by Karen Chaffee

Created on: September 12, 2009

Every writer, regardless of experience, preferred genre, fame or talent, is bound at some point to run up against the dreaded "writer's block." By definition, writer's block is simply the inability of the writer to write! As daunting as it may seem for its duration, rest assured that just as there are various causes of writer's block, there are also various methods to get through it and become a happily functioning writer once again.

Causes of Writer's Block

Boredom with the subject matter or lack of adequate research and knowledge concerning it can cause a writer to sit and stare at a blank page or a blank computer screen. Nothing comes to mind; you don't even know where to begin! It is as though one's mind has gone as blank as that page or that computer screen.

Trying to write in an unfamiliar place or addressing a genre one doesn't favor can also trigger a bout of writer's block, as can writing amidst what seems like a dozen distractions.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, trying to match or top a previous success also adds enough pressure to some writers that their minds are too tightly wound to release the needed material to create that next story, book, or news article. Attempting to meet a particularly tight deadline can have the same effect.

Other causes of writer's block stem from more personal circumstances, such as depression, a health problem, the break-up of a relationship, too much stress, or pure exhaustion. Any of these alone or in combination can make a functioning writer seem to run out of ideas or the ability to express them.

Remedies To Break Through Writer's Block

1. When you can't seem to write a thing, try reading instead. Often, the words of another writer will trigger your ideas and words to flow once again.

2. Give yourself a needed break and a change of scenery. Go for a walk, or get out for dinner and a movie. If possible, take a weekend away at a favorite spot to rest and recharge.

3. Seek inspiration in nature at some point each day. Sit in the sunshine, go for a walk in the rain, or seek out the park to do some people watching.

4. Have a go at some free-flow writing. It doesn't matter what or how your write, but do write, even if it is gibberish. The physical act alone is sometimes enough to restart the creative engine of your mind.

5. If you don't know where to begin an article, story, poem, or novel, trying writing the middle or the ending first. In the mix, you might just find that beginning sentence or paragraph you

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