I use many different techniques to overcome writer’s block. Some of them are pretty basic while others may seem unorthodox. But hey, you gotta use what works for you, right? So, without further delay, here are some of my methods:
1. Change fonts and spacing. After reading your draft for the millionth time, you’ve become so familiar with it that things can slip through the cracks. Artists sometimes turn their paintings or sketches upside down to get a different perspective on their work. A similar technique can be applied when writing. Obviously, flipping your work upside down would make it hard to read. Instead, try changing the fonts and spacing. For example, if you’re using Times New Roman with double spacing, switch to Arial, single-spaced when you proofread. Content-wise everything is the same, but visually things have changed. Your eyes aren’t as familiar with the new format and you’ll find errors you’ve overlooked. You may even think of ideas to make your work better. Once the editing is complete, switch back to the original font and spacing.
2. Skip around with scenes. Writing in chronological order makes sense, but to the scatterbrained writer or a writer experiencing writer's block, this can be torture. Who says you have to write in order? Many writers know how they want their story to begin and end. But what about the middle? For me, the middle is the hardest. How do you keep readers interested enough to make it to the end? While you’re writing the middle of your masterpiece, it seems like it takes forever to get to the last few chapters. I’ll let you in on one of my secrets. I always write the ending before the middle is complete. I do this for two reasons. One: In my mind, I know the ending is done. It makes writing the rest of the story less challenging. Two: The ending always comes easy to me.
**I have many more tips for beating writer’s block. Keep checking back.
1. Change fonts and spacing. After reading your draft for the millionth time, you’ve become so familiar with it that things can slip through the cracks. Artists sometimes turn their paintings or sketches upside down to get a different perspective on their work. A similar technique can be applied when writing. Obviously, flipping your work upside down would make it hard to read. Instead, try changing the fonts and spacing. For example, if you’re using Times New Roman with double spacing, switch to Arial, single-spaced when you proofread. Content-wise everything is the same, but visually things have changed. Your eyes aren’t as familiar with the new format and you’ll find errors you’ve overlooked. You may even think of ideas to make your work better. Once the editing is complete, switch back to the original font and spacing.
2. Skip around with scenes. Writing in chronological order makes sense, but to the scatterbrained writer or a writer experiencing writer's block, this can be torture. Who says you have to write in order? Many writers know how they want their story to begin and end. But what about the middle? For me, the middle is the hardest. How do you keep readers interested enough to make it to the end? While you’re writing the middle of your masterpiece, it seems like it takes forever to get to the last few chapters. I’ll let you in on one of my secrets. I always write the ending before the middle is complete. I do this for two reasons. One: In my mind, I know the ending is done. It makes writing the rest of the story less challenging. Two: The ending always comes easy to me.
**I have many more tips for beating writer’s block. Keep checking back.
