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It happens to everyone at some point in time. I know it has happened to me and I’m willing to bet it has happened to you. You know what I’m talking about right? The dreaded writer’s block!
Turn off the Internet
It’s so easy to get distracted from what we’re supposed to be doing when there is a Facebook account with loads of interesting information to browse through. This is my personal demon. I’m addicted to info and I have lots of people on Facebook that share things like events and interesting blog posts on topics I need to know about (I just don’t need to know about it at that very moment!) and even the status updates are fun to me.
Other people might be addicted to checking their mail. Or to a forum. I know a lot of webmasters and freelance professionals that get caught up in the drama of forums and just can’t resist checking to see if someone replied to their last post.
So try to get away from the Internet. It could mean unplugging your router or turning off the wireless. And if you really have no control it might mean installing an app or extension that will block certain sites for a period of time. When I am at my worst and I really need to get the work done these apps have saved my life!
Take a Break
If you’re really just sitting there staring at a blank screen you aren’t getting much done are you? So take a break and go do something else for at least 10-15 minutes. I’ve had complete revelations while my hands are buried in soapy water. Walking seems to help me clear my mind, too.
The very act of trying NOT to think about the thing we are thinking about seems to bring clarity. So, find something that relaxes your mind and go and do it. Crossword puzzles, answering emails, reading blog posts, cleaning, and exercises are all great things to do when your brain needs a break.
Call a friend
Call someone and talk about the article you are working on. You can just vent but you might also get some valuable new insight as well. After all, you’re not writing for you – you are writing for other people.
Sometimes you might even find it worthwhile to get on chat and talk to another writer. They might have an entirely different outlook on the subject that you have completely overlooked. Talking to other writers about a topic can really bring your topic into a new light.
Write Junk
Don’t write junk for your article but go to a journal or your personal blog and just write whatever comes to mind. Maybe there is something on your mind that is distracting you and by giving yourself permission to write whatever comes to mind you might clear it out.
You could also do some freewriting about the topic that you are writing about. By giving yourself permission to not think about being clear or thinking about spelling and grammar you can sometimes come up with fresh ideas that can get you past that writer’s block.
Ultimately, trying to force yourself through writer’s block will rarely help. If you try to force it you usually just get more frustrated. Stop writing and let your brain wander and the block will usually disappear.
Article by Danielle
I'm a social media junkie and professional freelance writer living in small town Manitoba, Canada. I drink a lot of coffee and love my computer (named Garcia after Penelope Garcia from Criminal Minds - the ultimate girl geek!), my kids, my husband, and my cats. In 10 years I hope to be that crazy lady travelling across Canada and the States with her three cats and her loving hubby. :) If you're interested in my professional services please visit my professional writer's site to find out more about my services or check out some testimonials from some of my clients.
has written 254 awesome articles for us at The Social Freelance Writer
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
These are some good tips here. Taking a break from writing for a brief moment works for me. What I do is I listen to my favorite music. That relaxes my mind and rejuvenates my imagination. As soon as the inspiration and motivation required are obtained, it’s becomes so much easier and more fun to write.
Twitter: DanielleMcGaw
August 1, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Many people have told me that music works well for them, too. But you know, the only thing it really does for me is distract me!