Breaking Free from Writer’s Block
No matter how technically proficient your grammar skills may be or how succinctly and poignantly you can convey information, the greatest influence on good writing is inspiration. Whether fiction or non-fiction, long form or short form, inspired writing simply makes for better reading. However, even the most creative word wizards in the world can suffer from writer’s block from time to time, making it difficult to put pen to paper. Here are a few tips to help out when all of a sudden your narrative voice is rendered speechless.Write something No, this isn’t intended to make light of your extended brain freeze. The advice is simple; write something, literally anything. Keep a running diary of your mundane daily tasks, transcribe conversations you’re having with friends and family, finally get started on that never-to-be-seen love letter to the ex-girlfriend you’re not allowed to talk to. A working connection between your writing hand and whatever form of self-monologue monitors your decision making process is an integral part of the writing process.Get away from the desk You don’t have to scale a towering mountain peak to finally find inspiration, but sometimes you do have remove yourself from the shackles of your desk and the judgmental stare of a blank computer screen. Perhaps it’s best just to think throughout the course of your day-to-day activities. For example, try taking a 1-hour power shower. Much like a power nap in that ends with freshness and rejuvenation, a power shower allows time for the brain to wander, long after basic body maintenance is complete, while firmly entrenched in a supremely clean and comfortable setting.Surround yourself with friends Struggling writers are too often portrayed as shut-ins who avoid contact until their next idea finally forces itself forward. Avoiding human contact could not be more counterproductive. A funny thing tends to happen when you sit down with friends; memories flow like wine. Perhaps you’ll hear an old story with fresh ears and take something away from it you can use.