By:
Henneke Duistermaat
WRITER'S
BLOCK
27 TECHNIQUES TO OVERCOME IT
FOREVER (PLUS 3 BONUSES!)
© Smart Blogger — Boost Blog Traffic, Inc.
WHAT TO DO WITH
WRITER'S BLOCK
TECHNIQUES:
Technique #1: Talk to an Imaginary Friend
Instead of writing a blog post, start a conversation with an imaginary friend. Discuss
his dreams and challenges. Help him with whatever he is struggling with.
Technique #2. Curse Like a Sailor
Feeling a little frustrated?
Well, let it out.
Before you start writing, curse like a sailor. Get angry. Be emotional.
Technique #3. Use a Different Writing Tool
Stuck in a creative rut?
Try using a different writing tool.
Switch from Microsoft Word to Google Docs. Type your post directly into WordPress.
Change your font or font size.
Technique #4. Take a Short Trip
Missing your family? Got a friend you haven’t seen in a while?
Go see them.
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Technique #5. Chug Some Caffeine
Henneke Duistermaat prefers green tea. Kevin J. Duncan, Smart Blogger's Editor in
Chief, prefers coffee.
Whatever your preferred caffeine fuel source might be, consuming it can help you
overcome writer's block.
Technique #6. Stop Writing for Your Readers
To get over writer’s block, sometimes you just have to write something YOU want to
write.
Technique #7. Stop Planning Your Posts
Writing a post outline can speed up your writing. It’s a proven technique.
But it can also suck the joy out of writing.
Technique #8. Clear Your Head of Noise
Don’t read only blogs about your topic. Don’t just follow industry peers on Twitter.
Don’t just read the latest books of thought leaders in your niche.
Give your mind time to wander. Get distracted. Embrace serendipity.
Technique #9. Write at a Different Time
Have a particular time of day you like to write?
Try writing at a different time. Experiment.
Technique #10. Write at a Different Place
Leaving your desk is a proven cure for creative blocks.
Take your iPad and write wherever your feet take you.
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Technique #11. Go to a Bookstore
Find the shelf with books about your niche. Look through the table of contents of
each book to find blog post ideas. Write them down in your notepad.
Technique #12. Wash the Dishes
Your brain needs to relax before coming up with an insight. Staring at your computer
screen might be counterproductive.
So, wash the dishes. Vacuum your room. Fold the laundry.
Technique #13. Create Your Own Merry-Go-Round
Walk around in circles. Or just pace up and down your room.
Sometimes, the simple act of movement can help you overcome writer’s block. Give
it shot.
Technique #14. Shut Down Your Computer
Shut down your computer. Get a pen and paper. Or pencils, markers, and index
cards. Get the feeling that you’re making something. It will inspire you.
Technique #15. Browse Your Photo Albums
Sharing tidbits about yourself is a good way to build up a relationship with your
readers.
Browse your photo album to find anecdotes to share; link these stories to your topic.
Technique #16. Stop Worrying About Grammar
Trying to write the perfect post can discourage you from writing.
Stop trying to be perfect.
Technique #17. Goof Around on Facebook, Linkedin, or Instagram
Social media can be a huge time suck. But if you’re stuck and don’t know what to
write about, then social media is a rich mine full of precious ideas.
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Technique #18. Start in the Middle
Trying to write the perfect opening can obstruct your writing process.
Leave your introduction for later. Just get going with your post.
Technique #19. Reread Your Glory Posts
Remember that post you’ve written a while back? Your best ever post?
Go back and read the post. Word by word. See how good you are?
That talent didn’t go anywhere. It’s still inside you.
Sometimes we just need a little reminder.
Technique #20. Take a Cigarette Break
You don’t have to light up. But a cigarette break takes about five minutes. And that’s
the perfect time to recharge yourself.
Spend five minutes staring out of the window. Stand outside on your porch or
balcony and listen to the traffic. Or watch the clouds float by.
Technique #21. Listen to the Rain
What’s the most relaxing sound to you? Listen to it for five minutes.
Technique #22. Be a Misfit
Don’t feel the pressure to be like your hero bloggers. You have to stand out on the
web. You have to be YOU.
Technique #23. Steal Ideas
Read widely. Mix ideas from scientists and artists. Plunder quote books.
Technique #24. Read Health Magazines
Health magazines are one of the best sources for headline and blog post inspiration.
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Technique #25. Reread Your First Ever Blog Post
Go back to your first few blog posts.
Find one you can rewrite. Add power words, glean new insights, develop new
arguments, and new examples.
Technique #26. Create Weird Challenges
Is writing becoming a chore? Fed up with writing how-to posts?
Create new challenges to have some fun.
Technique #27. Get Your Inner Critic on Your Side
Your inner critic can help you become a better blogger. So how do you get him on
your side?
Start writing a few practice paragraphs. You’re just warming up. Listen to your inner
critic to see how you can improve. Write and edit as you go.
Technique #28. Dance, Dance, Dance
Ask Alexa to play your favorite song. Get up and dance like no one's watching. And if
someone is watching, ask them to join you.
Technique #29. Listen to a Writing Podcast
Writing podcasts offer a community of like-minded writers who can provide support,
insight, and motivation. Find a favorite and listen to an episode.
Technique #30. Bribe Yourself
Promise yourself a prize when you reach 1,000 words. An ice cream sandwich. A
thirty-minute "Parks & Rec" or "The Office" break. A hot bath with lighted candles
and Beethoven playing in the background.
A proverbial carrot (or literal carrot, if a carrot happens to be your prize) could be just
the thing to get you back into the writing groove.
