3 Tips to Overcoming Writer’s Block

Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images

As a blogger, I write often, and I enjoy it. Some bloggers struggle with writing (i.e., Blogging with Amy – love her site) but need to get the ideas on the page.

If you choose to write, then you have probably experienced writer’s block. It happens. During those times, I find helpful the following 3 tips to overcoming writer’s block.

Setting a Posting Schedule

At Using Time Wisely, I began the blog by setting a posting schedule. With seven days in the week, I chose six categories with a miscellaneous day for my daily posting schedule.

Knowing the category helps narrow the topics for my blog posts. Having a posting schedule framework can focus your thoughts to one category at a time.

Choosing Topics a Month in Advance

After setting a posting schedule, I plan by choosing topics a month in advance. I use this calendar to jot down my ideas for next month’s blog topics.

Keeping paper and pen handy allows me to jot down ideas as they arise. I get ideas while driving, chatting, cooking, cleaning, organizing, and even using the restroom. (Hey, it’s quiet in there, and usually I am alone. :-)) Focusing your attention on your planned topic will keep you on track and help in creating patterns, series, and/or chapters.

Writing on a Full Page

When I open up a blank document, I have a tendency to stare at the white space. I think, “Wow, I’ve got to fill up this space for my next post.” Not sure if this next tip is just psychological, but it works for me. I write on a full page of text.

When I need to start another blog post, I open up a previously written post and begin. Somehow seeing a full page of text does not overwhelm me with white space to fill. I just press the ENTER button a few times to give some space between the new and the old and begin.

Just making this slight change to writing has increased my productivity. I open up the document and start. I know the category and a chosen topic from my earlier planning. With a full page of text, I just add more text. When I complete my new post, I delete the rest of the previously used text and select SAVE AS to rename the new post. Ta da, my post is finished!

Since writer’s block is bound to occur, consider setting a posting schedule, choosing topics a month in advance, and writing on a full page. Even with these three tips, you may not deter writer’s block completely, but you can overcome the blank stare at a large white space. 🙂 Happy writing!

Question: What tip helps you in overcoming writer’s block?