(Editor’s Note: This post was originally published back in February. I thought I’d toss it out to you all again now, since my readership has grown exponentially since that time. Enjoy!)
Let’s face it, you get writer’s block just like every other writer. The fact that you write on the Internet is almost inconsequential to that fact. However, the fact that you are an Internet writer raises some interesting challenges, as well as some opportunities to overcome that writer’s block. Here are some of the techniques that I have used in the past to beat Internet writer’s block:
Get off the computer.
Look. I understand that if you are an Internet writer, you have to use your computer. Strangely enough, most of my clients don’t accept handwritten Internet articles, and neither will yours. But sometimes it helps just to get away from your familiar routine. Writing your material in a notebook with a pen can, sometimes, really get the creative juices flowing. Yes, you have to type it all in later. But the time that you spend typing is much less significant than the time you would spend staring at a blank screen with writer’s block.
Get out of the house.
A lot of Internet writers work from home. It only makes sense; why would you rent office space if all you really need to do your work is a computer? But, just like switching to pen and paper, switching your surroundings can often have a significant effect on your Internet writer’s block. If you don’t like the writer-sitting-in-Starbuck’s stereotype, try a bookstore or a mall. You might be surprised how much inspiration you gain just from moving away from the kitchen table.
Get Moving.
One of the occupational hazards of Internet writing has to be weight gain. Writing is one of the least physically demanding careers you can have. Sometimes, you just need to get up out of your comfy chair and move around a bit. Do 15 minutes on the treadmill, or walk once around the block. The endorphins that your body releases during exercise and other physical activity may just get your mind moving, too.
Get to writing.
You are a writer. You write. You chose this profession. So what if you’re stuck a bit? You can still write. Switch topics if you have to; if you’re writing for a client, switch off to writing samples for your portfolio for a few minutes. Submit an article or two to an article directory. Blog. Just write something, and soon you’ll be back on task.
So, what else? What other techniques do you use to beat Internet writer’s block?
7 comments ↓
This is great advice. Another way I break internet writer’s block is to stop trying to write and instead pick up a book I love. Something about reading another author’s words gets my own creative juices flowing again.
These are great tips Bob. Going off and doing something else really helps. I like to go for a walk, speak to people and get out and about. By the time you get back there’s always something new to write about.
I find the act of reading a huge hurdle in the way of writing. No offense meant of course!
I’ve been working at home for almost 20 years. Getting moving/out of the house/distractions are the keys to avoiding boredom and weight gain and overcoming writer’s block. Getting the phone, tweeting and stumbling also seem to help! Good stuff here.
There’s definitely a point of diminishing returns. I know when I’ve reached that point, when the ideas aren’t coming, when editing starts to become a chore instead of enjoyable. When that happens, I give it up for the day and go do something else. The change in focus gives me that reprieve I need to get back on it later that day or the next.
I use the site http://www.NowDoThis.com to keep me on track. When I feel like taking a break from whatever task is at hand, I flip to the tab with Now Do This open, see in big letters what I’ve chosen to spend my time on in the moment, sigh, and go back to it.
Without the visual reminder, I get distracted super-easily.
Fold laundry (gets me away from computer doing something mundane) and play computer games (sometimes having fun can inspire and get you back in a groove) — after all, I am a game reviewer — so in essence I am working … just not creating.
If it’s late at night — call it quits and go to bed. You may be pushing too hard. Besides, ideas sometimes start pouring out when I hit the pillow — thus it’s important to keep pen and paper nearby to get the idea out of the head and onto paper.
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