Being a content writer is fun and challenging, so when I was asked to write a blog piece for a class assignment I thought no problem this is right up my ally. I sat down to write the post and for the first time in a while I was faced with the dreaded writer’s block. Now some will argue that there is no such thing as writer’s block but thats the diagnosis I’ve given to the current problem. Every time I would write I would get a few paragraphs into the idea and realise it just wasn’t working. I was stuck. All I had going through my head was the voice of George from Seinfeld saying ‘I got nothing Jerry, nothing’.

So with the clock ticking down to the due date, and the word count 366 words short of the objective I  remembered some wise wisdom. Writer Charles Bukowski said “writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all’. Thanks Chuck, that’s exactly what I’ll do. So strap yourselves in boys and girls because if you’re struggling with writer’s block, here are eight tips to help you break on through to the other side:

1. Brainstorm – Just start putting pen to paper. Ideas, thoughts, anything that comes to mind without judgement.
2. Go for a walk or run – By simply moving it can free up your mind for new ideas to develop.
3. Eliminate distraction – Your phone, people around you or tv can disrupt your creative thinking. Try to remove as many distractions as you can.
4. Decide on the purpose – Why are you writing? To inform? Entertain? Educate? Or inspire? By deciding on your why it can give you a starting point and sense of direction. Also consider the audience you want to reach.
5. Change your location – If you’re writing in your room and it’s not working maybe go outside or move to a room with a nice view.
6. Look online for inspiration or ideas – Check out Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest. Images can spark ideas and creativity. Just don’t spend all day looking.
7. Timing – Some people write best early in the morning, others at night. Find out which one work best for you and plan your writing for that time frame.
8. Keep practicing – The more you write the easier it will become. Keep a notebook of ideas, quotes and other inspiration you can use in the future.

So next time you’re suffering from writer’s block, don’t throw your hands in the air admitting defeat and reaching for that bottle of red. Ok maybe the wine will help but just remember these tips and you’ll be on your way to writing glory. Stay patient, keep trying and the ideas will come. You’ll surprise yourself with what you will be able to produce.

Good luck.

If you are still reading this then I commend you as I am just trying to get the word count up to 500 and I am 11 words short of the objective and now I’m down. Thank you.

By Glen Holubkovic
Diploma of Digital Media