Writer's block can be realllllly annoying.

​

Especially when you're up against a deadline.

​

Or trying to build your portfolio from scratch.

​

I've been dealing with it for about five years now and I've found something that just about eliminates it completely...

​

BEFL.

​

My four-step formula for showing writer's block the door.

​

Fingers crossed it works for you too!

​

B - BREATHE

​

Take a deeeep breath. This is NOT the end of the world. It might feel like it, especially when you've got a blank Google Doc staring at you - but you'll find a solution. I promise. 

​

E - EXPLORE

​

Most times, writer's block is caused by a lack of information.

​

So, make sure you explore and do as much research as possible on the topic that you're writing about.

​

Look at every possible angle. Look at every possible perspective. Watch YouTube videos. Read a book. Make the most of Google.

​

And don't just focus on the topic - research how other people have written about it.

​

What I find really helpful is writing out a rough structure.

 

Use sub-headers to break the page into little sections and write a sentence or two under each sub-header about what you'll include in each section. 

​

Top up these sections with any cool ideas you come across during your research.

​

F - FREE-WRITE

​

Literally write anything.

​

Anything at all.

​

And if nothing is coming to mind, free-write.

​

Set a timer for two minutes and write without thinking, even if it sounds stupid.

​

Forget about grammar, spelling, and punctuation - this is just an exercise in getting something - ANYTHING - on the page.

​

This can sometimes help kickstart your 'writing gear' into action. You may even find a gem hiding in between all the nonsense you've written.

​

L - LEAVE (for an hour or so)

​

Sometimes writer's block just won't budge,

​

No matter how much research or free-writing you do.

​

If you find yourself in this predicament, ask yourself three questions:

​

Am I hungry? Am I tired? Am I upset/sad/angry?

​

If your answer is YES to any of these questions, close your laptop and show yourself a bit of TLC.

​

Give yourself what you need - whether that's food, water, a rest, or a walk - and you'll find it a lot easier to approach your writing next time round.

​

Trust me.

​

I've ditched writing for two episodes of The Vampire Diaries and it got me out of my funk fast.

​

The key is to put a time limit on your 'time-out.'

​

It can't last forever - you've got to get back to writing!

​

​