Tips From the Professor
Tell Writer’s Block to Fuck Right Off
Easy Ways to Avoid What Scares Writers the Most
Good afternoon, my Students! The Professor of Medium is here and Writer’s Block is nothing to fear. Why do so many writers seem to talk about having Writer’s Block?
Because they’re focusing on the negative. Instead of thinking about positive things, such as how much they love writing and how wonderful it makes them feel, they’re feeling pressure. When an idea doesn’t automatically come easily, most of us tend to take a negative turn.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. I’ve come up with a number of solid strategies to minimize the effects of Writer’s Block. Let’s discuss the ways you can stop it from affecting you and your writing. You’ll be back to doing what you love in no time if you apply these strategies.
Stop Overthinking it in Your Head
For many writers, thinking too much gets you into trouble. When you focus on Writer’s Block and fixate on not having a great idea, it can slow the process down. It’s better to quit thinking about Writer’s Block entirely.
Stop using the term “Writer’s Block.” It’s negative and nothing good comes from focusing on negative things. If you must think about how difficult of a time you’re having, call it something different that’s less negative. Perhaps “Idea Delay” or “The Calm Before the Storm”.
By taking away the power of a negative feeling and minimizing it, you’ll find yourself in a better mood. You’ll be able to more effectively think of ideas, topics, or titles which can encourage your creative process and get you back to writing.
Sit Down and Start Typing Something
This is one of the easiest things to do to get back to writing. Instead of sitting around with negative thoughts going through your head, assume the position. Sit down at your desk or comfortable chair, grab your laptop or phone, and log onto Medium.
For best results, don’t follow your usual routine. For me, that’s writing my title first, then my subtitle, followed by my kicker above the title. Then I usually search for an awesome picture that stands out or is clever. Forget about all of that.
Start in a different place than you usually do. If you have no idea about what to write, start typing the first words you can think of. It’s kind of a fun exercise to just start typing a sentence or even some random words. Something will grab your attention and lead to an actual idea for a blog.
Read Other Writers’ Work
This has helped me tremendously when I’m at a loss for an idea to write about. When you feel yourself getting frustrated about not having a decent idea, focus on reading instead.
I’ve come up with so many ideas from reading other writers’ stuff here on Medium. And I don’t mean copying their exact story. Often, I’ll see a sentence or even a word that inspires an idea for me to write about. I’ve even found ideas from the pics they use in their writing.
You may find a writing piece that offers one point of view about a certain topic and decide to write a counterpoint to their opinion. Perhaps it may be a supportive follow-up type of article to their story or blog. There is no shortage of ideas you can find from reading Medium writing.
Have a Great Conversation With Someone
This is one of the most organic ways to think of a great idea to write about. Having a conversation with another person can suddenly inspire an idea to explore. I wrote a pretty popular piece not long ago because of talking with my Bride while we were driving.
She was telling me how she had recently found out that her best friend Marcie had almost a million dollars saved in her 401k from working at Costco for many years. I couldn’t believe that it was possible to become a millionaire working for a big-box retailer.
Once we arrived home, I immediately sat down and started writing about it. I was so amazed that she’d done this, I felt the need to write about her accomplishment. And that piece now has almost 35 hours of read time and earned me close to $120. I only need $999,880 more to go to catch Marcie.
Take a Walk and Stop Thinking
When we fixate on a problem and overthink it, it usually gets worse. One way to avoid doing this with Writer’s Block is to get outside. Take a nice walk alone, with your family, or even with a pet. I know Libby appreciates it when I take her on a good “Buh-Bye” walk.
I took her on one recently and saw two Mormon missionaries walking in our neighborhood. It instantly spurred an idea of them knocking on our door and what it would be like if I invited them inside for a chat. I don’t think it would be very comfortable for them.
I turned it into a pretty hilarious, fictional writing piece. I loved writing it and it’s funnier each time I read it. You can check it out here if you’d like to:
Writer’s Block is bullshit. It doesn’t have to control your Writer’s Journey. You can put an end to it quickly if you follow some of these strategies and tips I just outlined.
Inspiration for your next great writing piece can come from all sorts of sources and places. It may even come from your dog needing to go outside to take a shit. Thanks, Libby-Mooch &:^)
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