I'm stuck somewhere in the middle of having all kinds of creative ideas and having the worst writer's block ever. In the spirit of trying to lean towards the former, I thought I'd share some things I've been doing that are helping me fight writer's block and actually make myself write, instead of staring at a blank page all day.
Turn off Netflix. And the TV, and the radio, and every other electronic device that is distracting you. I am the worst about watching Netflix "only until I think of something to write." Spoiler alert: it never happens. So turn it off and start writing.
Read a chapter in a book that you're really, really into. There are few things that inspire me as much as falling in love with a book, because it makes me want to write something that other people will fall in love with. So when you're having a hard time feeling inspired, pick up a book that's given you that feeling, and then use it to power through some words.
Give yourself a change of scenery. Go to a new coffee shop. Write from your couch instead of your bed. Take your notebook outside and write. Switch it up and trick yourself into feeling inspired.
Read some of your own words. What's something you're proud to be the author of? A paper from a college class? Your favorite blog post? A journal entry from the best day ever? Read those things. Read them to remind you that you can write, that you like writing, and that eventually, one day, you will once again write something you actually like
Look up writing quotes. My sweet friend Brooks shared this list with me last week, and it was exactly what I needed. If you love writing, it's almost impossible to read a list of words about writing and not want to write some of your own words.
Set a timer. When all else fails, sometimes you just have to make yourself write. So set a timer for 10 or 15 or 20 minutes, and don't stop writing until it goes off. Even if the words you're writing are just ideas and aren't complete sentences, just keep writing them down. Nonsense words are better than no words.
Just keep doing it. Keep setting the timer. Keep forcing yourself to write the nonsense words. Keep writing, "write 500 words" on your to-do list. Just. Keep. Doing. It. And one day, you'll wake up and realize that you want to write, no bribing or forcing involved.
How do you fight writer's block?
