When The Words Won't Flow

If you have ever experienced writer's block, you know that there is a sense of panic with each passing non-productive second. Your creative desire is so full that you feel like you are about to burst but it just isn't flowing. So here are some things that have worked for me. Let me know if it helps you.

*If you can, take a walk outside. Breath in some air. Focus on what you see on the walk rather than thinking about what you are writing. This will give your eyes something to look at and digest. You will get your blood moving. Take notice of the world around you so you can be stimulated in a variety of ways.

*Go to a show or movie or sports event or any other group activity you can find, especially book clubs! The reason I stress getting out is because writing is very solitary and typically indoors. You and your thoughts. Connecting with other people is the opposite. It forces you to get out of yourself and be with other people.

I like performance based activities especially because you are put together with so many different kinds of people and applause as a group and a crowd as an energy that you are a part of. You will come back to writing feeling good and refreshed and ready to write.

*Give it another ten minutes or do something else that makes better use of your time. Go to where the words flow, whether it be e-mail or filling in forms. Or use the time to tackle administrative issues or those few calls that have to be made or the shopping that has to be done. The writing will be there when you get back.

Above all, be gentle with yourself. Writing is a process. Every time you attempt to write you make progress in some way. Maybe you eliminate something. Maybe you tried something out. Maybe you moved closer to understanding something that will click something else into place so that you can write later when the words will flow. It's all good.