Overcome Writer’s Block: Tip 1

As writers, we’ve all found ourselves at one time or another staring at an empty notepad or Word doc with nary an idea in mind. A deadline looms — either self-imposed or external — and you can’t seem to put together a single coherent thought. You’re desperately chasing that gem of an opening paragraph or the plot twist that will set your story apart, but the right words elude you. Is this, of all days, the day your talent finally fails you for good?

Yes, writer’s block can slam the brakes on a project faster than anything, but over the course of years writing and communicating with other writers, Outskirts Press staffers have discovered and gathered some unique strategies for helping writers deal with a stubborn creative funk. One of these techniques is bound to work for you, too.

Start in the middle – or anywhere!
Sometimes what hangs up the best of us is not starting a project, but starting a project at the beginning. Every writer wants to make a memorable statement with the opening line, but the pressure to do so can throw us straight into full-fledged vapor lock.

If you know your topic and know where your story’s headed but aren’t sure how to introduce it, why not jump in right smack-dab in the middle? Elaborate on your theme and let your intro come to you organically, later. Remember: Just because readers will begin your tome at page one doesn’t mean you have to write it first. They’ll never know if you penned your story’ backward.

Of course, it always helps to bounce ideas off an unbiased party, who may be able to offer useful suggestions that inspire you back to your usual greatness. Choose your writing confidants carefully, then lean on them in times like these.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll discuss more of these techniques in-depth. We want to hear from you, too. What writer’s block-breakers have gotten you past the creative brain freeze? Do share!