Writer's block gets us all at some point. Whether you're stewing madly over an essay to be handed in, on a deadline for a poem or simply needing to let something spill onto your page, you're probably had it.

I've assebled some little tricks over a few years from various places; poetry websites, psychology and literature classes and by my own trial and error, and here is the collection.

What is Writer's Block?

Webster's Dictionary says: "an inability to write"
Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary says: "a psychological inhibition
preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece"

In my opinion, there are three simple stages of writer's block: minor,
major, and chronic. Believe it or not, the worst is NOT major, but
chronic.

Minor Writer's Block
Usually not a prolonged occurrence. You temporarily sense that lack of
passion for writing. Although you never actually stop writing, you find that it has become more difficult to write or the words are not coming that easily. In many cases, this may be caused by minor disruptions in your life, but sleep deprivation is also one of the main causes of this type of writer's block. Try sleeping early and waking late with a notebook at hand, as always.

Major Writer's Block
This is usually a longer period, and you find, very much the same as in
minor writer's block, that you cannot write, or write as easily, as you once could. In this case, you most likely have trouble writing at all, and this is caused by a mixture of many different things: Pressure, sleep
deprivation, slight depression, etc... It takes much longer to get over
this writer's block than it does to get over a minor writer's block.

Chronic Writer's Block
In my opinion, this is a very common, complicated and annoying
type of writer's block. This type can be caused by many
things. First of all, it is caused the same way as minor and major writer's block bouts are caused. On top of those, it can also be caused by the change of season, incorrectly dealing with major or minor writer's block, or sometimes nothing at all. Chronic writer's block is simply on and off writer's block. This tends to be the worse type of
writer's block because often there is nothing at all you can do about it
when it happens besides wait it out.


How Do I Get Over My Writer's Block? (Some Do's and Don'ts)

*Don't Force Your Writing.
*Get Active.
*Do Listen
*Don't Sit In Front Of Your Notebook And Mope.
*Make Use of Music and Lyrics
*Watch Movies and Read Books/Poetry

Some Other Techniques For Inspiration

1. Find the Object

If you're having trouble finding what to write about, try this. Pick an object in front of you or something in view. It could be a mug, a table, an apple, yourself, your dog. Now think of ways to describe it. Think about its uses, its appearance, texture, size, things it reminds you of and anything else relevant, or even totally irrelevant.

2. Synonyms and Antonyms

Take one of the descriptive words you have already chosen about your object, then think of synonyms of that word. In your original idea lets say you first thought, 'the apple looks juicy'. By thinking of synonyms you could change that to 'the apple appears succulent'. It doesn't matter how silly it sounds! You could compare it to something else to emphasis the image. Antonyms can be used for contrast with other descriptions. It doesn't have to make sense, just let it flow.

3. Rhyming Ideas

This is a good technique to use if you need some rhyming words to add to your descriptions. Take any word or one from your ideas and think of words that rhyme. If you find a word that is relevant, then weave it into your ideas. It is easier to take words with one syllable first, then move on to two, then three and so on. Soon you may have the foundations of a poem.

5. Free Writing

Set yourself a timer; stopwatch, egg timer, anything. Now start it and simply scribble about your topic area or subject. This tends to wrok best for essays or prose, but even if you end a messy page with "oh sod it, who cares", you will have done something. Also bear in mind that poems need not rhyme. It is sometimes easier to generate ideas by writing freeform poetry.

Putting the Ideas Together

By now you should have a range of descriptions, rhyming words (if you chose that option) and scribbles relating to your chosen object. You may even have a few lines strung together. It is up to you how you want to format your writing.

Think about what else you want to say about this object or subject and how to make one description flow onto the next. It could come to you within minutes or you may have to come back to it another time. It can some times be random and at anytime in the day.


A Poet's Advice On Writing

1) Carry a note pad or jotter to note down any ideas you have during the day. If you see something that intrigues you, note it down, it may come in handy later.
2) When those creative words come into your mind, make a note of them because you never know when they may be the finishing touches to a future poem.
3) If you feel intense emotions about a particular subject just write them all down, maybe until you can't write anymore. Later on read them back and there maybe a potential poem will come glowing back at you.
4) Don't expect to get it all right the first time. You may change words around, add, or subtract full lines or stanzas in a poem. If you let others read your work and give feedback, this can help you to know how the reader sees the poem. They may also spot mistakes you, the poet, didn't see. Asking others also lets you know your strengths too, and you should emphasis your work with those strengths.
5) Write as often as you can. Take some time out occasionally, when you feel inspired and write. Writing a lot will help you to improve and with experience comes new skills. Try and concentrate on new ideas each time and think about subjects that matter to you.
6) Don't just write, read. Reading other poets' work can give you ideas from your own and you can learn new techniques. If you see a certain poem with an interesting form or subject, or with an attractive use of language, try it yourself.