Unclog your mind!

Writer’s block is an ailment that every writer on the planet will have to contend with at some point. But you don’t have to be stuck staring at a blank page, waiting for the words that never come. Here are some tips to help you snap your brain back into creative mode. There are many different causes of writer’s block, so this article covers solutions for some of the most common causes.
Start writing for yourself again. Self-doubt is a big contributor to writer’s block. Oftentimes we get wrapped up in comparing ourselves to other writers and worrying if we’re “good enough.” We imagine a critical audience reading and scoffing at whatever we put down on the page.
Sometimes, you need to step back and remember why you started writing in the first place – because you love the craft of writing and have fun doing it. Sometimes, your best work can come when you’re writing for your own enjoyment, and not with the goal of impressing some imaginary crowd of readers. Even if you end up scrapping whatever you wrote, at least you had fun and got some words down on the page!
De-stress the body…de-stress the mind. Stress is one of the main causes of writer’s block. Research has shown that a stressed brain reverts into “survival mode,” ie. focusing on immediate basic needs and relegating higher functions such as creativity to the sidelines.
Of course, you can’t always control the stressors in your life. But you can incorporate stress reduction techniques into your writing sessions – such as grounding exercises, meditation, and gentle stretching. This will help to reduce your stress level during writing sessions.
Get a writing partner. Not all of us are self-starters, and lack of internal motivation can cause writer’s block. Teaming up with another writer for regular writing sessions can push you to keep going, even when the going gets tough. Your writing partner can also give you constructive feedback and encouragement.
Pivot. We’ve all been there…slogging through a writing project that we’ve lost enthusiasm for. Unfortunately, if you’re not enjoying the process of writing, the reader will probably be able to tell from the finished product.
Sometimes, the best course of action is to take a break and work on a different piece. This can help you to regain momentum for the original project, and spark new inspiration. Or, you can move to a different place in your story. You also can use writing prompts to help formulate some new ideas.
Organize your thoughts. Sometimes you might develop writer’s block because your story has gone off the rails, and you aren’t sure where to take it. In this case, sometimes it’s best to develop at least some idea of the road ahead. Brainstorm some ideas for where the story is going to go, and create a rough outline. You don’t have to adhere to this outline perfectly, of course. Use templates such as the Three-Act Story or the Twelve-Act Hero’s Journey to guide you.
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