As a writer, there will always be times that writer’s block hits hard and it seems like nothing can be done to pull you out of this slump and that surrender is the only option. Every writer has been there, even some of the greatest writers ever, whether they will admit it or not. However, the difference between a mediocre writer and a great writer is how they manage and overcome difficult articles and writer’s block. This article will discuss seven key ways to create compelling content even when you have no idea how to write a paper or article.
1. Brainstorm with friends. Sometimes the people in your life that seem quite ordinary can actually be a wealth of extraordinary information and knowledge. Whether they are fellow writers, students, or someone who is not an author at all, they are often great people to bounce ideas from and generate ideas from. They can also help educate you about topics that you know very little about and when you need a new take on opinions floating around on the Internet.
2. Review movies, television shows, and books that you and your readers have a common interest in. If you are writing without any guidance for a topic or if you are given a topic specifically about one of these three categories, figure out what both you and your audience are likely to have in common. If you are passionate about or interested in what you are writing about, it will be easier to generate an interesting article or blog post. If you want to know specifically what your readers have in common with you, take a poll using your blog’s polling tools or utilizing Facebook questions if you have a fan page. Otherwise you can link the Facebook question or survey to your blog or website to get your readers to respond. There are many free survey sites out there don’t be afraid to use them!
3. Take a walk. Sometimes you just need to slow down and take a break from writing when you get a particularly difficult assignment or when you have hit the wall from writer’s block. Taking a walk around the block or to a nearby park can take your mind off of the stress of the article and re-energize you. After your walk when you come back to start writing again, new ideas and new details about old ideas will emerge and the writing will become easy again. After all, you wouldn’t be a writer if writing was always hard for you. De-stressing can enable you to remember why you enjoy writing so much in the first place.
4. Do something out of the ordinary. Having a new experience whether trying a new restaurant or going to a concert of a band you’ve never heard of can spark new ideas within you, even if the article you are working on has nothing to do with food, music, or cultural experiences. Allowing yourself to think outside of the box even if just for a bit can help you think outside of the box in other areas of your life as well – including your writing. Trying something daring like skydiving or white water rafting can also get your creative juices flowing again.
5. Share a personal story. Again, if you don’t have a specific assignment for an article, think about sharing a personal story with your readers. Admittedly, this can be terrifying as the idea of my most embarrassing story forever on the Internet is horrifying, but it can give you a much deeper connection with your readers. Additionally, no one is a better expert on your experiences than you are, so no one is more qualified than you are to write that story!
6. Look at old articles you have written. If you are writing an article or blog on a topic that you have written about often in the past, consider making a list of the “best of” your tips or your articles. For example, an article that combines little pieces and tips of past articles and posts titled “Best Advice for…” is much more interesting than an article that boring repeats an older post in a different way. Combining your articles together will also attract new readers who enjoy looking through one article to find the information they are looking for, and not browsing your entire archives for scattered information.
7. Look at current trends on Facebook, Twitter, and Google. If you are struggling with a topic to write about, look at what is popular and trending on these sites. This can give you an idea about what to write about, whether you appreciate what is now trending or if you want to write a cultural critique of what our culture finds interesting and amusing.
Receiving a difficult assignment or coming down with writer’s block can be very daunting, but it doesn’t have to ruin your day! By following one, some, or all the above tips, you will easily overcome the obstacles in your way and get you back to what you love to do the most – writing.
