How To Prevent Writer’s Block

Whether you’re a writer by trade or hobby, you’ve likely experienced writer’s block at one time or another. It happens to the best of us, and if you’ve ever had a severe case, you know how difficult it can be to recover. As someone who writes for a living and also for pleasure (click here to check out my new novel), I know all too well the hold that writer’s block can take on your life.

Over the years, I’ve stumbled upon a few methods for staving off creative droughts and keeping the words flowing. Here are my best tips to overcome writer’s block!

Do Something Mindless

Whenever I’m not feeling motivated to write, I take this as an opportunity to handle the administrative work that I’ve got on my plate. For example, I’ll respond to emails or organize my files. Taking just a few minutes to handle these so-called “mindless” tasks that don’t require any exertion of creative energy will help to cleanse your palate and gear you up for a productive day. Plus, you’ll knock out a few items from your to-do list, which will make you feel accomplished and ready to conquer the world!

Indulge in a Caffeine Boost

Raise your hand if you adore caffeine! I know I sure do and frankly, I’m not sure I’d get anything done if I didn’t have my daily serving of Earl Grey. I’ve found that if I’m struggling with putting pen to paper, one effective solution is to take a break, brew a pot of tea or coffee, and kick back with a few cups of liquid motivation. While it’s yummy and packed with caffeine, I’d recommend steering clear from soda since it will only provide you with a temporary boost of energy, followed by an unpleasant sugar crash. Try sticking to tea or coffee with a few creams and/or sugars.

Create a Themed Playlist

While some people choose to work in complete silence or with white noise in the background, I prefer to work with music playing throughout the entire day. However, I don’t just turn on the Billboard Hot 100 and call it a day: I carefully construct themed playlists filled with songs that boost my mood and encourage productivity. If I’m feeling low-energy, I’ll switch on a playlist featuring uptempo pop songs. If I’m feeling unmotivated, I’ll turn on a playlist composed of lively songs with powerful beats. If I’m feeling distracted or on edge, I’ll play calming classical music. The next time you feel a lack of inspiration coming on, take some time out of your day to craft a playlist that speaks to you.

Read, Read, and Read Some More

Sometimes, the easiest way to gain inspiration is to take a look at what other creatives are working on. There are so many thought leaders out there posting their content on the internet, and checking out the landscape can help you find inspiration for your next piece. Here are a few platforms that I check out whenever I’m looking for content that will spark my creativity:

• HubSpot
• The Diversity Movement
• Marie Forleo
• Ashley Sharp
• Buffer

Contact Parklife

If you try all of these methods and your writer’s block is still in full swing, it might be time to get some outside help. Here at Parklife, we have a team of copywriting experts who will be happy to help you with your next project. Whether you’re interested in creating a blog article, white paper, eBook, or newsletter, we’re here to deliver. Contact us to learn more about our wide range of capabilities.