Travel Writers: How to Unlock Writer’s Block in 5 Easy Steps

Updated: Mar 28th, 2010

Travel writers everywhere experience writer’s block. Some become frustrated because they don’t know how to overcome it. Sit back, relax, grab your favorite beverage, and just “chill” while reading these steps. Actually, that’s good advice. Becoming stressed out about writer’s block will not help. It will make you more tense and then you will not be able to write at all! Taking a break from writing refreshes the mind. It’s good to walk away now and again.

Links to Overcoming Writer’s Block

  1. The Writers Manifesto. Find out how to keep productive with writing rituals.
  2. The Writers Workshop. Informative website to assist writers with overcoming writer’s block.
  3. The Owl at Purdue. Find symptoms and cures for writer’s block.
  4. JoelComm.com. YouTube video on overcoming writer’s block.

5 Steps to Overcome Writer’s Block

  1. Walk away from your writing. Walking in nature can help clear the mind, and it’s great exercise. You will return to your writing refreshed and ready to write.
  2. Work in a clean workspace. Clutter can be destructive; it’s non-verbal noise. A workspace that is bright and airy is best. Surround your workspace with color. Get a vase and put some vibrant flowers in it. Hang artwork by your favorite painter. Play music for inspiration. Most importantly, get rid of the clutter!
  3. Brainstorming or free writing is a great technique to overcome writer’s block. Think about your topic and start writing down words that “pop” into your mind. Before you know it, you will have a page of words that can jump start your writing. It does work!
  4. Begin in the middle. Write the introduction and the end last. Some writers write backwards (I do). This technique helps writers to grasp a clearer idea of the main idea and the purpose of the article.
  5. Relax and do not force yourself to write. Meditation can unlock writer’s block. Sit for five minutes, close your eyes, focus on your breath, and let go. Quieting the mind for a few minutes a day is not a bad idea. As a writer, there is constant chatter that goes on in the mind. Give the mind a rest.

Writer’s block happens to the majority of writers. It’s no big deal. Just follow these simple steps and your writing will continue to flow. Don’t force your writing to happen. Writing is best when it flows naturally, not when it’s forced! It’s all right to take breaks. Do not feel as if you must keep writing for hours and hours. If you do, you risk the chance of writer’s burn-out! Don’t take the risk!

Rebecca

About Amandah Blackwell 198 Articles

Amandah Blackwell is a creative, freelance and ghost writer for industries that include but are not limited to the arts & entertainment, travel, publishing, real estate, pets, personal and professional development, and much more.

Amandah's personal writing projects include screenplays, teleplays, YA, non-fiction, short stories, and poetry. 

You can find more of her writing at www.MisticCafe.com, savvywritingcareers.wordpress.com, and www.savvy-writer.com.

You can follow Amandah on Twitter at:  http://twitter.com/savvy_writer

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