Got Writer's Block?
Well, here's three terrific ways to unblock and re-fuel!
We've all been there at one time or another - a paper is due, a
presentation needs to be presented, or even a newsletter has to be
written. And, then it happens! The words don't come, the ideas
don't pop, and your creativity just fizzled out the window. So,
what's a writer to do?
Well, here's some of the techniques
I use when I've exhausted every last effort to write. I've listed
three of the best ones that I use constantly, so I hope you find
these helpful, too.
#1 Break away from routine!
Seems simple, right? Well, you'd be surprised at how we all fall
victim to some of our regular daily ruts.
Don't think so? Well, answer this - do you always have the
same thing to drink in the morning hours? Say a cup of coffee, a
coke, or maybe even orange juice? How about when you first wake up?
Do
you always brush your teeth before you brush your hair? Or maybe the
other way around? Do you have a certain day and time that you do
your grocery shopping, mow your lawn, or even get your hair cut?
Hmmm, sounds like maybe we could use some different tactics in our
routines! If some of these sound like what you do for a daily,
weekly or monthly agenda, then try mixing it up a little. Maybe have
breakfast at a restaurant if you always eat at home. Or try shopping
either earlier or later than normal to really get the old juices
flowing. You'd be surprised at how your creativity will unlock when
your mental attitude is given a jolt! So, go ahead and think of some
ideas to change your schedule and enjoy a new level of brilliance
today!
#2 Change your atmosphere!
If at all possible, take it outside for a change. When I have to
write, there's nothing like enjoying the sunshine and breeze. Of
course, being near the Houston area, we don't always have a breeze
and sometimes even some blistering heat. But, I've been known to put
on an old straw hat, plug in a fan (with a long extension cord),
sit in a relaxing lawn chair (with my feet up), and blow
bubbles in the yard. I have found "playing" every once in a
while will help the words start flowing immediately.
Another idea for "play", is to go out and fly a kite, shoot
some hoops, or even walk along the beach. Not only are these ideas
fun, but you'd be surprised at how refreshed you'll be, too.
#3 Use your listening skills!
It would make sense, that in order to use your listening skills, you
have to be around people (or listen to them on TV - and that can
sometimes be more of a drain than a boost). So, either walk
around the office and listen to conversations (no, not to be an
eavesdropper), but to listen for ideas to write about
creatively.
Another way to listen is to go shopping - like at the mall. You'd be
surprised at the information you can gather as you window shop. I
love sitting outside the theater at our mall, enjoying a lemonade,
pretending to read a book, and listen to the topics that people are
talking about. If there's a new movie playing, you'll either hear
how much they liked it or how much they hated it.
And, how does all of this help you plug back into writing? Well, by
taking your mind off the assignment or project, even for just a
little while, your senses get back in line and you get plugged back
in to that "inner" voice of yours. There's nothing like grabbing the
old writing tablet (or using your computer screen), right
after getting refreshed! And, that can be exhilarating!
Got Writer's Block?
Well, here's three terrific ways to unblock and re-fuel!
by – Carmen Wisenbaker
Carmen has been in the publishing industry for more than 29 years.
She is an author, speaker, and marketing specialist with
Penworth Publishing | Penworth & Associates (www.penworth.com)
© 2008 Carmen Wisenbaker
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