Tips to Combat Writers Block

Have you ever sat with pen and paper or looking at a blank screen? Pulling out your
hair. Being unable to get a coherent thought in your head let alone putting
it on paper. Here are a few methods I use to overcome this nemesis of all writers.

Step back for a moment.

Clear your mind, try relaxing. The harder you try to think the more difficult it
will be to write productively. Do not think at all about your writing. Do something
else for a while. When you come back to write you will have a fresh approach.

Work on a different article or story.

I usually am working on more than one project at a time, such as an article or a story.
I normally research one project, write one project, or am getting an article, poem or story
ready for submission. If one project is not working for you work on another.
Sometimes a change of subject may help you.

Forget about deadlines.

Most people have deadlines, even self imposed deadlines. When you think about
meeting your deadline you create extra stress. I am not suggesting that you do not
meet your deadline, only that you do not focus only on the deadline at the
expense of the work. When you force your work, it shows. Your writing
does not flow as well nor does it read as smoothly.

Be observant.

There are so many little things going on all around us. You might go for a
walk, a person may pass you by. You could create a little story about that
person. (This of course, may work better if you do not know the person).

Word association games.

Think of a word, then think of any word which comes to mind. Write the words
down. When you have thought of 10 or more you have a basis for a story.

Keep lists of ideas.

Keep a list on hand which you may add ideas to as they come to you anything
may inspire you to write.