WRITER'S BLOCK: WRITE SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Sticking to a prior project you're determined to finish can result, not only in a boring outpouring, but as well in writer's block. Same old is tedious. New ideas invigorate our writing. And, one way to get new ideas is to switch and write something different. Especially totally different. Or as totally different as you are capable of.

In the past I've suggested taking a break from your writing, and I've suggested doing some different activity. The goal is to "clear your mind" and give space for new ideas. But, writing on a different topic, or writing in a different style can accomplish the same thing… and it can be invigorating.

Writing needs to be alive to engage our readers. No matter what kind of writing we do from light fluff to serious academics, still there can be life in our writing. I've even happened upon technical writing that engaged me!

Especially when we are deeply engaged in a project, we need to bring life to it. When we work on short pieces, the issue of aliveness is not likely to be as compelling. So, don't keep your nose to the grindstone if you're involved with a long project. Make sure to take writing breaks, and do a different kind of writing, or start a different project.