{"id":2859,"date":"2024-11-15T10:48:00","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T10:48:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websites.emerson.edu\/undergraduate-students-publishing\/?p=2859"},"modified":"2024-11-14T18:00:54","modified_gmt":"2024-11-14T18:00:54","slug":"how-to-break-through-writers-block","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/orgs.emerson.edu\/undergraduate-students-publishing\/2024\/11\/15\/how-to-break-through-writers-block\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Break Through Writer’s Block"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Blog Writer \/\/ Camryn Lehr<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019ve all been there. Staring at the screen with a blinding panic, fingers at the ready, and yet no words come to mind. Frustration pricks the back of your neck, anger frizzles your brain, and you become paralyzed. Writer\u2019s block is all too familiar to every writer. It is a daily occurrence, but sometimes writer\u2019s block can transcend the usual minute of annoyance and become a recurring nightmare. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As someone who has been attempting to write since I was three, I know writer\u2019s block all too well. The only solace I\u2019ve ever found is advice from other writers. From these writers, I\u2019ve discovered many tips and tricks to push past my brain\u2019s inability to form sentences. These life hacks have transformed my writing experience. I went from staring at blank documents on my glowing computer screen and crying to being able to start and finish essays, short stories, and even novels. Here are my get-out-of-writer\u2019s block jail-free tricks and tips! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Just Write Something<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My creative writing teacher in high school said it best: \u201c<\/em>Just write something.\u201d<\/em> I know it sounds unhelpful. When I first heard this, I thought, if I could \u201cjust write something,\u201d I would!<\/em> But \u201cjust write something\u201d isn\u2019t meant to be snarky, it\u2019s meant to be freeing. If you\u2019re like me, writer\u2019s block hits because you\u2019re afraid of writing the wrong thing or because you feel that you will automatically write something awful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m here to tell you that unfortunately you will write something awful, but here\u2019s the secret: that\u2019s okay. The first draft doesn\u2019t have to be good. You can delete the first draft, but even a bad first draft will help you on your journey to write something meaningful. It is important just to get something on the page, to break the seal, because yes, when you first start writing there can be a lot of \u201cthroat clearing,\u201d but eventually you might write something worthy, even if it is just one sentence. The first step to getting over writer\u2019s block is to simply write something\u2014anything. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Take a Break<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I find that my creative juices stop flowing unless I purposely carve out time for myself.  When I\u2019m struggling to write and repeatedly hitting the delete key, I know it’s time for a break. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I like to go for walks. Staring at the trees and breathing in fresh air relaxes me. It allows me to notice things like the specific color a brown leaf turns when the sun hits it square in the face. The beauty of nature inspires me, and sometimes, if I\u2019m lucky, that inspiration will turn into a new creative idea, and have me click-clacking on my keyboard once more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If I\u2019m not taking a break, I like to grab something to eat. You can\u2019t think when you\u2019re hungry. Many times when I\u2019ve been completely stuck and ever so slowly growing frustrated, I\u2019ve realized the actual problem is I\u2019m hungry. Grabbing a snack is a necessary break, and once that break is over, you\u2019ll be in a better headspace to write. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Talk to Someone <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the same vein as taking a break, talking to someone can refuel your writing energy. Oftentimes, I have an idea for a story, but I\u2019m unsure how to turn that idea into actual writing. I may be stuck on how to structure that idea, how to start the idea, what voice to use, or something else entirely. I\u2019ve found that talking these ideas out is very helpful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bonus points if you\u2019re talking to another writer. Writer friends are a great resource. They understand how difficult it is to write, and as writers, they know what works in terms of structure, voice, and plot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Start with a Writing Exercise <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The pressure to write something breathtaking can crush anyone\u2019s spirit. To ease this pressure, I have to remind myself that writing is meant to be fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

I do this through writing exercises. I use ServiceScape<\/a>, a website where you can choose a genre like comedy, dark fantasy, or contemporary. Once you choose a genre, it will stimulate a bunch of prompts. The prompts are the barebones of a plot for that genre, and your job is to start to write a short story following this prompt. I normally give myself five to ten minutes to write one of these prompts. These writing exercises normally yield rough results, but they relieve stress, and cause me to recall my love of writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, much like a bodybuilder needs to stretch before working out, writer\u2019s need to warm up too. Writing exercises are our warm up. These exercises put you in a writing headspace\u2014the same headspace where you can do your best writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Try Writing In a Different Way <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My final piece of advice is to modify your writing routine. As someone who loves consistency, this can feel scary; however, sometimes, our routines are killing our writing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you write on a computer, try writing in a journal.  In general, writing in a journal can be very helpful. Handwriting is more time-consuming than typing, so it allows your brain to think for a longer period of time about what you\u2019re writing. This extra processing time could lead to a new idea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, try changing your environment. If you\u2019re writing at home in the quiet of your room, try writing in a caf\u00e9. The caf\u00e9 noise and the public pressure of onlookers may force you to write.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, switch up the time of day you write. If you write in the morning, try writing at night. Switch up your writing routine and figure out what works best for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To conclude,  I wish to first point out the obvious: writing is incredibly difficult. Attempting to craft something articulate and engaging is a brave endeavor. But, I will also point out that you are up to the task. You\u2019ve got this!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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