Cures for Writer's Block?

I've been having "Writer's Block" lately, which seems to plague me from time to time....

Anyone got any quick "Writer's Block" cures? :)

- Dien

Dictate instead of writing.

Write on little note cards instead of the computer.

Brain dump -- just start typing raw info about your idea on paper. Don't even bother with complete sentences. Single words, phrases, all ok. Turn off the Editor in your head and just get STUFF on paper. That's the hardest part.

Write a note to a friend suggesting that they write about your topic. In other words, "give away" the idea to someone else. Of course, you'll have to explain it a bit so they can understand what kind of treasure you are handing over to them, free and clear. THEN.... DON'T send the note. Keep it and reread it 24 hrs later. It will positively inspire you.

Best Wishes,
Jim E


Homeway Press

Just think of any one idea you want to express, and start with it. Forget about structure, punctuation, where it belongs in the piece, and forget about what other points will need to be there to reinforce or put that idea into perspective. (Where you start might not even wind up in the final copy!)

Or,

Start writing about how you've got writer's block.

E.g.,

[Jeez! I've got writer's block, and I can't think of how I'm going to get the idea of how to pack so that getting through security is a breeze. I mean, if folks only knew that . . .]

See?

Hope it helps.

Marye

> Anyone got any quick "Writer's
> Block" cures? :)

Yup! See:

First Aid For Writer's Block
http://www.yudkin.com/unblock.htm




Affiliate program for high-quality, high-priced special reports

Thanks Jim, Mary, and Marcia for your "Writer's block unblocking" suggestions.... They seem like great techniques to use. :)

I seem to get "writer's block" sometimes when I'm trying too hard.... I guess when I relax a bit, and just "let it flow" things seem to work out a bit better....

I guess you can be more productive sometimes when you relax and slooooowwww doooowwwwnnn !!!!! :)

Thanks again - I'll be trying some of these suggestions out...!

- Dien

Hi Dien,

Here is an excerpt from an book I am currently writing..."How to Write Articles in 15 Minutes"

4. OVERCOMING WRITERS BLOCK

There is a blank piece of paper staring at you. Beckoning to
be written upon.

You stare back at the piece of paper with a blank look on
your face. Your brain has decided to go on vacation without
you.

It happens to the best of writers.

It's called "WRITERS BLOCK"!

Don't despair...

There are ways to bring the creative flow back to your brain.

Here are ten ideas to get your brain going again. Use them all,
combine them, or find your own writers block busters.

IDEA #1 - Notes

This is probably one of the best methods of jogging your brain.
But only if you make a habit of it. Every time an idea comes to
you, write it down.

Outlook 2000 also has a nice feature called "Notes". While
you're reading your email and an idea comes to you, you can
jot it down using this program.

If you don't have Outlook. You can use Nifty Notes. This is a
free shareware program.

IDEA #2 - Micro-cassette Recorder

Does this happen to you? The biggest brainstorm session occurs
when you're in the car driving or your soaking wet in the shower.
Then by the time you can write your idea...it's gone! Vanished back
into thin air.

Carry a micro-cassette recorder with you. That way when it's
not convenient to write down your ideas, you can record it.
Play your recorded ideas to jog your brain. Or better yet, write
them on your Article Idea Sheet.

IDEA #3 - Change Your Surroundings

This is especially helpful if you run your business from your
home. While I'm in my office, my brain screams about all the
things that need to be done. Sometimes it forgets that writing
is one of those things. Or the phone rings etc.

So I head to the nearest coffee shop to get some creative work
done. I schedule time on my calendar to work out of the office
at least once a week.

IDEA # 4 - Music

Back in the Right Tool Section it is recommended that you purchase
Baroque Classical Music.

Playing it will trigger the creative (right) side of your brain.
There have been scientific studies about the positive effects
that Baroque Music has on your body especially the right side of
your brain. In fact, there are even select pieces from this period
the will give your brain a major boost.

