Writer's Block

As I set my hands on the keyboard, my mind became blank. I couldn't even remember the name of my main character or what comes next after the last sentence I wrote. And I stared at the cursor, blinking, beckoning me to keep typing, but I couldn't, so I did what I thought was the right thing; close my laptop, hoping to get inspired.

I started working on my book 4 years ago and I've not come close to finishing it, all because of the common enemy all writers often face; writer's block. Sometimes I know what to write, I have my storyline, but how to put it down is another challenge. So I decided to take matters into my hands and look for ways to overcome this "enemy" and share with others.

Do you know? Just like a medical condition, writer's block has causes and symptoms. The cause can be lack of inspiration, illness, depression or a sense of failure, while the symptoms can be anxiety or worry, difficulty relaxing or feeling incapable of completing a piece of work. The causes and symptoms are not limited to these though. Here are a few suggestions that might help in conquering the "enemy".

Be patient with yourself

On my part, I found out that the ideas come to me when I don't overthink matters. I try not to have too much expectations and as the ideas come, I just keep writing. Do not be frustrated when you experience writer's block, be patient with yourself, know your limitations and don't have high expectations.

Find when and where you're most creative

You may find out that the ideas keep coming in when you're listening to music, sitting in a quiet place, after you take a walk, during the night or when you take a cup of coffee. Try to find out what brings the idea and work on it.

Take regular breaks

Do not overdo it. When you feel like you've exhausted all the ideas in your head, take a break. You can go on short walk, listen to music or even take a nap. In that way, you'll feel more refreshed and the inspiration's might just keep coming in!

Try a different writing method

You might be one of the many talented writers who keep on writing as the ideas keep coming. But in case you experience writer's block, why don't you try putting those ideas down on a note first as an outline. It will help you to organize your thoughts and ideas and when you feel like you're running out of ideas, just take a sneak peek on your outline.

Work on projects that you feel passionate about, that you love

I paused working a book and started another because I felt more passionate about the story, I felt like I could complete it faster than the first one. Don't feel like you're abandoning a project to start another, you're just trying to get motivated from the project you feel passionate about. That is why is also important to find your niche, know what you love writing about the most.

Remember why you started writing

This is the ultimate and most important weapon you can use to conquer the "enemy". I started writing because I love writing and I'm passionate about it, and nothing, not even writer's block can stop me from writing. When you remember why you started writing, you'll be able to overcome whatever challenge comes your way and forgeahead.

These are some the suggestions that is helping me conquer the "enemy" (I still get writer's block sometimes) and I hope it helps you too. If you have more suggestions to share, please drop in the comment section. Thanks for reading :)