Facing the blank page with nothing to write about is difficult for aspiring writers and seasoned authors alike. Here are some things you can do to combat writers block that work like free writing, journaling, and using online prompts. Check out my blog article on this subject for more information at http://chrisspenceeducation.com/facing-the-blank-page/

1. BY CHRIS SPENCE
COMBATING
WRITER'S BLOCK

2. Aspiring authors and seasoned authors alike
will all come across the most dreaded of
beasts at one point or another: the blank page.
When faced with the blank page, no original
ideas, and a general feeling of exasperation,
it’s best to have a plan of attack because there
are things you can do to spur your inspiration
and create a great story.

3. CHECK OUT A WEBSITE THAT
GENERATES WRITING
PROMPTS
Websites like WritingExercises.co.uk and Writer’s First
Line Generator generate first lines of a story that can
help jog your creativity. Writer’s Digest has a section
where their readers can sign in and give ideas for
different prompts. This could be a good tool if you’re
struggling to find a great idea.

4. Try Freewriting
Sometimes all we need is a little bit on the
page to really get going. Instead of staring at
the blank page and getting more and more
upset, just try writing whatever comes to
mind. Allow your thoughts to go wherever
they may and pay no attention to grammar
and spelling. The website OneWord is great
to challenge yourself. This website will give
you a single word and you have one minute
to freewrite about that word.

5. READ A BOOK
English playwright Ben Jonson is
quoted as saying, “For a man to
write well, there are required three
necessaries: to read the best
authors, observe the best speakers,
and much exercise of his own style,”
so pick up a new book. Immerse
yourself in a story and expose
yourself to new ideas.

6. KEEP A JOURNAL
Every day you should carry with you a small notepad
to record your thoughts and ideas to bring out when
you’re faced with writer’s block. We’ve all thought of
great ideas, but over the course of a day, those ideas
can be lost. Even if you don’t end up using the ideas
you came up with, they may jog your creativity and
make you think of something else.

7. Don’t suffer the pain of writer’s
block, and don’t let it hinder
whether or not you complete that
novel!