As a successful blogger you will need to consistently produce high quality, valuable content that will solve the problems of others. When your readers arrive from search engines, they entered a term that would help them solve a specific issue.
But what do you do when you have to solve your own problem, like writer’s block?
I mentioned this in the previous post and promised to expand on it here just a bit.
What is writer’s block?
Writer’s block is described as a condition associated with writing as a profession. You have temporarily lost the ability to produce new content, you just cannot think of a thing to write.
This is a condition that varies in intensity, often times lasting for short periods but also known to block production for long periods of time. Now as a blogger you are out of business without the ability to produce your most valued asset, content. The very thought of this applies additional pressures to produce, creating a worsening of the effects.
You eagerly sit down at your keyboard all set to tap out your next post, then out of nowhere comes brain lock. For some reason you just cannot seem to get your thoughts flowing like you have done so many times before. No subject seems to stimulate that flow state that you’ve become accustomed to and the harder you try to get going… well.
So what gives?
The reasons for this are many, but who cares why, we need how. What can be done to shake this and return to productivity?
I cannot guarantee your results, but I can recommend some strategies that have worked like a charm for me.
Strategies for Recovery
There are many recommended strategies for overcoming writer’s block and I’ll start with one that I have used to shake this in a hurry.
Free writing. This is a technique where the writer simply begins the act of actually writing for a set period of time, giving no real thought to what is being written or the spelling and grammatical errors.
There isn’t even a topic (if you had one you wouldn’t have writer’s block), just producing raw, often unusable material. For me this exercise causes thoughts and ideas to somehow lead to a topic or two.
I have done this for 5 or more minutes without watching the screen, getting up to take a break and returned a short time later.
At this point, at least for me, something has happened and I may have a couple of topics and the opening line for an article. Things are flowing again.
The important thing is to break your pattern, do something different and get away from the writing issue for a short time.
Other recommended strategies to try
- Take a walk, free your mind of the task for now, enjoy the outdoors and come back a bit later.
- Change your location and listen to some music. Music really stimulates thoughts which in turn will provide some ideas.
- Don’t despair. Avoid being too critical of yourself. It’s not the end of the world, it is one of those things that has to be worked through.
- Develop a regular schedule for writing activity. View this as a regularly schedule business activity that must be done.
- Take some time off and enjoy the break. This is not easily accomplished for a blogger, but can be done with some advanced planning. Try writing several articles at a time when time allows, building some stock, which gives you the ability to post already written material. The articles can then be published automatically by setting the time and date.
- Write in paragraphs. That’s right, write a paragraph or 2, take a short break and write 1 or 2 more. At the end of your writing, you can go back and weave them all together while generating even more content.
- Evaluate your writing environment. Are you comfortable where you write? Check the chair, the desk, the room. Perhaps you need a complete change of scenery and a different location. Your current workspace may have become a distraction.
- Put down the keyboard, pick up a pen. Although subtle, this minor change can be very effective in getting those creative juices flowing.
- Read your old blog posts. This can lead to new ideas about a subject that you have already written about. Be sure to link back to that old post, giving it a little new life.
- Perform some other task totally unrelated to writing. Mow the lawn or wash your car, anything to just remove yourself from the writing environment for a period of time.
- Take your loved one to lunch or dinner, which often leads to conversations about life in general. Some idea will likely come over you while doing this.
Wrap up
As you can see, there are numerous approaches to breaking through this condition and you may have to try quite a few before you find one that works for you. Once you have a technique that works use it again if necessary. Hopefully, this is not something that regularly comes over you.
Try the “free writing” technique just to see how it affects you, don’t wait until you’re in dire straights. You may be surprised at the results of this little exercise.
Have you ever experienced writer’s block before and if so, what have you done to break through and get back on track?
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43 Responses to How to Get Rid of Writer’s Block
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" @Chris_Frailey No problem, Chris. Great weekend to you as well. :-) " — JimiJones
How to Get Rid of Writer’s Block | Jimi Jones Dot Com…
As a successful blogger you will need to consistently produce high quality, valuable content that will solve the problems of others….
Great tips!
One thing that I find with writing an insane amount of content every day – make a structured template for similar pieces. For example, when I review something, I already have planned out what the sub-sections will be. This way, as I start to feel bored with what I’m writing on, I focus on completing the section. Before I know it, the article is done!
.-= Samantha´s last blog ..Competing for Wages on Elance =-.
Hi Samanta,
that’s a great tip about the template. That has to be a time saver. Thanks for sharing that and thanks for visiting.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
Great tips!
