Got writer’s block? Here are 7 sneaky ways to crush it (plus a bonus kick in the pants).
#7 Free Writing (or, Write Whatever You Want)
If you feel like you’re forcing yourself to think and write about something you aren’t excited about… no wonder you’ve got writer’s block!
Allow yourself some time to write whatever you want. You may find a way to use the writing in your original project or find it easier to come back to the original project next.
If you’re looking for a freewriting spark to get you started try these:
- One Word – get a random word and write for 60 seconds
- Language is a Virus – click on “writing games”
- Write for 10 – write anything you want, but keep writing, for 10 minutes
#6 Exercise
Take some time to get outside for a walk or run, or hit the gym. Physical activity can help you reset and refocus.
It stimulates creativity through neurogensis in the hippocampus (the part of your brain connected to memory and imagination).
#5 Keep an Ideas List
Is your struggle mostly not knowing what you want to write about? If so, an ideas list may be your answer.
Grab your notebook or open a file on your computer. Here’s some ways to get your idea list started right now:
- What 2 or 3 questions have clients, prospects, or friends (depending on who your writing is for) asked you lately?
- What’s one big problem you see people struggling with that you know how to help solve?
- If you could be REALLY honest, what three things do you see people doing wrong that you’d like to help them fix?
- What have you had success with lately?
- What have you struggled with but found a solution for?
- What are your 10 favorite topics to share about?
- Go visit your three favorite blogs and look at their most popular posts – what could you write about on similar topics?
Once you’ve got some ideas on your list, choose one and get writing.
And, moving forward, anytime you think “hey I should write about…” be sure you add it to your list.
Tip: If you’re using Kalatu to blog, just click your “Idea Generator” button! ;)
#4 Open a Book
What have you been reading recently? Or what’s on your list that you haven’t started yet?
Reading is a great way to get the words in your head flowing again so you can get back to writing.
Grab something off your bookshelf or nightstand, or open your Kindle and get reading.
#3 Use Writing Prompts & Templates
This is a “Top 10” style post. I chose the headline and format before I started writing.
Once you’ve got your structure it can be easier to fill in the blanks and create content.
Here are some free blog post (and article writing) templates you’ll find helpful:
- Remarkablogger Post Templates
- Ezine Article Templates
- 5 Templates from Fuel Your Blogging
- 10 Instant Blog Post Templates
- 103 Creative Blog Post Ideas
#2 Watch a TED Talk
Take a 20 minute break and watch a TED talk.
Choose any topic you’d like. It’ll help you get your mind focused on something else for a moment and may just give you the inspiration you were hoping for.
Plus, you can always pick a great TED talk to embed in your blog post…
Start here: Popular TED Talks
#1 Create a Habit
“I only write when I am inspired. Fortunately, I am inspired at 9 o’clock every morning.” – William Faulkner
Do you have “date” with your blog? A daily or weekly writing appointment?
Long term this is the BEST way to CRUSH writer’s block. Take intentional steps to create a habit around writing and you’ll find it much easier to sit down and write.
…Stop Waiting for Inspiration
You’re a writer. You’re a professional. You’re serious about achieving the goals you’ve set for yourself and that includes getting your writing done!
Writing is a CHOICE you’ve made. So CHOOSE to go WRITE!
Your Turn…
Loved this post? Hated it? Think I’m crazy?
What do YOU do to get past writer’s block?
Leave a comment and tell me about it below.
-
19Shares
- 19
Thanks for these wonderful ideas!
Even though, I haven’t begun to be a blogger — or much of one, I LOVE clipping and pasting inspirational ideas to Evernote.
I keep ideas and thoughts contained in a Notebook on this app called Blog Ideas to capture random thoughts and have them contained in a regular place.
Now — I need to begin writing so I can experience a Writer’s Block! :)
That’s great – it sounds like you’re ready to get writing, Renae!
Love these 7 sneaky ways to crush writers block! Makes so much sense Michelle. We know for us, 90% of our blog posts have been inspired by what we’re reading or listening to. Thanks for sharing these gems!
Many of my posts are inspired that way, too. When you’re always feeding your mind great content, ideas, and learning – there’s always something new to share. :) Thanks for reading and commenting!
Here’s what I found when it comes to creating blog content on a daily basis.
For some time I didn’t believe it’s possible but after I saw people who do this (blog daily) my belief changed and it was a moment when I decided that I will also blog every single day.
Now, when you check my blog, you can see that I am pretty consistent because I create 5-7 blog posts every week for something about a year.
My solution?
When you really want something, nothing can’t stop you and if you read the right books, listen the right audios and do the right things, there will be always something to write about.
I also think that all these tips are very helpful so thanks for sharing them Michaelle :-)
Hey Michael, mindset matters so much, totally agree. If you believe you can do it, you’ll find a way to make it happen.
Thanks for sharing some awesome tips Michelle!
And any one of them can definitely help
diffuse good old writers block!
I think my main big takeaway is, you’ve got to consistently
find one or two practical activities, that definitely fit our personality and jump starts our creativity and re-ignites our passions!
Because then it’s a whole easier to simply let our words flow!
But thanks for sharing so many practicals ways to
kick start the process!
Great takeaway, Mark! Definitely finding what works for each of us is key. And that spark of passion and inspiration makes all the difference.
Hey Michelle
How are you feeling? #HUGS
Thank you for another fun and fulfilling blog post. I suffer from ‘postpone your writing for too long and lose interest’ syndrome!
I think I am just going to pick one and write a post…and so on!
Thank youuu
Kitto
Excellent ideas! My top favorite is your #6. Exercise and being in a leisure moment always sparks blog topics for me. I compiled a post of summer bicycling tips on a ride last July. :)
Thank you so much for your great tips.