If you've ever written any multi-paragraph essay or story, you've more than likely dealt with writer's block. We all hate it; it's the worst thing to happen to an author, but unfortunately it's just a natural thing to happen to us, especially after long writing sessions. But how do we get rid of it?
Essentially, you don't. There will always be certain spots in stories where it's difficult to get anything down at all and anything you do put down looks horrible. But there are ways to deal with it so it's not a big problem.
[Please note that some of these might not work for you but others might; discovering what does work for you is part of the process]
1. Simply take a break. Whether it's doing stuff we hate or stuff we love, our brains will always need even just short little breaks once in a while. So go ahead and take that little break! Give your mind a bit of rest, and some ideas will eventually come to you. Or maybe they won't, and you just need a little nap. There are other ways to brainstorm!
2. Listen to music. Listening to music is one of my personal FAVOURITE things to do when I'm experiencing writer's block. If you don't have a playlist for writing or even the genre you're currently writing, look one up! There are hundreds of playlists on Spotify for all different kinds of genres of writing. And you can even make your own for your genre.
3. Watch a movie. Watching a movie in your genre can give you some fuel for brainstorming, and even give you ideas on how to alter your story to make it even better!
4. Write a short story. When motivation is low on one thing, it could be fresh and thriving on another. So try writing a short story or even a poem in a different genre. Give your brain a break from one thing and do another. Switch it up and get a new perspective!
5. Write about literally anything. Write down what you see around you right now. Describe your house, or go on a walk and describe what you see as you see it. Scribble down on a piece of paper how you feel in the moment, or about how upset you are about your writer's block. Getting anything down on paper (an actual piece of paper) can be a great release for your mind to unclog the author part of your brain.
6. Collaborate with another writer/get someone to beta-read your work. Working with another person or even just getting a second opinion on your work can open your eyes to new ideas you never would've thought of before. However, in experiences I've had in the past, this trick can either make or break you. Depending on your own ability to take constructive critism and the other person's ability to give it, it can help a lot to motivate you or it can strip any kind of motivation you've ever had and you might even ditch the WIP completely. You won't know, though, until you try it, so don't let me hinder you!
7. Read other books in the same genre. This goes along with watching a movie or listening to music - it can inspire new ideas for your story!
If you have any more tips of your own that work well for you or any additional advice, feel free to share! And let me know if any of these work for you!
What else would you like to have some tips on?
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Writing Tips
Non-FictionSome tips, tricks, and (hopefully) helpful things to help you with your writing! For everyone! You don't have to be a beginner to need advice!
