Writers Block:  What to Do When You’re Stuck On a Sermon (Or in my Case, a Blog)

Orginally published on Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at 3:00 PM
by Todd Rhoades

Today's guest writer is David Russell.  Thanks David for sharing with us some practical ideas on writer's block.  (I'm sure we've all been there!)  David writes:

No matter your level of profiency, at some point, you’ll probably experience writer’s block. This is a common phenomenon among writers. Don’t be too frustrated by the experience. Obviously writing, like many crafts, cannot be forced. It must be fluid. Instead of concentrating on the lack of creativity, focus on a few processes that will help stimulate creativity and spur your imagination.

Chill Out
Take five. Ease your mind and step out of the writing zone for a few minutes. A brief period of stretching or walking can help immensely. Often, ideas can rush in like a flood, but when they’re not, take a break.

Get Inspired
I know. Finding inspiration is easier said than done. And I’ve discussed this before. But inspiration is right around the corner. Be aware. Look at the simple things in the world around you. Research and digest topics that aren’t familiar to you. Listen to music. Listen to a speech. Sometimes a single melody or word can be the catalyst for new ideas.

Brainstorm
While brainstorming may be intrinsically artistic, it can be a powerful tool in anyone’s arsenal. Brainstorming is most fun, perhaps, because there very few ground rules to contend with. I like to brainstorm in familiar environments. Others may find new scenery just the ticket for streaming ideas. I find that brainstorming on paper using octagons and lines works best. You might enjoy carving ideas into a tree. Just notify your local arbor official or state park ranger before taking your Swiss Army sidekick for a spin. To me, the only real rule in brainstorming is to make sure your ideas are recorded. Worry about organizing them later.

The Creative Closet
Dig an idea out of your creative closet. Use a little bit of your imagination real estate to conceive and store ideas about anything. Better yet, jot the idea down on a card or Post-It note, or email it to yourself. You may be clinging to a thought that needs to be freed up. Release it through brainstorming or writing. If it’s not ready to publish (or preach), file it. At the writing of this article, I have 16 drafts in various stages of development over a wide range of topics. This particular article spent over eight weeks as a draft while I mulled over ideas and developed the framework. Leverage all of your resources as you record and develop ideas. And make sure and keep your creative closet stocked and ready.

Reflect and Refine
If you are feeling like you’ve hit that creative roadblock, stop and reflect on the ideas that you already have on paper. You may be finished. Or you may even need to scale back or realign your focus to stay on target. Simplicity is often the result of calculated creativity.

You can read more of David's writing at his blog... (that is, if he can think of anything to write!) 

FOR DISCUSSION:  Do you ever suffer from writer's block?  How do you survive?  (Please don't say SermonCentral or Rick Warren!) 

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Hi... I'm Todd Rhoades. I'm a Christ-follower, husband, father and I love to connect leaders with other leaders. Hopefully you'll find something here at MMI you like and will return often. If you want, you can find out more about me or follow my every step on Twitter.

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