by Janice Suchoski

Created on: August 15, 2009

Writer's block is often more a case of too much information revolving around in the mind than not enough. Authors bend words into believable tales, informational articles and poetic form calculated to raise emotion and interest in others. Finding the best pathway to present a creation is not always as easy as it seems. There are innumerable ways to write but only one best way to put forth what the author wants to portray.

Every article or story has a point or a theme. In the writing process, creative thinking takes thought in many different directions as the writer probes for the best pathway. Writer's block occurs most often when several possible tracks converge and the writer must choose. Time to ponder and follow up each possible choice is a must. Staring at a blank page may be less constructive to opening ideas than getting out to find inspiration elsewhere.

A walk through a park, a seat in a lunch - bar or a drive along a quiet residential street may be all that's needed to let the mind really track an idea. Everyday, surrounding life experiences add truth of dimension which helps sort the believable from the purely imaginative. Even the most fantastic tales are enjoyed by readers because they have commonalities with which the reader can identify. Mundane daily life can give a writer the real meat that gives his creation believability and keep him/her on theme.

Write down the theme or plot of a work - in - progress in one simple phrase, then ponder ideas as you refer often to this foundation. Some ideas will naturally fall away, no matter how seductively they beckon because they do not fit with the basic premise laid down. Jot down key words which fit with the foundation theme. Key words may suggest new ideas to work from. Like a game of Scrabble, sometimes one small piece may become a building block for something greater.

Concerted concentration on a creation puts a lot of strain on the body. Brainpower runs best when the body is rested, fed and diverted. Taking breaks for exercise, meals and fun keep the body healthier and the brain less stressed. Even with a deadline looming, diversion is a must. Nobody does his/her best thinking when exhausted. Writer's block sometimes occurs simply because the body is tired and the brain is smart enough to say "enough."

Outside input is also useful in overcoming flagging inspiration. Writers tend to be notoriously jealous and possessive of creations until they actually hit the public domain in finished form, but ideas from trusted friends or family members can help break times of stalemate and offer fresh outlooks from a reader's point of view. Even if an author chooses not to use outside ideas, fresh input may offer that spark which sends the writer on his creative way.

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