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How do You Get Past Writers block?
So I’ve been writing articles for quite a while now and have to-date written about predominantly about handy code snippets that I’ve both come across and created.
That stuff is handy but I really want to share more of my business and user experience insights. Problem is, those types of posts are generally quite a hike in word count and I find I start out OK but quickly get lost. Too many words, not properly structured and I get overwhelmed.
Do you write?
What are the ways you get past writers block? Any help would be appreciated!!Follow the crowd and you be just another cheep.
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Hi LionKing.
I write some times to and every now and then we all get writers block. i did some search myself and found this from R.L Stine’s website (He’s an American author)
My best tips for curing writer’s block.
Don’t ever stare at a blank page or screen! Start with notes, journal entries, outlines, cheat sheets, What ifs. Write something down before you begin.
2. Know your ending first. If you know where you’re going to end up, you’ll know where to start.
3. You don’t have to write the beginning first! You can write your first draft in any order. Then you can go back and put it in the right order.
4. Don’t worry about how the first draft sounds. Just put words down – you can always go back.
5. Before you write, tell your story out loud. Once you’ve told your story, you’ll have a lot less trouble “telling” it to the paper.
6. Set a timer for a short amount of time – let’s say 13 minutes. Tell yourself you’re going to write something – anything – until that timer goes off. When the timer dings—if the writing is going well—set it for another 13 minutes and keep writing. If it’s not going well, set the timer and do something else for 13 minutes. Then go back to your writing.
7. If you’re still stuck, don’t throw away the idea—try changing it a little. Try writing it from another character’s point of view. Try telling the story in another character’s voice.
8. Still stuck?
Look through a magazine, find a picture of a person or place that looks like your character or setting. Write down a complete and detailed description of what you see. Guess what? You started your story.9. Set a reasonable goal and reward yourself if you get there. Say “I will write two pages today, then I can watch TV for half an hour.”
10. Don’t ever stare at a blank page!
Start with notes, journal entries, outlines, cheat sheets, What ifs. Write something down before you begin. (I know. This is the same as number one! I’m repeating it because it’s the most important tip.)Source: http://rlstine.com
and then this is quite good too from Jeff Goins:
How to not overcome writer’s block!
And just for fun, here are some anti-solutions to this problem:
- You do not overcome writer’s block by refusing to write until you feel “inspired.”
- You do not overcome writer’s block by wallowing in self-pity.
- You do not overcome writer’s block by procrastinating or making excuses.
- You do not overcome writer’s block by watching TV.
- You do not overcome writer’s block by reading articles on how to overcome writer’s block. (Kinda shot myself in the foot there, huh?)
If you’re still not satisfied, you have one last resort, an ace up your sleeve.
Start somewhere, anywhere!
Write a few lines. Say anything. And see what happens. Don’t think about it too much or make any fancy announcements. Just write. It doesn’t need to be eloquent or presentable; it just needs to be written..So these tips might help a bit maybe?
I use some of it myself when I get stuck. Go for a walk, or call a buddy or family member, listen to some music or anything else that eventually might lead to inspiration.
But like with everything the most important step you can take is to start and just take one step meaning in this case you simply need to write something down on the paper. And if you do that… Well you have then started your journey. 😀
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Good topic and great question!
Personally I like to go for a long walk and do something completely different to get away from the situation by changing my environment to elsewhere. That refreshes you mind and gets it off the burden of “I have to do something and be productive“..
Found this video which I find quite good with some useful tips in too..
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Thanks everyone!
Thanks guys for all the good link and tips on this subject; I appreciate it! 👍
Check out copyhackers.com when you get a chance. Lots of good ideas in there.
I’ve been meaning to read this one, “The Ultimate Guide to No-Pain Copywriting“
Every Copywriting Formula Ever (or The Ultimate Guide to No-Pain Copywriting)
It seems pretty god but I haven’t had time to read it in full yet.
I also found this post from Seth Godin on the topic interesting too while I was searching on the internet:
http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/09/talkers-block.html
Follow the crowd and you be just another cheep.
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