When Writer's Block Gets The Best Of Those Becoming A Writer

Writer's block is a nightmare for most ghost writers, those becoming a writer, writer for hire or marketing writer

Here are some tips to help you get back on track and tame the beast.

1. Be honest with yourself. If you contribute your block to surfing the web, watching TV or anything of that nature, don't call it writer's block. You can call it procrastination, lack of discipline, laziness if you wish, but definitely not writer's block. Writer's block refers to situations when you stare at a blank or nearly blank screen or a sheet of paper and can't squeeze the right words (or sometimes any words) out of you. So if this applies to you, turn the TV off, hang up the phone, unplug the Internet and start writing. Your "writer's block" remedy may be just as simple as that.

2. If you are having true writer's block, try changing your surroundings. If you have always used your desktop computer then try a notebook or maybe even a old fashion pencil and paper. If you always wrote at home, take your laptop or notebook to a park, library or Internet cafe. If you don't want to leave the house, try switching rooms or even locations in the room.

3. Brainstorm. Write whatever comes to your mind without thinking too much and without criticizing it. If you are trying to come up with a topic, write everything that comes to mind, no matter how ridiculous and corny it may sound. Allow yourself to be a "bad" writer. You never know what may come out when you brainstorm and write junk.

If you have a topic, write down everything you can think of that relates to it (once again, without thinking). It is not necessary to wrtie paragraphs or grammatically correct sentences. Write words, phrases and everything that you can think of. Don't worry about misspellings either. It is important to write fast and without stops. Write like a madman for at least 15 minutes.

4. Start in the middle or in the end. If you are stuck, because you can't write a catchy beginning or a strong thesis, start writing your article or your writing project somewhere in the middle. You may also start with writing a conclusion.

5. If you are experiencing a block, because you can't find the right word, transition or sentence, leave it alone for a while and move on. Skip it and continue writing. You can come back to it some other time.

6. Eat good food. It may sound strange, but it can be amazing what a good meal can do for you. Try adding in some dark chocolate, green tea, raw fruits and a few vegetables to boost your mental activity. This will also improve your energy levels.

7. Turn your mind off. Meditate, do yoga or listen to music. Try to clear your mind and not think of anything, especially related to writing. Breathe deeply and concentrate on your breath. If you are under heavy stress this is often the number one reason for writer's block. A mind that is clutered has very little room for creativity.

8. Grab a short break or nap is nothing seems to work. A great way to stimulate the brain activity is through physical exercise. Go outside for a short walk or drive to a gym, but don't forget to bring your notebook along, because you never know when these creative juices will start flowing.