Writer’s block; we’ve all had it. We devote time to write, muster the motivation, and clear the space, but our pen cuts short an inch from the page. Writer’s block– how do we escape it? To start with, let’s remember there is a certain madness to creativity and at times you have to let your rational thinking take a vacation while your right brain takes control. Too often writers try to give reason to what they are doing, and feel that they must know it all from the outset. This can stifle the creative flow.

How do you make the switch to allow your creative mind to shine? Shut down any distractions like the television or radio. Concentrate on being calm and finding your inner self. Then, stir the imagination using triggers. Start doodling, listing random words and connect them to one other, or play ‘imagine’ and allow yourself to list all the reasonable and not-so-reasonable ideas that may come into your head. Write for the bin, and write without limitation.

It’s amazing how something leads to another, and what you think is crazy, often results in an idea that was just waiting to be uncovered. The trick to really alleviating writer’s block for good is to stop pursuing perfection. Remember, you are merely drafting ideas in the first instance. These ideas are the seeds of the story, and if you try to perfect them from the outset, they can not become what they are meant to become.

Don’t feel that you should always think of an original idea. This isn’t always plausible, and people are often happier to read new slants on familiar themes. Try combining two or more ideas together to give your writing a new angle and captivate the interest of readers.

Try thinking of past events in your own life: things that have stirred emotions. How could you use that idea and make it a little more interesting? Think of news articles that have made an impact on you. Could you use any elements of these to generate a section of your story? Scan the headlines. Read people’s Facebook updates! You’ll uncover lots of dramatic ideas there.

But remember, after you’ve unleashed your creativity there is still work being done. The left brain is then required to understand the thoughts and ideas you’ve concocted. That is when it is time to order your thoughts into a story coherent for people to understand. So get into tune with both sides of your brain and, with a little practice, you will be able to overcome writer’s block permanently.