Writer's block is one of the most annoying things to deal with as a member of Steemit. We're not all blessed with a consistent flow of creativity, and it can be frustrating. I myself have been struggling with topics all the time and can't seem to decide where to begin. I decided to compile a list of helpful tips for myself and you all in hopes that we can all find easier ways around a creative rut.
Freewriting
Freewriting is a technique that is essentially a warm up for your brain. It's an easy way to get the wheels turning. Simply begin with a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and a timer. Set a timer for yourself for five or ten minutes, whichever works best for you. Then begin writing with no regard for correct grammar or spelling. Write whatever comes to mind until the timer goes off. When you've finished, review what you have written. Are there any sentences or topics that jump out at you?
Read a Book
Reading can improve brain function and stimulate creativity. It helps flex your imagination and visualization. A study by Emory University shows that simply reading a fiction novel can stimulate parts of your brain that control language reception and sensory motor skills.
Jot Down Daily Thoughts and Ideas
I like to keel a little notepad at my desk and on my person so I can write down random thoughts and interesting topics that come to mind throughout the day. It can be nice to have a list of things to review that night when it comes time to start thinking up post topics.
What Are You Passionate About?
Sit and think about what makes you happy, sad, and angry. Emotional compulsion can make the writing process so much easier and way more fun. This self-reflection can help you learn a lot about yourself in the process.
Browse Steemit Tags
Steemit provides us with such a variety of content, and it's easy to be inspired by others' posts. See something you agree with? Expand on the topic. See something that ruffles your feathers? Tell us why. Simply browsing post titles can lead to a lightbulb moment.
Listen to Music
Science shows that listening to music stimulates the brain more than just about any other human function. We also associate music with memories and thoughts, which can turn into blog topics themselves. Browse different genres and note how certain songs make you feel. Not only is this a great creative exercise, it's just fun to discover new music.
Re-read Your Previous Work
Go back through old blogs and critique yourself. How could you improve your published work? How could you add to it? How could you elaborate on the topics you've already written about? Closely examining and critiquing your own work can help stem new ideas and expand upon old ones.
We all deal with the frustration of a creative block. It's just part of being a writer. But hopefully these tips can help you push through it and keep creative fantastic content. Just don't stop writing and keep contributing content. Steem on!
“Writing about a writer's block is better than not writing at all."
-Charles Bukowski