Tips on How to Overcome Writer's Block

In my early days (AKA "naive days") of writing, I actually bragged that I didn't suffer from writer's block. Ha! There's nothing like having to eat your words to keep you humble.



On my current WIP, I've written the first ten chapters at least ten times, and keep hitting the same brick wall. (The definition of insanity: doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results...yeah, that's me...)



So, to beat the beastly block, I took to the internet to find out the best tips to overcoming writer's block. Hope these help you, too!




Exercise! Guilty here. Once an avid exerciser, I let my now crazy schedule take this out of my schedule. I'm happy to report that I'm making great strides in this department, and I can already tell a difference in my ability to concentrate and think. (A little coffee seems to help, too... ;)
Find balance! If your life seems like an out-of-control roller coaster, it's time to figure out what needs to go and what needs to stay. After that it's all about balancing it in a way that leaves you more ready to accept life's challenges. Allow time to nourish every facet of your life: emotional, mental, physical, relational, and especially spiriritual. And don't forget to allow time for rest, relaxation and fun!
Change your surroundings! We are all creatures of habit, bound and determined to stay in our comfortable little ruts. The only problem is that we continue to tramp the ground of our rut until we can no longer see daylight. Get outside your box. If you usually write indoors, try writing outdoors and see if that helps. If you write at your desk, try writing at the dining room table. (Hey, it's worth a try...)
Remove distractions! Turn off the television, radio and internet. If necessary, unplug your phone and lock the door. (Ear plugs might also be beneficial...)
Listen to music! Yeah, I know this contradicts the previous point, but listening to the right music might give you inspiration. Remember the movie, Romancing the Stone? As the heroine typed the final scenes of her western love story, she was listening to western-themed music. Who knows--the Rocky theme might inspire your greatest novel! =)
Sleep! Stuck on a certain spot in your story late at night? Get some zzzzzz's and attack it again first thing in the morning. It's amazing what sleep can do for our brains! This will also work for those midday sluggish sessions. Nothing like a fifteen-minute power nap!
Move on to another project! I've determined to have several writing projects going at once. If I get stuck on one, I'll move to another project until I hit the wall there. This way, those creative juices are always flowing...
Try a mind-map! Mind maps are just another organizational tool, like an outline or brainstorm session. Start with one central idea in the center of a blank page. As ideas come connect all the ones that relate with lines. This can help free that clog in your brain.
Go to a different part of your story! It's okay to write out of order. Yes, you might have to do some re-writing later, but you'll have to anyway. At least you're making progress!
Turn off your internal editor! This is a biggie for me. As a recovering perfectionist, I sometimes get lost in trying to make it perfect. I always end up more pleased with the final result if I just let loose and write. Again, you'll probably have to rewrite later, but that's okay. As they say, great books aren't written...they're rewritten.
Don't force it! Another biggie for me...sort of like trying to force an elephant into a pair of pantyhose. It never works, and when I do force it, the story sounds...well, forced... :/
Write everyday! Yep. Even if you don't have time or don't feel like it. Even if all you can squeeze in is ten minutes at 2 a.m. Do it!
Feed your brain! Research healthy snacks that are good for your brain. My favorites? Blueberries and peanuts! (Not necessarily at the same time...)

Hope this post serves as inspiration to get you unblocked. After all, we're writers, and writers write! Don't let excuses--including writer's block--keep you from doing your job!



Happy Writing!