Getting Over Writer's Block

Writer's block is one of the greatest pains of being a writer. It can be incredibly discouraging, unmotivating, and all-around just miserable. 

In this article, I will suggest some ways you can get over your case of writer's block to help you get your writing flow back. 

1. Consume Some Form of Media

This may seem like it won't help you at all, since you wouldn't be focusing on writing, but reading a book, watching a movie or tv show, or listening to music can help give you inspiration for your own work in progress. So don't feel ashamed to take a break from writing to curl up with a new book or settle on the couch to watch that movie or show you've been meaning to watch. 

2. Express Your Creativity in Some Other Way

Allowing yourself to create another form of art could be the key to awakening the part of your mind that has a story to tell. Whether it's drawing, playing an instrument, singing, painting, or something else, sit down to dedicate some of your time to creating. You could even create something related to your work in progress if you wanted to! Perhaps creating something inspired by your work in progress is exactly what you need to spark a new idea for it!

3. Try Writing Something Else

This may seem counterproductive, but writing something entirely different from your work in progress could help give you ideas for it. Try writing a poem, a nonfiction article, or even an entirely new story! You may find that taking your mind off of your current work in progress to write something else could give you the ideas you need to continue your story!

4. Look Over Your Outline

If you have an outline, look over it again. Maybe you've forgotten where you wanted your story to go in the first place and that's why you seem unable to write. Or perhaps, if you didn't make an outline, you could try making one. It's never too late to make one, and thinking about your story on a more broad scale could help you picture what you want to write next. 

5. Just Give Yourself A Break

You may not like it, but if you feel as though you've tried everything and you still can not seem to be able to write, maybe your mind is telling you that it needs a break. It can be hard to allow yourself the down time, especially as a creative person, but everyone needs a break sometimes. Even you. So don't feel guilty for taking some time away from writing to spend time with your friends, focus on school, or just have some personal time. Allow your mind to recharge and come back to writing feeling rejuvenated. 

At the end of the day, sometimes we just have to accept the fact that we need a break. However, if you're stubborn like me, perhaps some of these tips will help you beat writer's block. If they don't, give yourself a break. You've earned it.