How to unstick your stuck words

Overcoming writers block
According to wikipedia, writer’s block is a condition in which an author loses the ability to produce new work. The condition varies widely in intensity. It can be trivial, a temporary difficulty in dealing with the task at hand. At the other extreme, some “blocked” writers have been unable to work for years on end, and some have even abandoned their careers.

If you write, you’ve been there. You’ve stared at the computer screen, closed your eyes and pleaded for something — anything — to reignite your creativity and get your fingers flying across the keys.

Call is fear. Call if doubt. Call it distraction. Whatever it is, get used to it. It’s all part of being a writer.

So what can you do to get “unstuck”?

  • Write every day. Establish a routine. Park yourself in the chair and show up.
  • Stop thinking so much. Don’t worry about whether it’s good or not. Just write.
  • Think about writing as a “regular” job. You’re on the clock, so work.
  • Give yourself breaks.
  • Take a writing workshop or attend a writer’s retreat.
  • Set deadlines and goals. Reward yourself when you meet them.
  • Write about a “true” experience. Just write it down. It’s a good way to exercise your writing muscles.

Looking for more tips on getting “unstuck”? Check out this great post I found this morning on Write it Sideways.

If you’ve found a way to break through your writer’s block, share it here!

image: Drew Coffman

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