by Angella Gailey

Created on: September 07, 2010

Most writers have a way they like to write.  There is usually a time of day or a favorite place they like to sit.  Me, my pencil has to be perfectly sharp or I can’t concentrate on anything but the scratchy sound it makes.  We get so wrapped up in our routines that if there are any variations we can barely think.  This is usually called writer’s block and, believe it or not, it’s all in your head.

 There is no little switch in your head that only comes on when the stars align, everything comes together and you get to write at your favorite time and in your favorite spot.  Usually these are our favorites because they are usually where we wrote for the first time or where we wrote the best article, poem or story.  This can lead us to believe that this is the best place and time we can write.  If at any time, for any reason, we have to break this routine, it suddenly becomes impossible to write. 

 Creativity does not come and go.  If you over work yourself, it may seem like you have just lost the ability to be creative.  This is not the case.  Any person who works too hard at their job will have a hard time doing it every once and a while.  This is especially true of writers who have tight deadlines and usually have to do research before they can write anything and go through several drafts before they land on something they can live with.

 As writers, we are our biggest critic.  Nothing we do will ever live up to our expectations.  We always expect our work to be the best; it always has to be perfect.  This leads to what can seem as writers block, but is only perfection standing in the way.  You will work things out over and over again n your head only to not be satisfied with anything.  Usually, if you take a break and clear your head, you will fix this problem.  Taking a break and coming back might make you realize that some of your previous ideas were actually not that bad.  You also have to realize that not everything you write is going to be your best, just make sure that it is something you can live with.

 These are only a few examples of how writer’s block can present itself.  You can usually prevent it from happening by not lingering on it.  The more you worry about getting writer’s block, the more likely it is going to happen.  If you find yourself not being able to write, take a break and clear your mind, this will usually help you to work through whatever is causing the problems.  While it is important, if you write for a living, to keep a schedule, don’t fall into a specific pattern.  You can always find ways to change it up.  Instead of sitting at a desk that is boring, you can go outside and get some fresh air while you work, listen to different kinds of music or, if you work at home, turn on the television, that way if you end up not being able to work when and where you usually do you won’t have such a hard time concentrating.  Any of these things can help you to keep your thoughts fresh and new and keep the illusion of writer’s block at bay. 

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