We’ve all stared at a blank screen in frustration, wanting or needing to write, but being unable to move forward.  This collective bane is most commonly known as Writer’s Block.  The causes and severities of Writer’s Block are varied, and can range from mild to severe.

Even the most imaginative writers will sometimes find that their creative well is running dry.  An idea may be poorly formed or conceived, or the writer may have found herself ‘stuck’ with no way to move her work forward. If you find yourself against a wall with a concept or partially written work, try these tips to get the juices flowing again.

Methods to Break Through Writer’s Block

Outline.  Even if you’ve already outlined your concept, go back and review.  Revisiting and revising an outline can help you to get back on track.  Prioritize your bullet points and don’t shy from fleshing out your outline by adding notes to further clarify your goals. If you are struggling with getting into the rhythm of writing, try to round out a basic outline into a detailed piece that can be stylized and refined for grammar and flow into a complete piece.

More on Outlines:

http://www.errantdreams.com/static/outline
http://www.fmwriters.com/Visionback/Vision23/NaNoOutlinefriend.htm

Take a non-linear approach.  If some ideas are clear in your mind, focus on them first. Starting in the middle and establishing your voice will get you into the writer’s mindset and often, this is enough to break through a mild case of writer’s block.

Free writing is an exercise where traditional rules are set aside. You simply pick up a pen, or sit at your keyboard and jot down anything and everything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar or punctuation, just let the words flow. Free writing is a less structured method of brainstorming and is very effective as a precursor to outlining or finding a starting point for the non-linear writing approach.

Combating Stress

If you find yourself stressed and on edge, put your work aside. Give yourself a set amount of time to do something else. Ideally, leave the work area behind and get some fresh air and put the project out of your mind until your break is over.

Stress saps the body and the mind. Take a moment to breathe deeply. Get up and stretch or walk in place for a few moments. Beverages and foods rich in B vitamins can help replenish the nutrients which are lost during times of high stress.  Many vitamin-supplemented waters and several herbal teas contain B12 and there are many healthy snack bars which can offer a boost.

http://www.how-to-meditate.org/breathing-meditations.htm/
http://www.yogapoint.com/info/basicmovement.htm

Habits to Help Keep Writer’s Block at Bay

Read. Explore new authors and topics. Break free from your usual reading list every now and then and check out different styles and perspectives. Even if you don’t agree with other opinions, or find other topics to be less interesting, considering them broadens your horizons and helps you to further define your niche.

Write daily. Set aside at least an hour every day to write. You don’t need to focus on a particular topic, or set goals for this writing to be commercial work, but when you write consistently, you develop writing and concentration skills, and the ability to find what methods work best for getting you into a productive mindset.

Keep a journal, whether a personal log of thoughts or a public blog, journaling daily helps to spark new ideas and keep your topics and style current.

Free Online Journal/Blog options:

https://www.blogger.com
http://www.livejournal.com/

Writers thrive among writers. Finding a community, whether online or in your local area that has other writers or creative types can help you stay on track by providing personal support and feedback from your peers.  

Check your local classifieds and colleges for open writer’s groups for face-to-face meetings. Many local bookstores offer space for meetings for writings, and local community and higher education centers also have non-credit, no cost writer’s workshops and groups.

There are literally hundreds of thousands of online options, so explore. Find places that you feel comfortable, and at least one that challenges you. Seek resources that speak to you personally.

A few highly recommended online communities:

http://www.writerscafe.org/
http://critiquecircle.com/
http://www.writingforward.com/