Creative Writing Tip:
Overcoming Writer's Block
We've all had those
moments when we've faced a blank sheet of paper or computer screen, and
the words don't come. Here are some tips of what to do when you find
yourself with writer's block:
- Just write something down -- anything down. Your creativity can
be stymied if you try to edit while you write, or if you feel that
the words have to be perfect the moment you commit them to the page.
Just put down whatever words come to mind. You can always edit them
later.
- If you have an idea but not the exact words, write a description
of what you want to write about and come back to it later. I enclose
my description in brackets and use a different color font so that I
can find the text later.
- If a particular section gives you problems, go to another part of
your work. This enables you to keep going on your project, and you
might find the solution to the section that gave you difficulty.
- Take a short break, like a fifteen-minute walk, or getting a
glass of water, or catching up with work-related e-mail. Don't use
diversions that wind up consuming a lot of time, like watching TV or
surfing the Internet.
- If the words aren't just coming, find some other activity that
will further your project. Research. Read books on writing. You
might come across an idea that will get the words flowing again.
The important point is to keep your project going. Don't let a
momentary lapse in creativity turn into a long stoppage that can derail
your work completely. As a professional writer, you only get paid for the
words you write. So, keep writing!
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