Writers’ block often hits one like the 3pm mid-day buzzkill. There simply isn’t enough coffee in the world to get you past that dreaded hump of the day. Staring at the prompt, tapping your brainstorming pen on the table and gazing at your fingers in hopes that you will begin something, anything, on that computer screen. There is a fear that if you stare at the same screen for long enough, it will in fact explode into a million pieces and whatever work you had begun will be lost forever. Fear not. Step away from the computer, breathe, and reevaluate. Here are some simple strategies to get the content flowing and the gears turning.
Create Your Content Through Drawing
Often times, we forget how powerful a simple pencil and paper is when making the attempt to cure that writer’s block. Artist or not, there’s no arguing with the fact that a simple illustration will help to spark the flame when it seems like nothing could possibly burn.
Remove hands from keyboard. Pick up pencil. Draw.
The site above goes into wonderful detail that revolves around pinpointing your content, focusing on how to connect with your reader, and how to use your personal illustration to bring your online marketing to the next level. It may not all be about Photoshop, friends.
Stop Worrying
Perfectionism is the un-given name found between many people’s first and last. In writing, what would we be if it weren’t for mistakes along the way? Editing is part of the beauty of the process and, in fact, an important step in the way of becoming a successful writer. Per opinion, worrying and anticipating about the final outcome will get you nowhere when you are in the brainstorming phase. Are you noticing a theme here? It’s all about not sweating the small stuff. Go back to the basics and the words will flow.
Memories Are Important
Find something within your area that reminds you of something fond from your past. There is a candle to your left but the holder it is sitting atop is from your great grandmother’s first home. Your mother has told you the story a million times and, though it doesn’t involve you directly, per say, it holds great merit for solving that blocked up brain.
Ruth O’Neill states in her article regarding the power of memories that: “The possibilities of using your childhood memories in your writing are endless. This was one way I have been able to get around those trying times when nothing is coming to my head.” A common suggestion is to carry a small notebook along with you to help you to remember to jot down these instances. Use this notebook as a small piece of reference material to revisit.
The Foolproof Backup Plan
If all else fails and you find yourself in a state of panic and dismay: write. Start with anything. Prompt yourself with what you did yesterday from start to finish. Have you seen a movie recently that you especially enjoyed? What was your most terrible dating experience? Focus on a broad picture before going back to your task at hand. Don’t let your work suffer because you are too stubborn to step back and reevaluate things before continuing.
You may already know this, but, there’s a little secret revolving around the fact that a glass of wine or a shot of bourbon will also help to get the wheels turning. Our minds are beautiful machines. Don’t blame them for the inability to hone in on a task every once in a while. Writer’s block is a bummer roadblock in the beautiful process. To find some inspiration from people just like you, delve into these Media Shower success stories.
Media Shower writer Rebecca Squyer is well-known for her work in food, business, and marketing.