Writer's Block?
by Trisha Bleau

Stuck? Don't know what to do to get the creative juices flowing again? Here are a few ideas that you might try. Good luck!

Take a break.
It is always a good idea to get away when you are stuck. Sometimes you just need to stop thinking about it and move on with life for a while. Other times getting away for a short time does no good at all. But it is worth a try!

Read.
Check out something along the same lines as what you are working on. It might inspire you to write what you are looking for.

Relax.
Find some way to relax and let go. When you feel the pressure on you to produce works you begin to get tense. As you tense up your mind begins to close down. You develop writer's block. Let go of the worries. You don't have to worry. Writing is a pleasure. You should enjoy it. Take the time to sit back and relax, letting go of all your worries. God has a plan. Let Him do His part. Trust Him.

Pray.
God is in control. Let Him show you what you need to write. He has a plan for your writing, so give Him the lead in it. Be patient. He will reveal to you what He wants you to say. Just give Him time and be ready to listen. Talk to Him about your frustrations, your lack of where to go next in writing. He is always there, always ready to listen. Just talk to Him.

Talk to someone.
Sometimes you need to verbalize your thoughts. Call a friend. Call your parents, your siblings, you best bud, anyone. Just call them to chat. Tell them what is going on. See if they have any ideas. Or just use it as a break. Again, get away from the writing for a time. It will all come to you in time.

Ask others to pray for you.
This combines the two above, praying and talking to someone. Others can pray for you when they know what you are struggling with. Prayer is a powerful thing. Share with others and let them pray for you.

Journal.
Write about your frustrations. Write about your writings, what you have been writing about, what direction you want it to take, any fears you have, what your plans are, your dreams, anything. Just journal it all out. Get your feelings out on paper. Read over them. Let go of yourself and just write. It might help to clear up your writer's block.

Brainstorm.
Write down whatever comes to mind about the subject you are working on. It may not help you immediately, but it gives you ideas which lead to even more ideas.

Go eat.
Feed your brain. Teachers have told students all along to eat lots of brain food before tests. Find the food that gives you a boost and snack. Brain food might drill a hole through that block, freeing you up to write again. It is worth a try.

Sleep on it.
Some people write till they are exhausted. Are you one of them? If so go sleep. You might need to rest your weary body before that brain can begin working again. Not to mention your brain processes everything you have learned during the day while you sleep. Let your brain go over it all again while you rest. As you review subconsciously you might wake up in the middle of the night, or from your nap with the next part of your writing.

Exercise.
Physical exercise is a great way to unwind. Get out and run around, take a walk, do some push ups or something. But get the blood flowing again. Sitting for so long can be exhausting..especially if you are mentally anguishing over your work. Take a jog to get the blood flowing to your numb body parts and see if you return to your work mentally refreshed (though you may be physically exhausted when you do!).