10 ways to conquer writer’s block

Tricks and techniques to clear your mind—and fill your computer screen or legal pad

I know the feeling. You really, really, really don’t want to write. You’re blocked. You’ve hit the wall. The words just won’t come. You’re bereft of inspiration.

But your writing project needs to be finished (or started!). So what can you do? Well, I have an idea. Ten of them, actually.

1. Write something else.

Most of us who write professionally have a hierarchy of horribleness. That is, we know which projects are going to be a little bit awful and which ones will be tremendously awful. My advice? Start with a less awful one. Procrastination, yes, but it’s productive procrastination. (You’ll be happier to face the Project of Doom once you have a bit of good writing under your belt.)

2. Ask a series of questions.

Instead of writing your article or report in the “normal” way, brainstorm a list of questions your readers are most likely to wonder about. Then answer them. This may take only minor editing to turn into the “real” report or article.

3. Write an e-mail.