Writer's Block, The Bane of Us All

If you have ever written anything or claim to be a writer it is almost a certainty that you have dealt with writer's block. We all have. That's part of the reason why I am writing this now, trying to cure this dilemma and get my brain warmed up for a new chapter. I find that it is worse if I skip a day of writing, almost like skipping the gym. The longer you stay away from the pen, the harder it is to get back to it.

So how do we cure something like this? How do we prevent ourselves from experiencing this rather annoying dilemma of looking at a white screen and having nothing to put on it, yet the desire to put something on it? The truth is you can't. It's one of those inevitable things that will come from time to time. Just like age and taxes. However, I do have a few tips to prevent it as much as possible and to keep that right side of the brain healthy and proactive, so here it goes.

1: Write often.

Like I said earlier, writing is like working out. The more we do it, the easier it is to maintain. It's a habit that we cannot break or otherwise the dread of sitting down and putting words to paper begins to feel like a chore rather than a passion.

2: Listen to Music

This one is the biggest help for me. Music takes my mind out of my body and to a new place to explore. If I need to write something romantic, I'll find the sappiest piano melody I can find and play it on a loop. If I need to write something dark, I'll keep the metal going or something bleak and ambient. Once I'm in the right mood, Its time to bleed on the paper.

3. Read

I know it seems a little obvious but this one can really help. Much like movies, a small passage or manuscript can put you in the right mindset to create. Seeing someone else's ideas come to life can really jump start that creativity floating around in your head. Not to mention, reading can also help our literacy and improve our way of writing by incorporating someone else's style into our own.

There you have it. I'm by no means in expert in the subject but these are a few things I try to overcome the dreaded writer's block. Now that my mind is nice and warmed up it's time for me to get back to my manuscript and create some more. Good luck everyone!