Combatting Writer’s Block

If you have ever encountered writer’s block or your mind just goes blank when you sit at the keyboard, it’s time to take action. Hopefully this little stimulus package will get your brain back in gear.

Serious writers carry a notebook and pen wherever they go. Inspiration comes from where you go, what you do, and who you meet. Jot down ideas throughout your day. Did you like the food at the restaurant? Was your boss showing his lack of management skills? Did you encounter road rage?

Deadlines

Meeting a deadline can lock your brain especially if you are a procrastinator. As soon as you know you have one, take action. Outline your thoughts. Do the necessary research. Write a rough draft. Spell check. Grammar check.

Subject Matter

Unless you are a professional journalist, subject matter is not dictated to you. Write what you know. Your job is probably interesting to many people. Write about your favorite activities such as sports, fishing, hiking. Hobbies are of interest. How-to articles are high in demand as more people are entering into the DIY arena.

Reviews of best selling books and controversial magazine articles are great subjects. Review your favorite restaurants especially the big chains for a large audience. Write about your experience with new products on the market such as electronics, automobile, or energy savers. Review your vacations, nightlife.

People influence you. Write about them. Your favorite teacher, mentor, family member, coach have impacted your life. Who is your hero? Even bad experiences carry an audience. Rape, incest, mugging, car accident, medical malpractice are all noteworthy. Challenges you’ve had to face in life not only make great writing but are therapeutic as well.

Current affairs influence you. New TV shows spark a reaction. Tell us. You have an opinion on space exploration or a new law. The economy whether good or bad is subject matter. How you, your community, or politicians are handling things are of great interest and inspiration.

Organization

You must discipline yourself to set aside time to organize your thoughts and notes. Outlines, rough drafts, and research will make you a better writer. Confidence in your skill will greatly aid you so that writer’s block will not hamper you again. When you get stuck, turn to another subject.