Dealing with Writer's Block

I’m sure I’m not the only one who goes through patches wondering what to write about, what will people enjoy reading? Has the topic been used to death?

Do you often stare at the computer monitor, waiting for something to bounce back into your brain or maybe go through a couple of questions to see what people are curious about. Do you browse through search engines from one website to the next without an answer. Still, your mind is blank.

The Bestseller, “The Artist’s Way” suggests that as soon as you wake up in the morning one of the first things you should do is to write a page of notes. This could be whatever comes to you.  This is one way writer’s can develop their creativity. We are all creative in some way, but it needs to be developed.

You often get frustrated trying to think of things to write about by searching Google, reading different articles or news sites. It might be a better idea to stretch your legs. You will be surprised how ideas come to you when you are not even thinking about them.

You maybe driving down the street and pass an accident that has just happened, watering the garden and something pops into your head or even washing the dishes in a trance. Exercise also helps. Some people enjoy solitude by going for a surf or a run. It’s amazing how much thinking you can get done merely by going for a walk and getting some fresh air.

When I was writing my cookbook I was constantly thinking of ideas. Sometimes they would come to me while I was cooking, sometimes while I watering my herbs, talking to people or it could be from different experiences. I used to carry a notebook around with me and when I thought of something I would quickly jot it down. When I got home I would type it out. You could use your blackberry to type something in when an idea shoots into your head.

That is the nice thing about writing, you can be anywhere and still be able to get pen to paper or finger to keyboard. You don’t have to have a big office with an executive sized desk.

Roald Dahl wrote in a small shack. The poets, Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughes wrote in a cupboard under the stairs. Other famous writers wrote in public places such as park benches and bus stops.

The famous and humble golfer, Gary Player once said, “The more I practice the better I get”. I think this is true of almost anything, writing included. If you are pessimistic about your writing, thinking that you will not amount to anything then think of how you will approach this emotion. There is lots of online advice for starters.

If you are experiencing writer’s block choose a topic that interests you, that you are passionate about. Don’t write about making money online if you are not passionate about it because then it will just become a chore.

You don’t need to do your whole article at once. It might be better to do it in sections. Read works by some of your favourite authors, including books to get some inspiration. If your writing is becoming like a chore you should take a small break and come back to it when you are feeling fresh.