Top 5 Ways to Combat Writer’s Block

1. Take a Break and Go Back Later

If you’ve been staring at your notebook or laptop for hours, sometimes it is necessary to take a break. Go take a walk, make yourself a cup of tea, relax in your hammock, go for a jog — do something that takes your mind off writing for a little while. Sometimes it can be difficult to write if there’s something else you need to do. Taking a break will relax your senses and provide fresh ideas when you return to writing.

I like to take a walk to look at nature because it is relaxing and I enjoy the sounds of nature like the sound of the running water at a nearby creek or the sound of birds singing. This is relaxing and can provide inspiration.

2. Try Writing in a New Place

A simple change of scenery can work wonders and spark great ideas. If you normally write sitting on the sofa in your home, why not try setting up your laptop on the picnic table in your backyard or go to a park to watch children play? You could also try your favorite ice cream shop, a coffee shop, or anywhere that is not your normal spot. This might not work for everyone, but it’s worth trying. *Note, this helps me think differently when I choose a new spot to write.

3. Write About Different Subjects

Your goal is to write a 1000 word piece on going green or you’re trying to compose a new chapter for your novel, and for whatever reason it’s just not inspiring you. One method is to try is to write about something else. Sometimes just writing about various subject matters – changes my way of thinking. I apply this tactic from time to time, when I have to write a fiction piece and it’s just not coming to me. I’ll post something to my blog about a random celebrity or news or whatever comes to me at that moment. It’s not what you are writing that matters, just that you are writing. Keep writing, and good ideas will come.

4. Figure Out When You Write Best

When is the best time for you to write. This is the main question. We all write or respond differently. Find your writing groove and write when you know is best. Keep your laptop or pen on hand. When we have writer’s block, stop and take a break. THIS IS RULE #1. Avoid writing when it’s lunch time or time for dinner or when it’s time to take the kids to soccer practice. Come back to your computer or pen/paper after taking care of life. The ideas will come to you. Again, write when you know is your best time.

5. Get Moving

Any type of exercise helps preserve memory, because it gets the blood flowing, and brings more oxygen to the brain. I apply the same theory to writing. Get up out of the chair or off of the sofa, and take a walk or brainstorm with your husband or best friend as you are pacing across the floor or backyard. Go for a jog, play a game of tennis, go swimming, or even play some paintball with your friends! The idea is to keep moving. Return after your morning or afternoon activity and try writing. You will probably be surprised to find that it comes to you a little easier. Stay active, keep moving, and you’ll be excited to write, write, write. Being active will help your writing goals!

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How to Write a Book & Self Publish!

So, you want to write a book? Well, you know what we think at Instant Publisher – You can write a book! And, remember – Self publishing is the leading way to get your book published today!

What Makes Your Story Unique?

Everyone has a story to tell. So – here’s the kicker. What makes your story unique? Perhaps you have an ending to a common experience that has been encountered by many – yet your ending is very different. Or, perhaps you’ve experienced something that is so unusual the whole world will want to read about it!

The Key to Success.

The key to success is – Don’t doubt yourself. Don’t doubt the importance of your story. And, as we’ve said many times before at IP – no one will know about your story if you don’t start writing! And, you’ll never finish your book if you don’t start writing!

Again, edits are probably the one thing that new authors worry about the most. Don’t! Write freely and edit later – or, if you choose – edit by chapter. Either way, you’ll still be writing and on your way to completing and self publishing your book!

Clearly Define Your Characters.

Here are a few writing tips for you that are very important to remember as you write – perhaps for the very first time. Remember… Clearly define your characters.

Remember and Explain the Who, What, Why, When and Where.

Even though you aren’t writing a journalism paper, you still want to remember and explain the who, what, why, when and where. Who are your characters and why are they doing what they’re doing? Why are they where they are? Typically you will only have to focus on defining characters when you are writing a novel. It is important, however, to remember to clearly define your plot when writing fiction or non-fiction. Does non-fiction have a plot? Well, let’s just say that your non-fiction book has a theme. Every thing you write surrounds this theme. So, everything you disclose and convey in your writing needs to support this theme. You see? It’s almost like building a house. Make sure that your foundation is set and firm. Then start building. Have a clear vision of how the story will be viewed and perceived in the end.

As You Write – Ask Yourself Questions.

(as you re-read…and you will re-read, but don’t overdo it!)

  • Is my foundation set?
  • Is my foundation clear and concise and understandable?
  • Is this an easy read, or am I causing too much work for my reader? (You want the reader to enjoy, not be overwhelmed and lay the book down.)
  • Am I supporting my foundation/theme with strong explanations without “over explaining?”

Does Your Novel, Answer the Following:

  • Is my plot clearly coming across? Is the reader “getting it?”
  • Have I clearly defined (and introduced) my characters without “over explaining?”

Remember – NEVER “Over Explain.”

Some people refer to this as being too overt. You don’t want to be too covert in your writing, but remember that one of the keys to continue sparked interest in your book is to cause the reader to be enticed with your story – “engaged” by your writing style – and cause them to “anticipate.”

Once you ask yourself a few of these initial questions and make sure you are on target – then keep writing, knowing your going in the right direction.

Good luck! Start writing! And – don’t give up! Everyone has a story to tell and you can write a book.

We wish you great success and look forward to seeing your manuscript! Just think – as soon as your book is finished, it’s ready to be printed and published and sold to the world!

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Self Publish!