One thing that I find with writing an insane amount of content every day – make a structured template for similar pieces. For example, when I review something, I already have planned out what the sub-sections will be. This way, as I start to feel bored with what I’m writing on, I focus on completing the section. Before I know it, the article is done!
.-= Samantha´s last blog ..Competing for Wages on Elance =-.
Hi Samanta,
that’s a great tip about the template. That has to be a time saver. Thanks for sharing that and thanks for visiting.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
When I experience writer’s block, I feel it’s because I’m unable to come up with original content. I find that getting other guys writing in my stead is working wonders and has taken the pressure off. It’s also building a great team and a platform that can give us more exposure on line.
I think going for a walk is one of the best ways to overcome writers block. Your brain needs a change of scenery. A computer screen and keyboard aren’t the best stimulus.
Hey Gordie ole pal!
We have all been there with that blank look on our faces and a blank screen as well. You’re right, just sitting there won’t fix the problem, change environments and come back later.
That team approach has really worked out well for all involved over at your camp. I know I enjoy the experience.
I have quite a few guest post request in the hopper and look forward to doing more of that.
I think the best use of guest posting I’ve seen is that of Jade Craven. I remember her piece over on NotAProBlog (Jordan’s joint) that spoke to this very topic. I got a little juice from that one.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
When I experience writer’s block, I feel it’s because I’m unable to come up with original content. I find that getting other guys writing in my stead is working wonders and has taken the pressure off. It’s also building a great team and a platform that can give us more exposure on line.
I think going for a walk is one of the best ways to overcome writers block. Your brain needs a change of scenery. A computer screen and keyboard aren’t the best stimulus.
Hey Gordie ole pal!
We have all been there with that blank look on our faces and a blank screen as well. You’re right, just sitting there won’t fix the problem, change environments and come back later.
That team approach has really worked out well for all involved over at your camp. I know I enjoy the experience.
I have quite a few guest post request in the hopper and look forward to doing more of that.
I think the best use of guest posting I’ve seen is that of Jade Craven. I remember her piece over on NotAProBlog (Jordan’s joint) that spoke to this very topic. I got a little juice from that one.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
Interesting this. I was on an interview with another blogger the other day, and he introduced me to the concept of free writing for the first time.
Still learning, but a good technique.
.-= Mike CJ´s last blog ..A guest post. On guest posting. =-.
Yeah, Mike.
I’ve used it quite a few times to get out of that non-productive zone. Defintely works.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
Interesting this. I was on an interview with another blogger the other day, and he introduced me to the concept of free writing for the first time.
Still learning, but a good technique.
.-= Mike CJ´s last blog ..A guest post. On guest posting. =-.
Yeah, Mike.
I’ve used it quite a few times to get out of that non-productive zone. Defintely works.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
Change of scenery and music are my favorites! If you don’t have it, get Joshua Bell’s ‘At Home with Friends’ recording. I listen to it almost daily.. there is something about well performed, quiet music that allows the body and nerves to relax, while stimulating the brain.
Love the ideas, Jimi!
.-= Erica Mueller´s last blog ..Testimonial Manager Plugin for WordPress =-.
Hi Erica.
The change of scenery and some music are really very relaxing and an effective way of unwinding. I do this anyhow, just because.
I’ll have to check into Joshua Bell.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
Change of scenery and music are my favorites! If you don’t have it, get Joshua Bell’s ‘At Home with Friends’ recording. I listen to it almost daily.. there is something about well performed, quiet music that allows the body and nerves to relax, while stimulating the brain.
Love the ideas, Jimi!
.-= Erica Mueller´s last blog ..Testimonial Manager Plugin for WordPress =-.
Hi Erica.
The change of scenery and some music are really very relaxing and an effective way of unwinding. I do this anyhow, just because.
I’ll have to check into Joshua Bell.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
I will have to try free writing. I have heard of it but I usually end up going with the break routine. Thanks for yet another thought provoking idea. My brain may just explode with all of this knowledge.
thanks
Justin
.-= Justin Matthews´s last blog ..For Our Troops, Thank You. =-.
Hi, Justin.
Give that free writing a try for sure, just to see how it affects your thoughts, but don’t wait until you really need it.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
I will have to try free writing. I have heard of it but I usually end up going with the break routine. Thanks for yet another thought provoking idea. My brain may just explode with all of this knowledge.
thanks
Justin
.-= Justin Matthews´s last blog ..For Our Troops, Thank You. =-.
Hi, Justin.
Give that free writing a try for sure, just to see how it affects your thoughts, but don’t wait until you really need it.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
I like the take your loved one to lunch. That might give me an excuse to have writers block everyday.
