Fighting Writer's Block: Four "Blockbusters"

Are you suffering from writer's block? Believe me, you're in good company. Most writers experience writer's block at least once a year -- if not far more often -- and have trouble fighting back. This is especially worrisome when you rely on your writing for income; if you don't write, you simply don't get paid. To give you something to think about, here are five writer's block "blockbusters" that might help get the creative juices flowing again.

Fighting Writer's Block: Be the Invisible Writer

You've heard of ghostwriters, but this is a little different -- the invisible writer writes without the benefit of his or her eyes. One of the major pitfalls of writer's block is the tendency to constantly rewrite what you've already written in an attempt to perfect it before you move on to the next paragraph. To dissuade yourself from this practice, turn off your computer monitor and start writing without looking at the screen. Just focus on getting the words out until you feel you've come to a stopping place.

Fighting Writer's Block: Write a Dialogue

We all have people in our lives -- perhaps former teachers or editors -- who have always inspired us to write and therefore fight writer's block. If you have someone like that in your life, try writing a dialogue between you and them. Don't worry about the fact that he or she isn't actually there; just "talk" about why you are having trouble writing and try to come up with responses your mentor would likely make. Fighting writer's block sometimes means going to the extreme, but remember that no one has to see this but you.

Fighting Writer's Block: Start a Letter

You never have to send this particular letter, but it might help you in the fight against writer's block. Think of someone in your life -- a close friend, your spouse or a mentor -- and write a letter to him or her about your inability to write. This will help you sort out the reasons behind your block and might help to instigate a break through. Since you don't actually have to send the letter, you can feel free to be as honest as you'd like.

Fighting Writer's Block: Read & React