How to overcome writer’s block

Even the best writers can suffer from writer’s block from time to time. But, for whatever goal you are about to put pen to paper, there is no reason to fear the blank page.

Best-selling author Neil Gaiman, himself a prolific writer, has said, “Tomorrow may be hell, but today was a good writing day, and on the good writing days nothing else matters.”

Business Optimizer considers some of the best writing tips, including those shared by famous writers – to help you ensure every day is a good writing day.

#1. – Have a plan

Oxford Dictionaries suggests the first thing to think about before putting pen to paper is to be clear about purpose: “The most basic question to ask yourself before you start is why you are writing. In an academic essay or assignment, your purpose is to convey information and facts and draw conclusions. But if you are writing a business report, you may want to make recommendations for specific actions. In a letter of complaint, you will be looking for a specific result, such as a refund.”

#2. Make time and space to write

Once you know who you’re writing for and why you need to allow yourself the time and space to write. Choose the time of day when you’re most productive and creative and then shut yourself away from distraction. British author Zadie Smith offers the following advice to aspiring writers: “Protect the time and space in which you write. Keep everybody away from it, even the people who are most important to you.”

#3.  Don’t start at the very beginning – turns out it’s not a very good place to start

Faced with an empty page, it can be hard to know where to start.

• One option is to mind map and plan out your writing meticulously before you
  start.
• Another option is to skip straight to the bit that most interests you and write
  about that.