You finally find time to create new content; you sit down, ready to write and – BAM! – writer’s block. We have all been there. Writer’s block is the enemy of content marketers.
7 ways to overcome writer’s block
Writer’s block is not always about lack of ideas, so the following writer’s block tips cover everything from preparation to environment to inspiration.
Brainstorm ahead of time
The stress of coming up with a topic, finding resources and actually writing can be overwhelming. Take the time at the beginning of the month or week to create a blog or design calendar. Take note of the topic, title and resources for each piece you want to create so you can get down to business when you are ready to write.
Know where you are going
Writer’s block is often caused by conflicting feelings. You have a title and a topic, but you have too much to logically fit in one article. The best way to handle this is to create an outline of your article. Decide what points will fit and outline a second or third article if you have too much to say. This is a win-win situation! You overcame writer’s block with an outline AND created more articles.
Change your environment
I don’t know about you, but I’m a location snob when I am writing. I only write blog posts in my favorite coffee shop, social media calendars in my apartment and design when it is sunny outside. Find what works for you and if something is not working, move. Don’t just sit around hoping the environmental vibe is going to change. This is especially true if you work from home. Get out of there once and a while or you will feel like a caged animal.
Read
You are probably laughing at this suggestion. You finally get a little time to write and I tell you to read?! Hear me out. Think about the last time you perused the latest industry magazine or book. Were you inspired? Were you Googling some of the topics you were reading about? Reading can spark a massive brainstorm session and ignite your desire to write about something you read.
Clear your mind
Go for a walk or watch an episode of TV. Just staring at your computer willing words to come is only going to delay the block because you are going to get lost in frustration.
Find inspiration on social media
If you just need a little kick-start, search the social media sites. Look on Pinterest for some quotes or infographics on the topic. Search Twitter for what people are saying about the subject in real time or Facebook some experts on the topic to see what insights they have.
Just write
Remember free writing in school? Start writing whatever comes to mind. It can be total garbage, but you may just need to get those words out of your head in order to reach the good ones. For me, I do this with a pen and paper. Typing is too organized for me to brain dump, so I write on paper and write at weird angles, scribble out the bad stuff, circle the good and draw arrows that occasionally mean something.
*Bonus* Write when you are inspired
The title says 7 tips, but you are getting 8! Do not ignore your urge to write. Sometimes, your idea only makes sense to you at one time – so write! It is so disappointing when you think you can put off the idea for later and you totally lost the enthusiasm you had for writing and the idea.
Writer’s block is the worst, but if you prepare and pay attention to how you work and brainstorm you will be able to create your own toolkit of ways to overcome it. What tips have worked for you when it comes to overcoming writer’s block? Share them in the comments below!
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