All writers encounter writer's block at one time or another. The sight of a blank page or a blinking cursor on an empty screen can trigger feelings of panic, fear, and anxiety. This in turn can lead to more frustration for the writer and make the block that much more difficult to overcome. Oftentimes, the only way to beat writer's block is to get creative and think outside the box.
Change the writing routine. While repetition helps to instill discipline as a writer, it can also result in boredom and stagnant writing. Write at night instead of first thing in the morning or vice versa. Write longhand instead of on the computer or break up writing time into shorter blocks instead of one long session. The best writers all have a routine that works for them but sometimes a change is necessary to get out of the writing rut.
Go on a field trip. Many writers are most comfortable writing in their home where they can't be bothered by the outside world. Coffee shops, bookstores, museums, a park bench, or even a simple walk around the neighborhood can be a great source of inspiration to a writer.
Change the point of view. If a particular scene is proving to be difficult, rewriting it from another character's point of view may help the flow. Try to imagine what the scene would look like to a fly on the wall or an inanimate object in the room. Getting out of the main character's head allows the writer to look at things from a fresh perspective.
Clean the house. Writer's block is overwhelming. It often becomes all the writer thinks about which only makes it that much harder to writer. Doing something labor-intensive, such as cleaning the house or mowing the grass can allow the subconscious to go to work and get the ideas flowing again.
Meditate. Taking the time to sit quietly and just breathe in and out can relieve feelings of stress as well as stimulate the creative mind.
Read. A dedicated writer is also a dedicated reader. Reread old favorites or read something new. Read a children's book or a how-to guide or a muscle-car magazine. Good ideas often come from unusual sources.
Make a list. Sometimes something as simple as taking inventory of what's in a desk drawer or making a list of all the objects in a room can lead to an idea. A simple list of words on a page can easily be transformed in to a short story or an essay.
Overcoming writer's block is never easy but it can be done. Making changes to the writing routine, looking to unfamiliar sources for inspiration, and allowing the mind to temporarily disconnect from the writing process can all trigger the creative impulse. By taking small steps, it becomes easier to see the big idea.
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