No matter how experienced you are as a writer, from the novice to the ‘Pulitzer Prize’ winning author, everyone at some time in their working life suffers from writers block. There is nothing worse than facing a blank page and regardless of what you do; your mind is incapable of stringing even two words together.
During times such as these there are many well tried and tested methods of clearing the fog from your brain. The inability to compose words temporarily is often considered to be a result of mental stress due to overwork. Even the most dedicated writers, who can normally produce in the region of 6-8,000 words in a day, can suffer from writers block at any time.
A marathon runner may suffer from cramps in their muscles; however for a writer when the brain gets tired, it does the one thing it can control so it shuts down to rest.
To recover everybody has different ways to overcome the problem. For some writers just being able to change the project they are working on is sufficient to recharge the batteries. It is advisable though to heed a warning from your body that a rest is warranted.
Take a look at where you write, are you comfortable in your chair and is it quiet enough for you to concentrate? Check the lighting, a well lit working area is essential. Preferably position your seating so that you have the opportunity to glance out of a window, offering your eyes a rest even if for only a few seconds. Avoid distractions and turn off the radio, TV and the phone.
Try to schedule your writing into blocks of time and when your session is over, walk away. Constantly writing is taxing on the mind, before you start each new project develop a plan and try to stick to it. Working late into the night just because you feel your creative juices are flowing, will not help you the following day.
If at any time you start to experience headaches, then ensure you take a refreshment break and to clear your head take a short walk outside. Throwing a Frisbee for a dog is a great way to totally unwind.
One of the biggest problems is undertaking too many projects. In today’s high pressure world, writer’s particularly worry over the thought of whether there will there be plenty of work for tomorrow. Try to give yourself ample time to complete each task, do not over stretch your working hours and remember to always reward yourself on completion with some relaxation time.
Book a vacation, even thinking ahead to getting away can help your mental state. And always remember that writers block happens to everyone, it’s a fact of life for a writer but hopefully your next bout will only last for a very short time.
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About the Author:
Lucy May has made a career from working at home as a freelance writer and enjoys sharing her knowledge to help budding writers increase their income. Join her at: http://thewritingguide.blogspot.com for free information, tips and advice on developing your writing career.
