9 Solid Ways to End Writer's Block - Forever

Writing is one of the most demanding activities. Not only do you have to be mentally focused, you spend hours looking at a computer screen. This can be quite tiring and can be hard on your eyes, neck, shoulders and back. Here are 9 ways to make the task easier.?

1. One solution is to work for blocks of time, 45 minutes of work; 15 minutes of rest. To make sure you stick to this, use a timer. When it goes off after 45 minutes, get up, move around, have a coffee, etc.?

That short break will do wonders to clear your mind. You will return to work feeling refreshed.?

2. Write by Module, or Section

When writing articles or books, it is important to maintain your focus. It is easy to become overwhelmed, especially if you start looking at the number of chapters that you want to write.

Here is a simple solution. Write by module, or section.

Instead of looking at the overall project, take one chapter, create a separate document for it, and work on that chapter until it is completed. If you run into issues, save what you have, close the file, and work on something else.?

This method sharpens your focus and helps you concentrate on the task at hand, making it less likely to be distracted.

3. My writing mentor used to say, “Writing is Generic.”

To elaborate, he said, “You can write on any subject and get published, even if you’re not an expert.”

How is this possible? Here is how you do it:

? Research the topic at hand.

? Study the Web Site of the people you wish to interview and make notes.

? Study the chapter on interviewing techniques.

? Formulate well thought-out questions.

? If possible, test out the techniques or information you are writing about.

? Verify your facts with other experts to make sure they are correct before you publish anything.

This technique worked really well when I was a columnist at Streaming Media World. I relied on my skills as an interviewer and I made sure I researched the subject before I spoke to anyone. Overall, it worked out quite well. While I was there, I wrote 111 articles. The vast majority of those came from interviews.

You can do it, too. It can become a lot of fun once you learn the techniques.?

4. How to Overcome Writing Reluctance (aka Writer’s Block)

The first thing to realize is this is a common occurrence and is not something that afflicts you alone.

The second thing to realize is, writing is a discipline and, like any discipline, sometimes you need to force yourself to get into the groove.

One way of overcoming writing reluctance is to visualize what the completed project will look like and how you will feel when it is complete. That alone is often enough to motivate you into moving forward.?

5. Another common problem is feeling overwhelmed.?

Chances are you feel one of many things: Overwhelmed because you imagine an enormous project with no end in sight, inadequacy because of stepping out of your comfort zone, feeling crushed by the workload, etc.?

The natural response is to want to run or to put it off as long as possible.?

Contrary to what you might think, putting it off will make you feel worse, not better.?

To deal with the problem, imagine breaking it into chunks and, if necessary, planning it out on paper and working backwards.?

If the project is a month, break it down by week, then by day, then by morning and afternoon, then by hour. Working one chunk at a time is much easier to manage.?

6. When Serious Avoidance Sets In

Sometimes the usual methods have no effect and major avoidance sets in. When that happens, put a timer on the table beside you and set it for five minutes. During that time, write about anything. Play with headlines. Spend some time on a fun project, etc.

When done, set the timer for another five minutes and begin the process all over again. Repeat as many times as necessary.?

Eventually, you will overcome the reluctance to work and will be able to get on with your day.?

7. Touch Typing and Why It is Important

As a writer, it is a given that you are going to be typing, in one form or another, by typing manually, or by using a speech recognition program.

If you are one of the old-school typists who have been using the 'hunt and peck' method, you probably realize that it is not the best approach and takes a lot out of you, in both energy and time.?

Here is a solution to that problem:

First, get yourself a typing program (there are many online and are inexpensive).?

Secondly, you have to learn how to type by feel, rather than looking at the keyboard, which slows you down immensely.

To do it, get a cardboard box that will cover your keyboard (if you do not have one), you can make one with scissors and tape.

Once you have the box, cut two holes for your hands. This will allow you to type and prevent you from looking at the keys.?

Follow the instructions in your typing program to learn how to master the keys.?

One of the things I recommend is practicing visualizing the keys and moving your fingers to match. That is extremely effective.?

Using this method, you will learn how to touch type quickly.

8. If You Hate Typing

For some of you, typing is not your thing, and it never will be. If that is the case, I highly recommend that you have a look at Dragon Naturally Speaking, by Nuance.?

Another, more recent option, comes from within MS Word. In the toolbar, there’s a dictation option.?

All you need is a decent microphone and the software will record your words and turn them into print. It works surprisingly well.?

It takes a bit of time to train the program to your voice, and then you will be up to speed.

9. Go Wide with Your Writing

When you begin a writing career, there is a temptation to stick to one market. This is what I did, but it is not a good idea.?

The reason is that you will limit your opportunities for advancement.