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When Getting Stuck Goes Amuck |
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Submitted by Jason Edwards
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Many of us have always wanted to write. We have all gotten writer’s block. What happens when we are stuck? Can we go to a doctor for having writer’s block? Are there any "writing doctors" that prescribe medication to overcome what to write about or how to stress our premise?
Having writer’s block is normal and can occur in many different fashions:
* Having a lack of focus (Lacking a clear topic and premise to write about)
* Trying to do too many things while writing, such as talking on the phone and doing the laundry
* Being distracted by others while trying to write
* Lacking time allocation to writing
Don’t worry. Writer’s block can be overcome. What are some exercises to help overcome writer’s block?
One way is to get outside of your head and interrupt your dormant pattern. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Take a leave from your present writing environment
Taking a leave does not have to be measured in days. Sometimes only hours or even minutes are necessary to shift your mode into creating what you want to write. Here are some methods that have worked for me.
a. Write while watching television
There are always many images and thoughts that come on TV. I wanted to write a nonfiction book about historical inspirational people. I was tired of just looking at a computer screen and opted to watch TV to interrupt my dormant pattern. I took a notebook and pen with me, turned on the television and began to surf the channels.
I wrote one of my chapters from my book, "Inspired to Achieve," while watching television. I was watching a biography on Abe Lincoln. There were so many great things that I did not know about him that I was inspired to write about his many accomplishments. I took many notes on Lincoln’s accomplishments and incorporated many points that I wanted to parlay to the readers.
b. Write while surfing the web
I wrote a chapter about Charles Lindbergh from "Inspired to Achieve" while surfing the web. I knew even less about Lindbergh than I did about Lincoln. After finding out about all that Lindbergh did to make his historical flight, I was inspired to write the entire chapter that night.
Of course, there are many ways that you can take a leave from your present writing environment. Other ways to generate great ideas and overcome writer’s block can be while you’re doing one of your hobbies, exercising, on vacation, eating lunch, talking on the phone, listening to music, etc.
c. Write while finding "your" quiet place.
Find a space with just you where your thoughts can flourish. That place can be found in numerous places.
* A part of your home devoted to your writing focus and privacy
* A library
* A restaurant or café, particularly during non-peak hours
* A coffeehouse
* A bookstore, such as Border’s or Barnes & Noble
* An empty classroom at a school
* A park or a playground
* A museum
Your writing place is sacred. Your writing place should inspire you to write your best. Your writing place should make your writing flourish. Your writing place can occur in more than one place. Of course, where your best writing occurs will be up to you.
Just interrupting your dormant pattern can overcome writer’s block. You will be able to get a new perspective on what you want to write. A temporary change in environment can be one of the best ways to generate new and fresh ideas.
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