Writer's Block

It can happen to any writer. You are writing fluently, the words are flowing from you in a steady stream and, suddenly, you come to a stop. Or perhaps you have done your research, found the perfect bits of information that will make your story shine but you just cannot start writing. Writer's block is something that can happen at any time. Among the many causes are a lack of research, simple fatigue, self-doubt, or an unconscious desire not to finish the article or story.

Lack of Research

Lack of research is probably the main cause of writer's block. You could have amassed a whole mountain of facts but, if they are not relevant to your focus or angle, you will need to either look for another angle or do some more suitable research. Often, it would be simpler to just follow the former option. This is because you have gathered the information that most appealed to you and you would write a more compelling article if you follow your instinct.

Fatigue

Simple mental fatigue is another probable cause of writer's block. You may have been writing without a break for a long while and your brain refuses to continue. A good indication of fatigue is when you cannot write even though you have adequate facts at your fingertips, all ready to be used. In such cases, you should do something completely different. Go for a walk, talk to friends, or just look at some beautiful photos. This will take your mind off of writing for a while. Meanwhile, your unconscious mind is working away at your article, smoothing out the edges so that you can write it when you return to your desk.

Fear of the New

Writer's block can also occur when you are nearing the end of your work. If you're writing a book, you begin to think of tasks like marketing your work, talking to agents and, in general, dealing with things that you are not familiar with. In such cases, you should stop looking forward, stop predicting the future, and just concentrate on reaching the end of your book. In the words of that wise philosopher Yogi Berra 'it ain't over 'til it's over.' The hardest part of your work is almost over and, if it is good, marketing it should be easier than writing it.

Free Writing

Free writing can be a most effective technique against writer's block. It consists of writing as fast as you can whatever comes to mind. You should not stop to read what you have written or do any editing while you're writing. Just set an alarm for 15 minutes and start writing. Once the alarm rings, you should look over what you have written. Try to find clues that can help you identify the causes of your block and think of possible solutions. Often, the simple act of free writing can help to dissolve any mental blocks you may have been experiencing.