A list of these pieces is located at:

http://www.GetResultsQuicker.com/music.htm

IDEA #5 - Play Games

Most PC's come with games. The most popular are Solitaire,
Hearts, Free Cell and Minesweeper. A couple hands of Free
Cell might do the trick.

Find a favorite game and take a break and play!

IDEA #6 - Go For A Walk

Same concept as Change Your Surroundings. Take a 10 - 15 minute
walk around the block. Don't forget to take your recorder.

IDEA #7 - Day Dream

Did your brain really go on vacation without you?

Go join it!! Become a child again and let your imagination run
wild. Let it take you to the beach. Go explore Mars. Just start
picturing yourself in different situations.

Once the ideas start flowing, begin writing them down.

IDEA #8 - Relaxing

Having trouble getting your brain quiet?
Dailybreath.com has a Virtual Relaxation System, all you
have to do is show up. Click once and you'll start feeling
better Immediately. They offer a
mini-preview of their relaxation system.

IDEA #9 - Going to Alpha State

Alpha State is where you are between full consciousness and
sleep. Your mind is free floating in this state. It's when
the right side of your brain, that creative side, comes to
life.

Haven't you noticed how when you're ready to finally fall asleep,
15 million ideas pop into your head and keep you up? You were in
Alpha State and the left side finally shut up long enough to
let the right side have it's say.

You don't have to wait until it is bedtime to achieve this
optimal creative mode. One of the quickest ways I've found
to get to Alpha State in the middle of the day is using
Hose Silva's audio tape.

The Silva Mind Control for Success and...

If you're really struggling to get your brain to shut up and you
need to get your work done, try this method.

IDEA #10 - For The Creatively Challenged Person

If you are really having a hard time over coming writers block,
no matter what you have tried, you may need to resort to a more
drastic approach.

Remember it's the right side of your brain that releases those
ideas. If it's been neglected or had very little to nurture and
develop it, you may need to start feeding it. Many schools don't
promote the programs for right brain development or they've been
eliminated altogether with budget cuts.

What is the best food for the right side? Well, it's not sports
or the academics.

It's the Arts. Music, painting, writing, drama, dancing etc.

Richard Riley, The U.S. Secretary of Education says:
"This neglect of arts education is simply inexcusable. In nearly
every field in which we need to foster these new ideas in order
to succeed - from computer to communication - people with an
education in the arts are playing critical conceptual roles."

We all experience writers block and for most of us it's only
temporary. But if you feel you are beyond temporary, go take
a painting class or learn to play an instrument or learn to
ballroom dance. Whatever area of the arts that appeals to
you, TAKE IT!!!

It will help you become more creative.

excerpt from the upcoming eBook "How to Write Articles In 15 Minutes"

Ann Rusnak


Time Management Secret That Allows YOU To Do So Much More

It's just stage fright.

Write somewhere else.

Write while you're doing something else (watching TV, reading, walking ---NOT driving ;-) )

Write using a pen and paper.

Don't write, talk into a tape recorder.

Make word lists, go and take a break, then come back and write. (You can use some of the words, or not.)

Write about the problem. For example: "I want to write an article about this computer program. I want to mention these features___" etc

Write first thing in the morning. This seems to make it easier to write a lot for the rest of the day.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

Angela


Digital-e --- Info to go

Hi Ann,

Thanks for these suggestions - they're excellent.

Also, I've had Outlook on this computer it seems like forever, yet I've never used "Notes"! After reading your post, I tried it out - wow, pretty cool! :)

(I haven't tried "Nifty Notes", which Ann points out you can use if you don't have Outlook.)

I think I also tend to get writer's block when I haven't changed my surroundings for a while - maybe it's a sign I just gotta get out for a while, and see some new scenery....

Thanks Ann!

- Dien Rice

Hi Angela,

Writer's block and stage fright - hey, you're probably right! I never realized that....

Thanks Angela - great advice too! And thanks in particular for the stage fright-writer's block insight! :)

- Dien Rice