Writing a few words on paper and then not finding it to be making any sense, tearing it to throw it off around and in the process making mess around the room. That was how; writers suffering from what many refer to as the “writer’s block” would like to call it can be picturised. Scratching their heads, throwing away their pen and perhaps having concentrated dose of nicotine or caffeine. Some much esteemed ones (or otherwise) even prefer some shots of the compound from the –OH group of Organic chemistry. Fact of the matter is, they are hardly entertained by the chemistry of that kind, but may amuse themselves in developing some chemistry of their characters.
Beherhaal!!
Without drawing too much parallel on those writer clichés or trying to proclaim myself a writer, just because I ram down some sequence of words then and now, I have been facing a similar situation of the same kind. And if you happen to be a regular on this blog space (which I highly doubt, not for being filled with any humility though), you must have noticed how the regular posts have been just a camouflaged attempt to build on this inability to write some valuable content. And adding to that tally is yet another of the same Don’t-have-anything-to-write genre.
Today, languishing in one of the many sorrows of life (which seems to be on a never-ending-spree), I simply retrospect as to how this stop-start writing schedule is to be avoided. There are five keys points, that my mind jotted down in one of those deep introspective sessions.
1. To be on a schedule, make a schedule: First thing first, you have to have a schedule for your writing, be it daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly or whatever. But you still need to have one. Believe me, it really helps, when you have fixed on a number, you will try to achieve it. in case you are not able to, that number will still loom on your head, and you’ll try to compensate for it.
2. Focus on just one key area: To get out of this block, you need not diversify your writing genre, you just need to focus on any one particular category and write as many posts as you may. Do this, until you start having varied ideas on different other topics. This way, you are not only back to writing but also you’ll have more and better ideas to write upon. It is like, first limit yourself and then let loose.
3. Don’t think too much before writing, start writing and words flow like a river: The best part about writing should not always be to write well. It should be how good the flow is, let the thoughts flow like a river. Don’t hesitate to commit any grammar mistakes, just write down the draft as fast as you can. Later, read and rectify all of them. It is said, write when drunk and edit when sober. Although IMO, you need not follow it literally.
4. Read your own old posts, and share them with readers: Sometimes, just sharing your old posts which are still relevant to your readers are a major help. This helps you put your writing back into discussion and even spurts you up as well as inspires you to write. Who doesn’t like getting praised?
5. Try to post ASAP: This is one mistake, we all do. Write down a post, but keep delaying the draft completion and never post it. After a few days, the post even becomes irrelevant. So, the best pick up from this would be to write, edit and just post it. (Which I’m gonna do straightway)