What is
Writer's Block?
Writer's Block
is a phenomenon involving temporary loss of ability to
begin or continue writing, usually due to lack of
inspiration or creativity.
The
origins of Writer's Block in fact, can be closely related to
depression and anxiety, two mood disorders that reflect
environmentally caused or spontaneous changes in the brain's
frontal lobe.
Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block
Authorities have
recommended the following to those suffering from writer's
block:
• Scheduling time to write and work,
regardless of the quality of the output.
• Engaging in brief periods of
"Freewriting" or "Mindwriting," in which people impulsively write
whatever comes to mind.
• Challenging negative thoughts
about one's skill or ability to write.
• Using writers' exercises such
as "chunking". They use many websites that contain numerous
creative writing exercises. Writers read an exercise, and do
it.
• Use the process known as
automatic writing.
• Taking a break, meditating, or
doing relaxation exercises to relieve any pressure on oneself and
on the writing.
• Doing something out of the
ordinary. If Writer's Block comes from a lack of new ideas,
attempts to spark creativity by going somewhere new or doing
something different can be useful.
• Returning to the writing after
a lapse of a day or two.
• Write a basic plot outline of
the story if having problems keeping the story on the
rails.
• Brainstorming at the beginning of the
writing can help the writer by relating every point to
another.
• Reading, watching movies or
plays, or similar activities that might bring
inspiration.
• Going out to get some fresh
air.
• Similarly, diet and exercise
are linked to optimal performance of mind and body - thus, keeping
oneself in good health is important for creative output. Aerobic
exercise oxygenates the brain, and walking in particular is a time
honoured remedy for creative block.
• Set your writing down, go out
and do something (something that will keep you busy) and then come
back in a few hours with a fresh mind.
• Try asemic writing.
• Review and if necessary
reorganize source material or notes.
• Listen to music.
• Join a writers
group.
Image Credits:
1. Adam Lyon
2. Dtamblyn
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