is a good way to alleviate stress and help with writer's block. I like it and drawing can help too. It keeps your mind thinking when you're trying to draw a sunny day at the park or a simple horse in a barn.

Now, your home in your comfy chair (or your special writing place) don’t hesitate to pick up your pen or put your fingers on the keyboard and allow the ink to pour onto the page.

The novel won’t write itself, it needs YOU to bring the characters to life. Only YOU can create a world that will allow readers to become familiar with. A place where readers can sympathize with your characters and your novel will take care of itself. YOU can do it, just put your mind to it and let the creation begin.

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About the Creator

Lynn Heckman

Poet/Writer

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