As I write this article, I’ve gotten writer’s block. How apropos, isn’t it? I’m writing an article about how to cope with writer’s block and now I have it. I write a lot of content from social media posts to press releases to lengthy articles for my clients, so I don’t often get writer’s block; however, when it comes, it really comes. I get that sinking feeling, lightheadedness, and just total confusion as to what to write when that happens. It’s quite frustrating. So, I thought I would share a few tips with you how I overcome writer’s block.
Tip #1: Schedule Your Time
I know this sounds ridiculous because most of us want to write when the spirit moves us; however, it is good to schedule a specific day and time to write. But you say, what if I have writer’s block at the allotted time? Well, I guarantee you won’t. Because you’ve already prepared for the time that you will be writing.
- You’ve researched your topic
- You have your notes readily available
- You’ve interviewed people, if necessary
- You’ve set up your template document
- And now you’re ready to begin writing
Tip #2: Make a List of Potential Topics
Now you may have writer’s block trying to develop a list. But it’s really easy. Take a look at the questions that your customers frequently ask. That’s a great place to start because you’ll be addressing an issue, solving a problem, or helping them in some other way. You are guaranteed to have relevant content.
Another way to find topics is to search on social media. What are some hot trending topics in your industry? What are people talking about in your industry? Is there some new discovery that was made that you can tie into your product or service? In general, keep up with what is trending in your industry.
But, more importantly, your customers just want to engage with you. So, whether you talk about the ugly Christmas sweater contest you had recently or write about how your product is being used on the space station, you will have a multitude of talking points. Just think about what your customers might be interested to learn.
Tip #3: Get Organized
Set up an area where you like to write. I have a tendency to write notes on a tablet first. Then I transcribe those notes to a computer document. I like a nice quiet area where I won’t be disturbed. But you may like a noisy area. I’m quite a loner when I write. But you might be the type of person who needs immediate feedback from someone. Or you may just need to bounce ideas off of a colleague. Brainstorming with a colleague can get your thought processes going.
So no matter what your style is or what type of environment you prefer, just make sure that you have a specific place where you like to write. It should give you some inspiration, not dread. You may like to be on the beach, sitting in your bed, or at a desk. Just pick a place where you are comfortable and happy.
Tip #4: Let Your Mind Wander
It’s okay to let your mind wander as you’re writing. Just get a draft down. Just write what you’re thinking about. Sometimes that gets the thought process going. Then you can put your focus on the specific topic of the day. Sort of like a brainstorming session. Just write what you’re thinking. You can always go back later and edit it to make it sound more coherent, logical, and easy to understand. So, don’t worry about being grammatically correct for the initial draft. Just write as if you are talking to someone.
It’s much easier to start with more content and then whittle it down than to start with little content and have to add more content. So, just go with the flow, I say.
Tip #5: Create a 12-Month Planner
It can be as simple as taking a calendar and jotting down weekly or monthly topics that come to mind. If you’re blogging, try to write at least one blog article per week. If that’s too much to start with, try once a month, then every two weeks, until finally, you can get to once per week. But, your industry might be different. Your customers may only want to hear from you monthly. So, you’ll have to decide what works best for your company. So, I would start out deciding when you’re going to post your blog articles and when you’re going to post subsequent social media posts, probably more often than your blog articles.
Keep a notebook of ideas throughout the year so that when you sit down to do your annual planning, you’ll have a lot of topics to choose from.
Tip #6: Change Your Mindset
If you think you can’t write, then stop thinking that way. Remember the little engine that could? “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can.” Well, change that to “I know I can, I know I can, I know I can.”
You’re not auditioning for the Pulitzer Prize, you are conveying information to your audience. What they are most concerned about is learning more from you. And I’m sure you have a wealth of knowledge that you can impart to them. So, change your attitude about your non-writing ability and think of yourself as the greatest writer in the world. Well, maybe that’s going a bit too far. You are at least a subject matter expert in your field, for sure.
Tip #7: When All Else Fails … Walk Away for Awhile
Sometimes you just need to take a break from writing. We all get writer’s block from time to time so don’t beat yourself up. Just take a bit of a break and start all over again the following day. Or take a walk around the block. You may get some inspiration talking to a neighbor or seeing something beautiful in nature.
But the moral of the story is, just keep on trying. You’ll soon love writing and no one will be able to stop your literary prowess. If you need some ideas on how to curate content, check out my white paper, “How to Create Killer Content.”
To your marketing success,
Sheila
P.S. Did you enjoy reading the above article? Will you use any of these tips when you get writer’s block? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below! And if you liked this article, please share on social media. Click the share buttons at the top of this article.
Great tips that I will seek to employ when creativity is overcome by distraction.