Do you ever feel pressure to produce content for your website, blogs or newsletters and don’t know how to start or what to write about? The blank screen is looming and suddenly heading out for another cup of coffee seems like the only option??
That’s the thing about writing: it’s an art, not a science. And you’ll have to approach it as such. And when all else fails, just start. Write whatever is on your mind. Write the self-doubts. Write the confused, anxious feelings. “Write the truest sentence that you know” as Hemingway says in A Moveable Feast. Write anything you can.
Writers block can affect anyone at any time, but the good news is we have some great tips to help you push through the void and back to great content.
- Brainstorm with pen and paper. Write down everything you can think of. Blast through the starting gate and see where the journey takes you. Everything about your business, what has inspired you, what are you working on? Looking at written words can really inspire more ideas.
- Block off your calendar. There are so many distractions, set some time aside to create.
- Take the pressure off. You don’t have to write a blockbuster every time. Keep it light and informative and share what you believe has meaning to you and the clients you are reaching.
- Still can’t think of anything?
- Use stories – keep a file of personal stories that you can call on later
- Share links – if you can’t create your own content, find some already created inspiration that might be fitting and share it
- Ask questions – Get readers involved and allow them to help you create
- Look over your past tweets or posts as a reader – step away from creator role and see what you think the next natural step of the story is
- Feature your website – Integrate social media or newsletters with your website and drive them to it.
- Ask others. Can we at Take Roots help get you inspired with ideas and direction? Sometimes it is so much easier to see the yellow brick road ahead when you are not already on it.
- Step away, relax and get that coffee once you have your ideas down. You will get more excited and refreshed about finishing once you have had a little time away from the screen. Inspiration will come and make sure you are ready for it! Keep a pen, voice recorder or notebook with you always!
We’d love to hear from you. What helps you break through writer’s block?