Creativity Block: How Do I Get Over It?
Posted by junger | November 19th, 2007
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Yup — the creative juices just aren't flowing today.
Since that's the case, I leave it up to you to help me out.
How do you get over a creativity block?
Share your thoughts in a comment below.
Jason…creativity block (or writer's block) is absolutely the bane of every writer. And I think that just about every writer has gone through it at one time or another. I generally try one or more of the following:
1. Step back - Set the assignment aside, give myself permission to not write. This can be difficult because creativity block often hits when you are "on deadline." However, sometimes the stress of the deadline is what's causing the block. Remove the stress…and sometimes, remove the block.
2. Wait until closer to deadline - OK this is basically the opposite of above. In this instance, I deliberately allow time to close in on me. On some occasions, the pressure of the deadline inspires me to come up with a topic to write about. As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention.
3. Scan - Aggressively scan related and unrelated blogs and websites that cover topics within the area you are writing about. I do this not to steal material…but am simply seeking "idea starters."
4. Randomly call three or four people from my contact file to touch base and find out "what's on your mind these days." I find that this can work even better with someone that I haven't spoken with in a long time…as opposed to someone I speak with regularly.
5. Review quotations - I collect quotations and often reveiw them for idea starters. A really good quotation is a crystallization of a sometimes complex idea. It can be a great place to start!
These are some of my tactics that may or may not make sense for others…
Ted
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