8. Create an Outline – Make a Plan

Think of an interesting title about something you feel passionate about (say, How to grow roses). This will lead you to the first thing you want to say on the subject, i.e. the best roses to plant in winter. Now you know you will need to talk about the soil, i.e. which soil is best for roses? Perhaps then you need to talk about the conditions that best suit them, i.e. sun or shade. Next, which roses have the best flowers/scent and so on.

See how this can easily give you subheadings that you can fill with interesting facts. Each one is a progression of a natural conversation that you could have with a gardening friend. Suddenly, you have a 1000 word article that flows and holds a reader's attention.

Alternative Creative Solutions for Writer's Block

• Take a walk in the sunshine or with your dog
• Eliminate distractions if possible
• Get your blood to pump.
• Play! Play!
• Read a book (I have certain books that I consider to be touchstones. I refer to them whenever I feel I cannot write a sentence.)
• Change your environment.
• Listen to music, whether it is jazz or classical.
• Make some coffee (my personal favorite) or a chi tea
• Create a routine. Numerous famous writers have a daily routine to summon the Muse.
• Spend time with someone who makes your heart feel good.
• List bullet points to help you brainstorm ideas.
• Play an instrument that gives you joy

“There are many options, but movement is crucial. To get out of a funk, you need to create momentum.”

I also have the following anti-solutions for this problem:

• You cannot beat writer's block by refusing to write until you get inspired.
• You can’t overcome this problem by self-pity.
• Procrastinating and making excuses will not help you overcome it.
• It is not possible to overcome this enemy simply by watching TV.
• Reading articles about how to overcome writer’s block will not help you overcome it.