Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Writer's Block

I continue to run up against writer's block and have struggled to come up with a good solution. Some days it is getting up and walking away yet other days it is turning on the IPod and listening to some great music.

I decided to write down a few of the best and would love to hear about any other suggestions.

  1. Exercise - Take a walk, ride the bike, go for a run. Nothing crazy - no marathon's necessary but even a mile or two is a great start.
  2. A Hobby - I am an avid golfer. If I take an hour and go hit a bucket if balls or even walk 9 holes, it clears my mind. Make sure to bring a note pad in case the block breaks while you are out there!
  3. Phone a Friend - Have a friend/mentor who is willing to be a sounding board. Explain the block and what is leading to it and see if they can mention something that could take you off on a tangent and break the block.

As always, don't be frustrated. It is a part of being creative and being an artist. It is part of why we love doing what we do.

Best of luck and I would love to hear any other great methods to break the block.

Matt Hanson

Writer

303.300.8601

1 comment:

  1. I certainly get writer's block, but as a multimedia producer, I more often get editor's block. Usually this happens after I have a ton of great footage in my lap, and it is time to weave it together into a cohesive story that will showcases the beautiful visuals and allow the visuals to serve the larger story. (I am doing this today, in fact.)

    Exercise is a great "break" for me...allowing myself to step away and look at things more objectively--I almost feel more brave somehow when I am running or swimming or hiking. However, my best defense against the "block", is a 20 minute nap. I am still amazed at how problems can resolve themselves, and solutions appear as soon as I step away from the drawing board and close my eyes.

    I would love to read some of your writing, Matt! Where can I find it?

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