People Ideas Write Writer's Difficulty Teachers Professional Writers

"Writer's block" happens whenever someone needs to write something but has difficulty deciding what to write. Many people stare at a "blank page" or a page with nothing on it for hours, trying to decide how to begin. In the United States, teachers and professional writers have many "suggestions" or recommendations for helping people "get over" writer's block, or to find a way around the problem. Here are a few of those suggestions.

Many teachers and professional writers suggest thinking about what needs to be written and organizing one's ideas before beginning to write. Another good suggestion is to avoid "perfectionism" or the need to write everything perfectly the first time. Good writing requires many "revisions," meaning that the text that is written down first is almost always changed later. Also, many people have difficulty writing the first sentence, but it isn't necessary to begin at the beginning. Try starting somewhere in the middle and finish the "introduction," or first part, last.

Changing the physical "surroundings" or environment might also help. Try moving your desk to where there are fewer "distractions" or things that take you away from your writing. Turn off the phone and music, or turn on music if that helps you write. Also, going outside for a walk may help you concentrate better.

If you still have writer's block, try reading some of your favorite writings or books for "inspiration" (ideas) for your own writing. Some people think it's easier to speak than to write, so they might get over their writer's block by "recording" their own voice while talking about the topic. Later, they can listen to themselves and write down the main ideas.