by Melissa R. Bickel

Created on: October 06, 2009   Last Updated: September 25, 2011

Writers block can literally make a writer feel frustrated and empty, especially when silence has lingered in the mind for some time. For whatever reason, thoughts won't form, all that was in the mind, vanishes. A writer begins questioning his or her own abilities as a writer, worrying they'll not be able to get over the hump.

It's as if the scene of Lady McBeth plays through the mind and instead of saying " out out damn spot" the writer is begging for the words or ideas to form. Ask any writer who's experienced this mental anguish and they'll tell you fear lingers in a silent mind.

It's certainly be a daunting task when a writer has an assignment with a deadline to meet. Writer's block can be, for some, a literary death sentence. To help a writer overcome writer's block a writer might need to allow his or her mind to rest. Worrying isn't going to help and could in fact add to what stress is being felt in that moment.

Trying a few writing exercises, opposite of what is normally done, could help. A simple changing of the normal routine could kick start the flow of thoughts. If these things don't work, try taking walks. There's nothing better than a walk to loosen up the mind as it takes in the scenery, the smells and sounds.

Sometimes the environment we walk in leads the mind to reconnect with emotions and feelings which moves a writer to write. Listen to the noises of nature, try to identify different trees and bugs along the way. Pick up a stone, carelessly skip it across a pond.

Let your mind give way to other avenues of life and enjoy being free of constraints. Of course all writers need to realize, as with everything in life, it isn't always going to be easy, or even the solution of that moment.

Set obtainable goals:

Be realistic! If there isn't a rush to fulfill a deadline, pace yourself. Quit trying to force your brain to produce what isn't there. Allow yourself time to collect thoughts and ideas. Be flexible enough to accept setbacks, things happen in life.

There might be other obligations within your daily life, so writing might not be a 24/7 possibility. So stop acting like it is. Think about when you'll write. If you were sporadic about writing, set a definite time for writing and stick with it.

If these suggestions don't work, be willing to explore other avenues. Take a mini vacation if you can, do something fun.

Change your daily routine:

That is, instead of setting down to write, find something else to do during the time you've normally

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