A blank page is a sure sign of an attack of writer’s block. It often comes out of the blue and brings feelings of frustration, despair and despondency, especially if a deadline is looming. There are various exercises which can help to get creativity flowing again.
Brainstorming
Take a blank sheet of paper and write the topic in hand or any subject in the middle of the page. Then write down every word association that comes to mind. Keep writing until the page is full. It can be fun to draw squiggles and boxes and group similar ideas in thought bubbles. This approach often triggers fresh inspiration.
Create a Story
Choose three simple words at random – use a dictionary if necessary. Examples could be fire, cheese and paint, or jug, palm tree and train. Then set a timer for five minutes and write a paragraph incorporating all three words. Don’t think; just write whatever comes to mind. This is often enough to release the bottleneck of words.
Write the Middle
The introduction and conclusion are often the most difficult parts of any story. Don’t feel compelled to start at the beginning. Write the body of the article or story and then go back to the beginning and end. They will often just fall into place.
Read some Fiction
After extended periods of writing, it may be necessary to draw some inspiration by reading something pleasurable. Choose a new book or an old favourite and read a couple of chapters just for enjoyment. The process of reading often triggers new ideas and fresh thoughts.
Go and Watch Some People
People-watching can be a great source of inspiration. Try sitting in a park or at a bus stop and just watching the people go by. Choose a character or two who look interesting and write down some thoughts about them. (Discreetly of course.) Where would they live, what could their career be, are they married and if so, to whom? This may lead to further ideas and character development and those people may eventually appear in a novel or other work of fiction.
The worst thing a writer can do is sit and stare at a blank page for hours. Sometimes it’s best to accept that today is not a good writing day and spend it doing something else. If that is not an option, try the above exercises and hopefully the words will soon be flowing again.
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