How To Overcome Writer's Block

Everyone has suffered from writer's block at one time or another. It is not uncommon to hear college students sharing stories of how frustrated they felt trying to get through the last writing assignment. Surely, you can picture that timeless image of a journalist with pencil in mouth tearing her hair out in front of her typewriter because the words are just not coming as easiliy as she would like. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to get those creative juices flowing again.

Typically, writer's block is most common at the beginning of a writing project. It helps a great deal if you have an outline of what you plan to write. Start with an overall concept then take it in steps from introduction to conclusion. Work backwards if needed. Consider your work environment; do you like background noise or do you prfer silence. Would you be more confortable writing at a library or in front of the television? Is their a difference if you write with a pen versus a pencil? Perhaps writing is easier at a computer screen. Experiment with different settings and you'll see for yourself what helps to boost your productivity.

After you have started, you should find the words and concepts just keep flowing. However, if getting started is the hardest part, try "free writing". Simply write whatever comes to mind. Write about the room you are in, what you had for breakfast, or the color of your socks. It doesn't matter what you write about. Once you start writing about something, you will find that you will be able to keep writing. The words will just start to flow out of your brain and onto your paper.

If you find yourself getting stuck in the middle of a project, print out what you have written. Take the paper to another room and proofread it. Holding the paper in your hands versus reading from a computer screen should stir different senses. Going to a different room to read will also engage your senses and may be enough to fire up some ideas and end your writer's block.

Sometimes, you just need to clear your head and take a break. Go for a walk around the block, throw a load of laundry into the washer or some other small task. You might find a bright idea comes to you the second you start focusing on something else. After a few minutes, you will be able to come back refreshed and ready to write.

It is important that you don't give up. Writer's block is a temporary condition. Stay focused and you will get through it.

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