Overcoming Writers Block

Do you suffer from writer's block? Is there a pending project you are putting off because you lack the inspiration to even get it started? You certainly are not alone. At various times you will go through extended periods of energetic writing as well as lengthy dry spells. Here are some tips you may want to consider to help you keep those slow times to a minimum.

Idea Mining If you do not have a specific topic in mind, start brainstorming to come up with a variety of topics. I get plenty of my ideas when I take a thirty minute brisk walk through my neighborhood. Watching rabbits eating clover, observing colorful roses, and listening to the sweet conversation of cardinals puts me at ease. When I am relaxed, I can think much more clearly. It sure beats sitting in front of my computer fretting about my work! Find something that brings out the inspiration in you.

Get Interested Writing on a topic that interests you is much easier to do than when you must write about a topic that you either: a) do not find interesting, or b) you are not particularly knowledgeable about. You can raise your interest by researching the topic. Read other online articles, go to the library and read a chapter or two in a related book, or contact someone familiar with the subject at hand [an enthusiatic expert is best]. After a certain amount of research your curiosity should be piqued which will help fuel your interest in the topic.

Make an Outline Write a topic sentence and then "bullet" three or four key points that you want to make. Expand each point into one paragraph each; collectively these points will comprise the body of your article. A brief conclusion [summation] tying all the points together at the end of the article will bring things "to a wrap."

Sit on it No, I am not being obscene. Rather, once you have written your article put it aside for a day or two and then come back to it. A fresh perspective has a way in helping you craft a better article. More than likely you will catch grammatical errors, locate incomplete or unclear thoughts, or find errors in punctuation by stepping back for a period of time.

You can overcome writer's block by following the above steps. If you find yourself hindered by the "paralysis of analysis" when it comes to selecting a winning topic, then you must step away, regroup, and come back only when sufficiently inspired. Writing with clear purpose and enthusiasm will happen once you put your writer's block beyond you.

(c)2005; Matthew C. Keegan, LLC

Matt Keegan is The Article Writer, writing for web content, ezines, magazines, newsletters, and more. To preview some of his work, please visit his website: http://thearticlewriter.com

---

Top 7 Writers Sites for 2005

If you dream of turning your book into a best... Read More

Bird by Bird

It's easy to feel overwhelmed by marketing. First, there's so... Read More

How To Publish Your Own Newsletter

With the expansion and diversion of businesses, manufacturers, and even... Read More

Documenting Everything: Your Journal is Your Logbook

Sailors had it for years. Great explorers had it as... Read More

Its All About YOU!

The Hottest Word on the WebDid you know marketing people... Read More

Writing - Copyrights and Trademarks Protect You

When most people consider writing a book, they don't think... Read More

Vital Verbs

Remember back in the dark days of your school years... Read More

The Writer and the Web

If your dream is to get published, the chance is... Read More

Effective Collaboration - Working With Your Ghostwriter

Using a ghostwriter to craft your free reprint articles and... Read More

6 Ways to Toot Your Own Writing Horn

You know you've got writing talent. Others enjoy your work... Read More

Have You Plotted Your Story Before Writing It?

Creative Writing Tips ?The writer, who doesn't have the time... Read More

Plotting Problems - Episodic Writing

The rejection letter says: "Your story, on the surface, appears... Read More

How Long is a Chapter?

How long should your chapters be?I can't resist... I have... Read More

English Grammar ? Seven Outdated Rules You Can Ignore

No matter what your fifth-grade English teacher says, some grammar... Read More

5 Reasons People Like Technology White Papers

A good white paper is a paper that makes you... Read More

Create Confidence With Your Writing

Whether you are writing a magazine article, composing a press... Read More

Learn How To Write Poetry!

A poet isn't born; you must work at crafting your... Read More

In Your Own Words

More Tips For New Writers (Part I)Explain in your own... Read More

Writing IS a Business

Why is it that so many people don't take writing-as-a-job... Read More

Writing Personal Statements - Top Tips

WRITING THE PERSONAL STATEMENT TO GET INTO UK UNIVERSITYHOW DO... Read More

Pairs/Groups Of Words Often Confused - Part 2 of 6

BAITED, BATEDBaited usually refers to traps or snares. When the... Read More

Do You Know What A Plot Is?

Creative Writing Tips ?What a plot is and what a... Read More

Freelance Writing: How Many Regular Clients Should You Have?

This is a tough question for every freelance writer. For... Read More

Format Each eBook Chapter Before you Write It

Do you have a problem creating a focus in your... Read More

Common Writing Mistakes - Are These Holding You Back From Writing Success?

During the years that I've been teaching writing and participating... Read More

Spiritual Journaling

Whether you keep a separate spiritual journal or just want... Read More

Writing For the Joy of It

As a child, I loved to write. I can't remember... Read More

How to Build A Success Freelance Career (Part 2)

Part 1 of this article discussed the experience you need... Read More

If You Want to Succeed As a Writer, Dont Just Think It, Do It

It never ceases to amaze me when a prospective writer... Read More

Message to Online Writers: Dont Give Up On A Good Idea

The writing community is a strong one, with many new... Read More

I Am Biodegradable - My Writing Is Not

My dad was wrong. I just discovered that I am... Read More

Looking For Good Copywriter Books?

If you are looking for copywriter books, you'll want to... Read More

Getting Looked Over, Without Getting Overlooked: Writing for Scanners and Skimmers

* Scanning and Skimming Practices *Whether you're writing e-mail messages... Read More