LIFE

Picture this: Your English teacher assigns you to write a short story. It can be about anything you want, as long as you stay within the word count. It should be easy, right?

As you sit down to write it the night before it's due, you realize that you have no ideas (like, none). Despite being able to write about anything, you can't think of anything to write about. Your mind is completely blank, and you have no idea how you're going to finish this in time. 

This is a classic case of writer's block, the all-too-common issue when you don't know what to create. You want to put the pen to the paper, but nothing appears in your brain. It can strike at anytime, any day, anywhere. But DW: Even professional writers and award-winning novelists deal with periods of writer's block. Try these easy skills for curing writer's block the next time it happens to you.

Plan ahead of time

You don't want to be caught with no ideas the day before your assignment is due. For longer writing assignments, start thinking of possible topics the minute you get your assignment. It's OK if the idea isn't perfect—you can always add on or revise your original idea into something more fitting. And don't be afraid to ask your teacher for feedback or advice to help you move forward once you have a general direction.

Take *very* short breaks

When you have writer's block, not writing is the easiest thing to do. We've said it before and we'll say it again: Taking a break is not a bad thing! However, if you're on a time crunch and you need to think of something fast, keep your breaks even shorter than they were before. Who knows, you might find some inspiration from that 10-second TikTok video you watched. Maybe that 5-page chapter of your favorite book sparks a completely original idea. Which brings us to the next point...

Get inspired

If you're struggling with writer's block, reading might just be your best source of inspiration. Obviously, you shouldn't plagiarize an author's idea. But pay attention to the aspects of a book or a TV show that stand out to you. Is it the relationship between Lorelai and Rory on Gilmore Girls? Write a story about a mother and daughter who take on the challenges of life in their town. Or, take a concept or trope you hate, and rewrite it to make it more satisfying. If you hate the protagonist of your least fave book, rewrite a chapter from her enemy's POV! Whatever you choose, finding inspiration from other pieces of media is a great way to kickstart the planning stage and hopefully ward off writer's block. 

Just start writing

If all hope is lost—you've tried everything you can think of and *still* can't come up with any ideas—you need to start writing down anything and everything you can think of—literally. Sit at your desk or whever you do you homework with a blank piece of paper or a blank document on your computer and just write. Write the lyrics to your favorite song. Write a to-do list. Write a letter to your crush or your best friend or your pet. Take all the thoughts floating around in your brain and put them on paper.

If there's absolutely nothing that you can think of, physically write "I don't know what to write about" over and over again until you think of something else to write. Eventually, your brain will come up with something. Or, a distraction will provide the perfect inspo—you could write an entire story about your cat's inner dialogue. The best way to avoid writer's block is to keep writing, even if nothing comes of it. Using this strategy when you feel writer's block coming on, even when you don't have an assignment due, makes it easier to come up with original ideas when it's crunch time. 

Good luck fighting writer's block!

Need more school tips? Check out these amazing articles:
📚 How to build a bond with your teacher
📚 4 ways to stay motivated for the entire school year
📚 5 ways to ground yourself when you're feeling overwhelmed this school year

How do you fight writer's block? Let us know on Twitter @girlslifemag! 

All GIFS via GIPHY | Slider by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

by Rory Durso | 11/14/2022