As a freelancer, writing forms a major part of my business. I must admit that there are times when I want to write but I find myself staring at a blank page. Sometimes the struggle is real, and I feel uninspired. Writer’s block happens to even the best of us. It occurs when you are unable to write because you don’t have an idea of what to write or how to write it, or you just feel ‘blank’. Writer’s block is usually caused as a result of stress or tension, which can rob you off the inspiration to write.
Fussing over perfect opening paragraphs, punctuation, or perfect pictures can be a lot of pressure. For some freelancers, fear is the number one reason why they stop dead in their tracks when they want to write. They’re afraid that their write-up will not be loved by anyone. Forcing the writing process is also a reason why people face writer’s block. Some freelancers who suffer from writer’s block think that the reason why they face writer’s block is because they’re not good writers. But that’s absolutely wrong! Having writer’s block doesn’t mean that you are a bad writer. Even the best writers the world has ever known go through this problem. What is important is that you are able to identify the triggers and work towards the solution.
If you have been struggling with writer’s block, then fighting the root cause of the problems is the best way to deal with it. Here are some tips you may find useful –
Acknowledge that your writing doesn’t have to be perfect
This is where freelancers are the worst hit. It’s not a bad thing to want your work to be perfect. In fact, it’s a good thing. But when you obsess over making every sentence perfect, you hamper your writing process.
If perfectionism is what’s holding you back from writing, then do a brain dump. Freely write about a topic that you want to feature in your blog or article. Don’t worry about the punctuations, spellings, or grammar, you will edit the typos later. Just concentrate on pouring everything you intend to write out on paper or a word document. You’ll be surprised with the amazing content you were able to write down!
Be confident with your writing
I understand that you don’t want anyone to criticize your writing. I feel hurt when someone says ill things about what I write or how I write it. But this should never stop you from writing. If the fear of criticism is holding you back, before you start writing, imagine that you are writing to your best friend, a beloved fan or someone who is in desperate need of the information you are sharing. Since you are coming from the point of being loved, this trick will help you feel relaxed and the ideas will flow freely. Trust me, this tip works like magic.
Make the writing process fun
Although very subtle, some people face writer’s block because, unknown to them, they are forcing themselves to create. It’s very difficult to write under such a condition. The best way to deal with this is to make the writing process very enjoyable. When you catch yourself battle with writer’s block, take a break. Walk around the garden, go for a jog/walk, make yourself a cup of tea or call up a friend. This will help you feel more refreshed and less under stress.
Another tip is to come to writing with the mindset that you’re going to enjoy every moment of writing. Don’t see writing as a job but more as a means of expressing yourself. Give yourself little gifts or rewards for writing. This turns writing into a fun game with a reward attached to it.
Do you struggle with writer’s block? How do you cope with it?
Although I don’t do a lot of freelance writing any more, I do vividly remember how easy it is for the creativity to stop flowing. Sadly, I was always such a perfectionist, which made it a very difficult job to do! Great tips and advice!
Thanks for reading. Glad you like the post.
Reblogged this on Orthografia.
Some really handy and helpful tips here! I find brain dumping works well, literally just sitting there and writing down every thought in my mind, getting it all out and starting with a fresh, clean headspace.
Glad you found them handy Kat.
Ah I used to do lots of copy writing in my previous job and I remember how easy it was to give up during a writers blog. This post is so relatable! 😊
Ah glad it is.
Great tips & great post! I think Acknowledging that your writing doesn’t have to be perfect is the first step to over coming writers block and also being confident! Also having a brain dump helps me. I usually write my thoughts in a notepad and then feel much better! Thank you for sharing xx
Thanks Sarah x
Yes, I do. And it happens often too. I think what also works for me is stepping away and living in the moment, instead of living through my blog (which I’m sure a lot of bloggers also feel). That usually does the trick – and reading books also helps me 🙂
Yea you are so right. It works for me too.
Great tips! I often suffer with writer’s block and it’s great to know how other people cope with it x
Yea we all do sometimes.
I don’t freelance write but always seem to have this with blog posts at certain times so next time i’ll have a go at some of the things you’ve suggested!x
Ah nice. Yea do x
This is all great advice! Especially making writing fun. That’s what I always try to do when I get writers block – I write about anything that I want to for an hour until I’m ready to tackle what i have to write!
Also reading other people’s work is great inspiration for me!
Ah nice. Glad you like the post.
I never seem to get writers block but these are some fab tips!
Lucky you x
When you put so much pressure on you and try to do it perfect, the writers block happen…good tip you gave to make it fun and enjoyable, a way to express yourself…love it!
Yea x
Great advice I’ve had writers block quite a bit recently. I do out pressure of myself and need to make it more fun.
Yea you should.
This post comes at such a perfect time for me…I have had writers block for weeks. In the end I just decided that writing anything was better than writing nothing …but I will definitely refer back to this next time. You’re so right, writing for fun definitely gets the creative juices flowing!
Yea it does. Thanks for reading Jess.
These are great tips and btw great minds think alike- yesterday I published a post titled- 20 fashion and lifestyle blog post ideas…I don’t tend to get writers block to be honest because I tend to have ideas of what I want to write about- what I’m struggling with is trying to build up my go-to photographers to shoot personal style posts, finding a good Facebook group where you can promote your work aaaand ask questions, a lot of FB groups seem to say straight of that they don’t want you to post blog links…anyhoo I digress ( ;
Yea many groups don’t like seeing blog promotion these days. Off to check the post out x
I think perfectionism often holds me back and often I just need to get posts written! The content will be the same at the end of the day, perhaps with just a little less pazzazz.
Yea so true.
Sometimes it is hard when writers block occurs but these are definetly some great tips! I’ll need to implement them next time I have some block.
Jordanne || Thelifeofaglasgowgirl.co.uk
Cool Jordanne.
I sometimes get writers block and as you say, I take myself away from writing and either make a cuppa or go for a walk to clear my mind. Great tips x
Thanks Kerry x
I personally just write even if I think I may not be doing well. Later I build on a develop on it.
I also take note when I am in serious mode for writing and write as much, it helps a lot too.
GREAT POST!!!
Thanks Moji x
I had writers block recently. These are fab tips. It’s so hard to get out of the rut sometimes.
Yea sometimes it is hard.
I’ve had a bought of not being able to write as positively as I usually do which I really struggled with. I’d rather not write though than write drivel
Yea me too.
Great post, It is important to remember while the creativity may not flow all the time, you can at least try your best to get the words out via preparation beforehand.
Thank you.
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