Hey there! Anyone who writes leisurely or for work, knows that sometimes we just aren’t in the writing mood. Writer’s block rears its ugly head. That chapter or article you’ve been meaning to write gets put off until you are back in the mood.

Does this sound familiar? Here are 5 areas to consider when overcoming writer’s block, and getting back in the mood to write.

1. Environment

One way I like to set the mood for writing is to choose a suitable environment. This seems obvious; however, you really need to know which environment your creativity and productivity flow. Your choice of environment may also change if you are doing creative or technical writing. Perhaps you need a calm setting as opposed to a busy setting. Or a setting where everyone is focused as opposed to a setting where people are conversing freely.

No matter what your preferences are it helps to know what yours are in the first place. For instance, I like to type up what I’ve written in any setting as long as I have a desk and an outlet. But, if I’m writing poetry or fiction, then I like to write somewhere calm and by a window that has a nice view. So, ask yourself, where do I like to do my writing? Is this environment beneficial for my goals? If not, how can I change it to work for me?

2. Comfort

So, you’ve chosen an environment. Perhaps your choices are limited, but you settled on a place. Next, you need to make sure you are comfortable, especially if the place you chose wasn’t your first choice. Now I say comfort lightly, but you must be comfortable in such a way that you aren’t going to be sore due to sitting with your back hunched over or strained muscles.

Ensure your surrounding area is tidy and clear of clutter since such things crowd the mind as well and may obstruct the flow of your thoughts. For me, I like to wear something comfy, like sweatpants and a crew neck, and I almost always want to be at a desk. Wherever you end up doing your work; just make sure it is tidy and that you are comfortable.  

3. Inspiration for writing

Now this one is tricky, but for me personally; inspiration can literally just come and go as quickly as the wind. That’s why I make a point to stop whatever I’m doing and write it down whenever I’m struck with inspiration. I will quickly just add it to my notes in my phone; a short yet concise sentence expressing the inspiration. Or I will quite literally get a scrap piece of paper and a pen to scribble it down. Occasionally, I’ll even make a voice memo on my phone. This way even if it leaves my mind; whatever prompt I record will remind me of it for later.

Taking a reading break by reading other authors’ writings, or exploring art, nature, or music, may also be beneficial for inspiration. This will give your mind a break from creating and may also give you a different perspective.

4. Writing Materials

This one seems like a no-brainer, but gather up your favourite writing materials! Your favourite pens, pencils, notebooks, your tablet, laptop, clipboard, and reference materials. Yes, reference materials can also mean any inspiration you had previously recorded, but they can also refer to any notes you took on the topic you are writing about. Personally, I like to write with the finest tipped pen I can find, which happens to be a 0.35 mm fine-tipped ink pen. I also have a small notebook specifically for planning plot points or even essay points, and it is essential for any meaningful progress in story writing.

The bottom line here is if you’re writing with intent, be sure to of course have all your writing utensils and paper but also any reference materials related to your work. Otherwise, you run the risk of wasting your time and being unprepared to work on something.

5. Limit Distractions

 This one is huge since you can make sure you’ve addressed all the areas above, but if you fail to limit your distractions, then all your efforts will be in vain. If you go to the library but they have a grade 2 class in for a few hours then it’s going to get loud, this can be combatted by using earbuds and music to drown out the noise. There will be times when you can’t just simply leave. What if it took you a while to find a spot or if the weather is bad? Always carry some form of earphone, just in case. I usually wear headphones and play music that flows.

Don’t get too friendly with people around me if I’m in a public setting like the library or a café. I usually have people I greet and we silently agree to sit together and watch each other’s things if someone needs to use the bathroom, but that’s AS FAR as that goes. I’ve heard every scenario under the sun from my sister. Whether she is at the library or a café; she used to make the mistake of being too friendly, and as a result, she would allow herself to become distracted by these people and end up getting nothing done. So beware, and limit your distractions.

Conclusion

These 5 points are honestly a good starting point for any type of work that you would want to focus on. Homework, lecture readings, note making, anything. So consider these 5 areas if you are experiencing writer’s block to reset your mood for writing productively and with intent!

Do you have a method that works for you? If so, please don’t hesitate to share them below!