Every writer experiences some form of a block from time to time. Freelancers, even though they are free to pick and choose topics and assignments, also face this problem. Writer's block can even occur amidst a rampage of articles or a really promising manuscript. All of sudden, the motivation and urge to write vanishes, leaving a freelance writer in the lurch.
When this happens, a dull feeling of "all is lost" begins to seep in. Luckily there are ways to overcome a writer's block – even one blocking the writing flow of a freelance writer.
Change the Office's Scenery
Freelance writing can be a lonely and monotonous journey. If the office decor is beginning to look old, a change in scenery is a good idea.
Freelancers can move out of the office to the park. New ideas may just spring out through the activities an people there. If a cafe is a normal writing haunt, move to another one – maybe one with a different view. If a seaside view is suddenly boring, a freelancer can always move to a busy shopping mall and scout around for new inspiration.
One of the advantages of freelance writing is that the writing desk itself is fairly mobile. If it is impossible to lug the laptop around to certain venues, a pen and paper would suffice. Brainstorming ideas through simple scribbling can lead to new writing ideas.
Alternate Writing Projects
Getting stuck on one writing project is fairly normal. If, for example, writing the next chapter of a novel is impossible because of plot-holes, the freelancer can move on to another assignment - like writing a blog post. If a freelance political writer is having problems closing a case, he should try writing a haiku - or even a sonnet, whichever suits his fancy.
Changing writing projects will take the stress of incomplete work but will keep a freelance writer writing. Even if the alternate project is totally irrelevant to the one at hand, new ideas may be found in the least expected source.
Break a Sweat
Physical exercise will help break the monotony of a project that is going no where. Freelancer writers who are stuck at their desk barely get enough exercise. One good way to break a sweat is to spring-clean the house or even jog around the park. If physical activities are not of preference, light yoga or pilates are great ways to induce relaxation.
Physical exercise can help clear the mind and it allows the body to rest a lot better at night. This clears up mental backlog and can open up new horizons of ideas.
Trade in Writing for Reading
Reading helps one unwind. It also helps revisit writing from a different perspective. Writers garner ideas from written work as much as they do from stumbling upon new concepts or story lines through observing the surroundings. Trading in the keyboard or pen and paper for a good book or magazine will help take the edge off before getting back behind the writing desk again.
Freelancing Over a Writer's Block
A writer's block can be the worse obstacle for freelance writers. But one of the advantages of freelance writing is the flexibility it involves. Moving out of the office; changing writing projects; taking a break to exercise and relax; and reading a really good book or article are options for most freelancers, if not all. It is possible to overcome writer's block - and one of the easiest way is not to get too stressed out about it.
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