How to Get Over Writer's Block

Writer’s block affects all writers at some point in their lives and this is a problem, especially when it comes to making money online with freelance writing. There are times that writer’s block will happen for a reason – maybe you are pushing yourself too hard or you have simply run out of things to say. However, there are times that it happens without a known reason. The good news is that there are steps to take to get over writer’s block and get on with your online writing.

Why Are You Writing?

The first thing to ask yourself when it comes to writer’s block is why you are writing. Are you doing this because you love writing? Is it because you want to earn money online? The chances are that your reason for writing is the reason behind your block. Those who are simply writing to make money will lose the enjoyment and the brain will tell you that it does not want to do it anymore. To get over writer’s block, you will need to start writing for fun again.

What do I do?

I make a habit of writing for fun on a regular basis. I will write for no profit at all and usually work on pieces that simply will never work for money for various reasons. This helps me to continue to write without the pressure of earning money all the time. Of course, there are still times that I will run into writer’s block as the reason for writing is not always the reason for the block.

Take a Break from Writing Altogether

You may be working too hard or writing too much. Your body and brain will need time to refocus and relax and it will tell you this by giving you writer’s block. This is a clear sign to take a break from your writing and get on with something else. You could opt for doing some exercise, cooking a meal or even organizing your desk.

What do I do?

There have been times when I have pushed myself so much in a day that the next day I do not want to work. I will not even want to look at the computer screen! When it comes to this, I will go for a walk outside, spend some time with my partner – if he has the time off – or just do something fun. After a day off, I soon find that I can get back to work and continue the rest of the week as planned.

Stop Making Your Characters Do Something They Do Not Want

If you are writing fiction and run into a writer’s block, there are chances that you are making your characters do something that they simple do not want to do. This sounds strange when you first hear it but it is true. Characters take on personalities of their own and when you start forcing them to do something, you run into a block. This may be because it is out of character for the person you are writing about or the scene just is not realistic.

What do I do?

I take a step back from the scene and listen to my characters. Sometimes they will tell me exactly what they want to do and I work that into the story. Other times, it will take some time for them to tell me what they want to do. I will need to put the piece to one side and wait for them. It does not always work to wait for the characters to say something to me but nine times out of ten, a week later I will be back on with my piece of fiction and the story will be going in a direction that I never considered in the first place.

Writer’s block is annoying but it is important to not worry too much about it. The more you worry, the more your online writing, your finances and you will be affected negatively. If you struggle to get past your block, take a step back from the computer and do something fun. Once your brain has recharged, you will soon find that you are ready to get back to the computer and start writing again.