When the words won’t come

Regardless of if you are writing a brief, a strategy, a process or some content we have all experienced it – writers block. It happens to everyone.

We. Just. Can’t. Start.

It is so frustrating. Writers block often means you can’t start. Not even the heading, sometimes not even the idea of what to write about.

I have days where I can smash out a few blogs in a row and other times, like now, I can’t find the words. When I am trying to write a blog at times it doesn’t work, nothing happens and that’s ok I can walk away and try again later. However, when it’s a project for a client I need to get going.

Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all.

–Charles Bukowsk

As someone who spends a lot of her life writing I thought I would share some of the ways I overcome it.

1. Google – I am not encouraging you to plagiarise but sometimes you need a little inspiration. See what others have written, read articles (probably like you are now) or find a template. Sometimes once I have the headings or the basic ideas it helps to stimulate others ideas.
2. Procrastinate – I know I know but what I do is move on to another project (if I have time) and come back to the piece I am struggling with. At times working on something else, turning my mind to a new topic helps to clear my mind and I can make a start.
3. Just start – Write headings. Dot point your ideas. Put your quotes in from other resources. Sometimes it’s just about having words on the page. You can overcome writer’s block by writing. Start somewhere, anywhere. Write a few lines. Anything. And see what happens. 
4. Do something nice for yourself – Make writing special. Go make a nice cup of tea, buy a cup of coffee, have lunch out. And then sit down to start. Sometimes making it feel like you have been rewarded.
5. Work in bursts  – Also known as the Pomodoro technique. Work for 25 minutes straight and then have a little break. Then go again. You would be surprised how effective it can be.

It can be hard to find your rhythm, but it is possible. This article is an example of that.