by Jenni Nolan

Created on: May 24, 2007   Last Updated: August 30, 2009

How to keep Writer's Block at Bay...

The truth is I don't actually believe in writer's block.

There isn't some big curtain that comes down over your brain that stops you from writing. The main thing that writers suffer from when they think they have writer's block is fear. It's the fear of a clean page. The fear of an empty computer screen. The fear of getting it wrong. If you pluck up enough courage to get that first sentence down, or even the first couple of words you won't have a problem.

The main thing to remember is to write whatever. Write even though it's complete and utter rubbish. You can always screw it up and throw it away when you're finished, you can even go back and edit it later on when you've got your rhythm back.

The longer you don't write for the harder it is going to be, so here are a few tips to help you get that all important first sentence down...

1.Write it down, even if it's a load of rubbish. No one else has to read it.

2.Use writing prompts to help you out when you are stuck for ideas.

3.Keep a journal of your day to day activities and feelings (this is still classed as writing).

4.Make an ideas folder. This can contain anything that has previously inspired you. It can help to look through it when you feel stuck.

5.Keep any writing praise you have received close to where you write. This will give you confidence.

6.Keep a blog this will act also as a journal and an ideas folder.

Stick to these tips when you feel writer's block approaching and you can't go wrong. I have added a few prompts to start you off below. Let me know how you went on by emailing me at the address below or posting in the discussion forum.

How do you feel today?

What was the first thing you did when you got out of bed this morning?

When was the last time you cried and why?

What made you want to be a writer?

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