We’ve all been there – slumped at a desk, staring at a blank computer screen and unable to construct a simple sentence. The frustration is not eased by the clock that ticks (very loudly in your head!) towards an impending deadline. This is when panic sets in and even everyday words become an enigma. We all deal with it in different ways but here are my tips for copywriter’s block:
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Stop – do something completely different for while. Stimulate the mind with an alternative topic or activity to re-boot the brain. This could be 5 minutes checking out a news website to a 30 minute walk or run – anything that clears the mind and relaxes you. By the way, exercise is scientifically proven to help writer’s block and regular activity improves creativity – looks like I have less excuses to avoid the gym now!
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Write down your goal(s) – list what key aspects need to be included to achieve that aim. Create a mind map, if it helps, as it will clarify your mind and begin to link thoughts together. Organising your ideas makes it easier to express them.
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Research your topic – the internet is a fantastic resource and can bombard you with lots of amazing information (some more amazing than others in the era of fake news!). Researching your topic thoroughly not only gives you confidence through understanding but can generate other great ideas or angles you hadn’t even thought about.
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Don’t panic – (easier said than done!) this is not helpful and sends your mind into a spin, not allowing you to focus. Breathe, calm your racing thoughts and allow yourself the time to think clearly.
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Think about your audience – imagine that perfect person right in the sweet spot of your target market sitting in front of you. Talk out loud to them (maybe do this behind closed doors) and say exactly what you would say to them if they were actually there. Now write those words down and edit them to be engaging on paper.
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Start writing – ok , you’re thinking ‘but I can’t as I have writers block!’ – don’t worry if it makes no sense, is grammatically wrong and very random, it is an outline. Then, go back, re-read it, organise it and start to mould the words. It may take time but it will help kick the writing process into the correct gear. It sounds cliche but there are no mistakes just creative opportunities!
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Believe in yourself – writer’s block often comes when you are unsure of yourself and/or your subject. Once you get rid of all those self doubts and feel confident, you will find it so much easier to get those fabulous words out!
Now get back to that blank screen and knock it out of the park!
