Proven Strategies for Overcoming Writer’s Block
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Have you ever gotten stuck when you’re trying to work on a story? Sometimes you can’t think of anything. Sometimes you have so many ideas that you feel paralyzed with indecision. Writer’s block is a real problem, but like Cindy points out in the following video, it’s just a temporary one.
We hope you enjoy hearing strategies for avoiding writer’s block from some of our more productive students.
STRATEGIES FROM BENSON SHUM:
- Take a break and come back to it in a day or two with fresh eyes.
- Take a walk to get away from your screen.
- Bounce ideas off your critique group.
Strategy from Bonnie Kelso:
- Identify the source of your anxiety and make peace with it.
Strategy from Kristi Bartholomew:
- Set the mood when you write with music, candles, or a scent.
Strategy from Celeste Turner:
- Take a break by listening to picture book readings by some of your favorite authors on YouTube.
Strategies from Carole Meyer-Rieth:
- Give yourself a chance to brainstorm or be inspired or interested by something.
- Think about what makes you laugh.
Strategies from Ken Lamug:
- Change your environment by going to the park or the library or even another room in your house.
- Listen to new music. Sing along!
- Rest. (And make sure you’re not feeling guilty about resting.)
Strategies from Cindy Ritsko:
- Change your environment. She likes to climb trees.
- Change your mind.
- Join a critique group!
We hope this helps! Thanks for reading!
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Myrna Foster
Myrna Foster writes and edits content for Storyteller Academy and the WriteRiders Newsletter for SCBWI Nevada. She has spent a lot of time teaching and coaching children, including five years as a preschool teacher. She's also worked as a journalist, and Highlights High Five has published six of her poems.
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