Time and again, lazy writers and self-appointed Agony Aunts supply an age- old dose of advice to treat writer’s block. When fingers stiffen and fail to hold pen firmly, they have this only solution to cure writer’s cramps: read other writers. Believe me, this will not work every time. Ideas and imagination have multiple entry and exit points. You have to find out which works best for you. Even if you have any weird way out, you can follow it with conviction.
Here is a list of unconventional activities I do to overcome writer’s block
Short Trips
It can be a one-day picnic, a visit to friends, a long walk with a spouse/ partner. Anything that provides a little me-time or some physical exertion. Our mind and body should be in sync; both should be energetic to churn out ideas. If one of the two feels lethargy, we cannot perform well. The motive is to forget your job for a while and occupy your mind in other activities. With a rejuvenated brain, you can dream up exciting stories.
Cooking
Cooking is a creative art. Every year, thousands of chefs add millions of recipes to the cook books across the world. Some are completely fresh and some are mix and match. I have experienced many brainwaves while cooking something for my family and friends. No matter traditional food, each time I find something new; ideas keep striking my mind.
Pro Tip: Be inventive in cooking; even a bad dish gives a good idea for your copy.
Watching Movies & Listening to Music
Audio-visual media are great energy-boosters. In the United States, a community of software professionals (mostly Indian expats) watch Bollywood comedies to relieve stress and start the week fresh. When I interacted with some computer geeks, I was surprised to the core; they prefer farcical flicks to some serious and meaningful content. All they want is to relax their squeezed nerves during the weekend.
Well, it is not a rule of thumb; you can pick any movie you like. For music, you can be over-particular. Mellifluous music can elevate your mood and recharge your stressed mind.
Hangout with Friends
The best things that happen to my life are good friends and brilliant teachers. Spending time with them always brings high returns. Copywriters and art directors are not outdoor creatures, and they cannot afford to stay like that. They are introverts and muse on things for long hours. Friends and teachers are their crucial links to the external world; while talking to them, they get to know things Google fails to deliver. And copywriters can use those things while crafting copy. After all, our copy should establish a quick connection with the audience.
Window Shopping
Although it’s one of the favorite pursuits of women, window shopping can be rewarding as it gives you fresh visuals of your town. Outdoor spins help you understand human nature, which provides useful insights. Using small experiences and encounters with humans, writers can create extraordinary text for the audience. Window shopping presents a collage of real life stories; it is our window into what is actually happening in the world we are living in. The idea is not just to watch merchandise placed behind the glossy glasses, but stare at those faces who have their hearts (and eyes) set on the products.
Conclusion
One of the superior skills of any successful writer is their ability to connect dots. Your writings will make rounds when you succeed into finding a common ground for two different products or services. The world is your play area and all the living and nonliving things are there to inspire you. Your ability to link two seemingly dissimilar things will take you to the next level.
