Here are some other writer's block tips that friends and colleagues have proffered:
- Take a walk, go for a drive or do anything that doesn't involve writing. I've tried it and it really works.
- Start your article . . . yesterday! If I know what I'm going to be writing the next day, I'll start a new document. When I open it in the morning, I've got a head start.
- A change of venue helps as well. Going to a café, the library or even the picnic table in my yard often brings renewed energy, perspective and focus.
Put procrastination in its place
Keep a calendar. It's not that hard. You need to keep a calendar if you want to hack this procrastination thing. Use it for setting appointments; but more importantly, for setting deadline reminders.
Here are some quick tips to increase your productivity when working from home:
- Put on your writer's uniform: I have some very specific clothes that I wear for writing. Donning my writer's clothes transforms me into "Super Writer Man," even though I don't wear a billowing cape.
- Have an office: Now, it doesn’t need to be anything fancy. But you really should have a dedicated location where your writing lives. And you should make it sacred ground.
- Keep an "inspiration net" handy: Inspiration flutters by without warning. Are you ready for it? Keep a notebook, digital recorder or even your smartphone handy wherever you go.
- The most important productivity hack of all time
Read.
Read a lot.
Read everything and anything you can get your hands on.