Nice post Jimi
.-= Robert Bravery´s last blog ..Carnival of Blogging – February 1, 2010 edition =-.
LOL – that’s a good one, Robert. I may use that myself.
I like the take your loved one to lunch. That might give me an excuse to have writers block everyday.
Nice post Jimi
.-= Robert Bravery´s last blog ..Carnival of Blogging – February 1, 2010 edition =-.
LOL – that’s a good one, Robert. I may use that myself.
I tend to encounter this phenomenon quite often lately, but that is about to change as I have more time to focus on my blog writing.
I use free writing, web surfing and yup I go for a walk as well. Sometimes getting out of the house/office and getting around people can spark and idea as well. Simple people watching can conjure up multiple ideas.
And of course there is always wonderful tidbit of inspiration waiting in the comment section.
.-= Ms. Freeman´s last blog ..You Are Only As Great As Your Community =-.
Sounds like you at least have worked out a technique for getting back on track, which is good. The change of scenery seems to work well for most.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
I tend to encounter this phenomenon quite often lately, but that is about to change as I have more time to focus on my blog writing.
I use free writing, web surfing and yup I go for a walk as well. Sometimes getting out of the house/office and getting around people can spark and idea as well. Simple people watching can conjure up multiple ideas.
And of course there is always wonderful tidbit of inspiration waiting in the comment section.
.-= Ms. Freeman´s last blog ..You Are Only As Great As Your Community =-.
Sounds like you at least have worked out a technique for getting back on track, which is good. The change of scenery seems to work well for most.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
Thanks for sharing your tips Jimi. What I normally do is to read other blogs to generate ideas. That is time consuming but I remember not to waste time and leave a comment which may provide a back link to boost my Blog’s search engine rank. I used “may” because some blogs don’t allow their comments are to be followed by search engines.
.-= Kwame@Sociatic´s last blog ..The Importance Of Linking to Your Old Blog Posts =-.
Hi Kwame.
Reading other blogs to generate ideas is something I’ve not tried for writer’s block. Not a bad idea. I have not had a case of that for quite some time and hopefully, won’t see it again anytime soon.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
Thanks for sharing your tips Jimi. What I normally do is to read other blogs to generate ideas. That is time consuming but I remember not to waste time and leave a comment which may provide a back link to boost my Blog’s search engine rank. I used “may” because some blogs don’t allow their comments are to be followed by search engines.
.-= Kwame@Sociatic´s last blog ..The Importance Of Linking to Your Old Blog Posts =-.
Hi Kwame.
Reading other blogs to generate ideas is something I’ve not tried for writer’s block. Not a bad idea. I have not had a case of that for quite some time and hopefully, won’t see it again anytime soon.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Case Study Review – Lanzarote Information =-.
hi jimi,
how are you?
l loved the points on free writing and taking long walks because that seems to work for me. I also get some inspiration through reading the newspapers, watching/listening to various talk show programmes.
take care
.-= ayo´s last blog ..I Am A Victim Of Gossip =-.
Hello Ayo and welcome!
I’m doing well, thanks for asking.
The important thing that everyone should take from this article is to find what works best for them, as you have done. Anything that gets your thoughts flowing so that you can be productive is a winning solution, as opposed to staying in the office or workspace waiting for it to pass.
hi jimi,
how are you?
l loved the points on free writing and taking long walks because that seems to work for me. I also get some inspiration through reading the newspapers, watching/listening to various talk show programmes.
take care
.-= ayo´s last blog ..I Am A Victim Of Gossip =-.
Hello Ayo and welcome!
I’m doing well, thanks for asking.
The important thing that everyone should take from this article is to find what works best for them, as you have done. Anything that gets your thoughts flowing so that you can be productive is a winning solution, as opposed to staying in the office or workspace waiting for it to pass.
Jimi, I think you nailed it! This is all very good advice for overcoming writer’s block – many of these strategies I have tried in the past with great success! Awesome post.
.-= Steven | The Emotion Machine´s last blog ..Mindful Risk-Taking: In Life And In Business =-.
Thanks, Steven and welcome.
It is really great to be able to shake this and get back on track.
I appreciate your comment.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Social Media Branding – Tips To Break From The Crowd =-.
Jimi, I think you nailed it! This is all very good advice for overcoming writer’s block – many of these strategies I have tried in the past with great success! Awesome post.
.-= Steven | The Emotion Machine´s last blog ..Mindful Risk-Taking: In Life And In Business =-.
Thanks, Steven and welcome.
It is really great to be able to shake this and get back on track.
I appreciate your comment.
.-= Jimi Jones´s last blog ..Social Media Branding – Tips To Break From The Crowd =-.
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