by Kris Koments

Created on: July 13, 2009   Last Updated: February 26, 2010

There are times as a writer you may find yourself at a loss for words. The normal flow you've grown accustom to has vanished into thin air. Searching around the darkest corners of your mind, you grow tired and frustrated, resigned and maybe even ready to give up.  This is writer's block.

The good news is there are a few ways to combat these all too familiar feelings.  Listed below are only a few ideas to help you overcome writer's block and the frustrations that go along with it. 

• Change your routine

I tend to do most of my writing in the early morning hours or late evening. You may like sitting in the afternoon sun while you write or on a park bench listening to the birds quietly chirping. This might help you to relax and open your mind to new ideas.

• Filter unwanted noise

Try changing locations and even the time of day you prefer to write. Sights and sounds can create some of the best mentally visual and artistically creative ideas. However, sometimes there is too much unwanted noise. Noise that can cost you your thought concentration. Noises such as high traffic areas, children's play areas, etc, should be avoided.

• Deadlines (pressure)

Some Authors work best under pressure, others don't. Figure out which category you fit and then apply this knowledge. If a dead-line is what you need, then set one for yourself. But if dead-lines stress you out, (and you are not alone in this,) relax and write at your leisure. Set a leisurely pace for yourself. Remember, it's not forever, once the chains of your mind have been loosed, you are free again.

• Rough draft

An all too common assumption made by many new authors is the idea that writing comes easily. Writing can be a difficult process, one in which practice is a necessary part. More times than not, our first draft "is" our rough draft. It is the core of the work. Our final draft is the body and soul; what gives our story its heartbeat and makes it come to life. In most cases, the first words written are likely to change dramatically throughout, but this allows for more freedom and fluency of expression.

• Break time

Writer's block begins with a tired mind. We tend to write endlessly, (because that's what we do.) but there is time to take a break from writing. Even the best of writers have to stop, regroup, relax and allow fresh ideas room to grow.

• Read for pleasure

Grab a good book, begin to read. Maybe your favorite author, old faithful, how about the classic you haven't read in years or a new release you just haven't had the time to read yet? Go to your public library, randomly choose a book from the shelf. Reading can energize and rejuvenate your mind and in turn, can open new doors for your own creativity.

• Final thoughts

Finally, writer's block is all too real for some of us, while others say it's only an illusion. Perhaps we give it life by struggling with it as if it were the enemy. (And so it seems.) However, if allowed, this temporary block can be an ally by helping us refresh our mind, body and soul. Next time you find yourself "stuck", take out your notepad and pen, begin to write ten things a great article, short story or poem contain. Then, friends, begin your journey!

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