How to Overcome Writers Block

As a PR pro, you will come across tasks that require you to write, whether it is press release, emails to clients or journalists, social media content, infographics, blog posts, the list is extensive. Writing is a crucial and valuable skill in the field of PR you will need to be creative so that you can so express your thoughts and tell your story in an easily understood and acceptable way. But many times, we find ourselves in a creative slowdown and we are unable produce any new work and not because we lack the skill or the passion.

You may find yourself staring at that blank page, you brain is cluttered and thinking becomes hard. When that happens we say we’ve got a writer’s block,

 I wouldn’t be wrong to say that there’s nothing like writers block it is just an excuse. It is a condition that only exists in your head, you think you are blocked; you become blocked, it becomes real. But you can easily overcome this and get back to your writing groove, read on and know how.

1.       Know the cause. Writer’s block is brought about by so many things including, fear, exhaustion etc. Once you have known what is causing the block then you can go ahead and try these other

tips.

2.       Mind mapping- Go get a piece of paper and put down what comes to your head about the topic. Write your main topic in the center of the paper, and then connect it to subtopics that branch out from the center. Continue adding subtopics that branch out like a tree.

3.       Do your research. You may experience a block if you don’t have enough information on what you are writing about. People sometimes write before they’ve gathered the raw materials.  Do enough research to answer the as many questions on the topic. At the same time, beware of paralysis by analysis – that is, continuing to conduct research when you already have enough information. Start with what you have and fill in details later.

4.       Use a different writing tool: You can try switching from Microsoft Word to Google Docs or from a serif to a non-serif font. Or try a script font and change your font color to blue. It seems trivial, but it’s amazing how those small changes can cure writer’s block and make writing interesting again. Also you can just shut down your computer. Get a pen and paper and free write. When you do this, you get the feeling that you’re making something. It will inspire you.

5.       Take a break. Take a walk and get some fresh air, read a few pages of a book, get some coffee or try some stretching exercises. Research has it that breaks, especially those that are regularly scheduled, have been proven to increase productivity and focus.

6.       Try writing at a different time. Sometimes, it’s simply not the right time to write. Your ideas may need to brew a little longer before you can put them down them down. You can try writing at an odd hour. It works.

Bottom line; You overcome writes block by writing so the  next time you feel blocked, don’t go and watch tv, or sleep or procrastinating or read articles on how to overcome writer’s block ( huh, yeah). Follow the above tips and voila! Your creative juices will be flowing again.