Beating Writer’s Block

To begin, one must simply just begin.

I’ve got writer’s block, and it sucks.

That’s the first thing that came to my mind when I decided that I wanted to write a new blog post, but had no idea what to write about. I felt very, very stuck in a rut of no ideas. What I had, and what I felt were both a bleeding wound to my creativity.

When facing the nearly-insurmountable wall of doubt that writer’s block creates, it’s easy to presume that the problem of coming up with something new is entirely about “the topic”. For example, I’ve felt a little empty on coming up with article ideas for quite awhile now. As common as it is, I’ll bet that a few of you understand how I feel.

I’ve decided to challenge this frustration by simply digging straight through until I come out the other side. Having the urge to write something, I tried to answer the first question that came to my mind: “what is my topic?”. Unsurprisingly, the answer didn’t just pop right out and tap me on the shoulder. Nor will it with you.

I’m reminded of days past, when I’ve had the opportunity to go somewhere with a friend or loved one. We would end up sitting there looking at each other with a blank stare, neither of us knowing where to go.

Road Trip

Person 1: “Where do you want to go?”

Person 2: “I dunno… where do you want to go?”

Person 1: “I asked you first”

Person 2: “Screw it. Let’s just get in the car and drive. We’ll figure it out on the way.”

Person 1: “Awesome idea. Let’s just ride.”

Now, I’m certain that I’m not the only one who has lived the above conversation in some context. The result of which has varied anywhere from a trip down to the corner store for snacks, to a spontaneous two-day journey to Niagara Falls, NY (true story).

The point is, that sometimes the destination is never truly clear until the journey has already begun. Quite like how you might not know what you want to write about until you start typing.

You should just start writing something. Anything.

Here is my advice, if you ever get stuck: Start with a single thought. Just that, nothing more. It could be anything random, as if you are about to tell it to the person nearest you. A single sentence that will simply get you in the vehicle and on a journey to somewhere new.

A Parting Gift

To help you get started, I’m offering a small collection of sentences that you can take with you:

• His too-worn shoes gave away something that was hidden beneath the new clothing.
• My Uncle’s internet starts with a big blue ”E”.
• I [love/hate] glossy business cards!
• Why do those shoes smell like pickles?
• It’s been raining outside, again.
• Bacon is the greatest meat in the world.

The intense writing that you launch from these words is your own responsibility. Please keep your hands and feet inside the vehicle at all times, and most of all… enjoy the ride.