by Amreen Bi

Created on: February 28, 2009

Whether you are new to writing or a more experienced writer you will have a time where you are stuck for ideas. You may be a creative person but right now all you can do is stare at a blank piece of paper and wonder how to start.

For freelance writers getting writer's block can be one of the worst things ever. You will often have strict deadlines to meet and your client maybe calling to see how far you have progressed leaving you even more frustrated. To help you out here are a few tips on how to get over writer's block.

Tips:

1. The first stage is to realise what the actual problem is. You have writer's block. Often (particularly with the more experienced) writers think there must be something wrong with them, that they will never be able to write. If they have work to complete for a client it is natural that they will worry what their client will think. You need to recognise your fear.

2. Go over your assignment guidelines. What were you asked to write? You can go through the points you should include in your head or write them down. Make a list if you need to but keep it simple.

3. When you write about a topic, whether you know a lot or very little, it helps to do all your research. If you have research material then go through it all. If you feel that your research is insufficient then research until you feel you have enough knowledge about your topic.

4. Step away from the desk or computer. Take a walk in the park or just sit in the garden. Just mentally think about your work. You don't need to write down anything yet. Just get that creativity back by going through ideas in your head.

5. Now if you are ready then start writing your first draft. Don't worry it doesn't need to be perfect. Writer whatever comes into your head and don't listen to the I can't do this' voice in your head. You can and will.

6. Once you've written the draft leave it alone for a while. Do something different to writing for a few hours or if you need for a day or two. Come back to your work and read what you have written. Does it have a natural flow? Does it need editing?

One more thing to do is to go through some of your old work. Look at the style and flow of your work, especially the work which you are most proud of. If it helps at all you can also look at the works of your favourite authors or writers. Look at the writers whom you regard as your motivation. Good luck!

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