Being a writer is more than just scribbling words on a piece of paper, or typing at the speed of light on a PC. What usually gets in the way of a prolific writer and the spectrum of thoughts is the most dreaded syndrome for any writer, “the writer’s block”. Every writer has gone through this at numerous points and it is not something you can perpetually get rid of.

However the good news is that there are ways to fight it when it comes around. It is more like a ‘flu’ or fever that is temporary, and the cure does exist.

1. There is no such thing as “enough reading”: That would be like saying “I have eaten enough, and now I do not have to eat for the rest of my life”. The key to be a good and productive writer is to expand your reading. But only reading a certain type of genre is not enough. Venture out and read all kinds of books, because while some would interest and entertain you, others would end up educating you.
2. Document ideas in a journal: even if you are on your way to the grocery store and something you see or hear triggers off a profound thought in your mind, jot it down. Keeping these random thoughts in one place may be a good idea for when you are stuck for ideas.
3. Make an outline before you fill in the colors: It is important to brainstorm ideas before you actually sit down to write an article. Think about the subject, think about your views on it, ask people questions related to it, and then write out some bullet points which you can then elaborate on. This will help your thoughts flow and would also give your literary piece more structure.
4. Write out of habit: Even a healthy person exercises to keep their body fit and lean. In the same way it is important to keep writing consistently. If one does not write regularly, they would get stuck with ideas more often. The more you write, the better you learn to channelize your thoughts.

Practice makes you perfect or at least near perfect. The key is to keep writing even if you don’t think you have reached your potential, because ultimately you would. Giving up and getting annoyed is only going to slow down the thought process. Staying calm and taking time out is the best way to get back into your thoughts because a positive mind is the only way to produce positive thoughts and ideas and to get rid of the writer’s block.

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Writing just for the sake of writing and not focusing on legitimacy of the content is like trying to paint without a canvas. One might think that being authentic should be easy, but it is easier said than done. Being truthful is one thing, but to be able to fit it in a certain frame while giving it that creative spark tends to be a tough task at hand, even for the most creative writers.

Some useful tips on how to make your content genuine and relevant:

1. Develop your own Signature Style: Paulo Coelho and Stephen King both have very different technique of writing and they both make it work to their advantage. Do not try and copy anyone’s way of writing because that will just come out as a fake print. Write the way you would normally talk because if you do that, your writing would be smooth and expressive.
2. Tell a Story: Relate the subject of your content to something that may have happened around you, or with you. People love reading a great story and this also gives your article a sense of integrity.
3. Form Your Own Views: It is not necessary that you agree with black being the most fashionable color while the rest of the world thinks it is.  If you think it’s yellow, then take a stand and express why you believe it is. When you write about a certain subject, it is important to formulate your own opinions on it as this will naturally create a coherency in your content and make it an original piece of writing.

It is important to take the time and think before you put pen to paper for any topic that you wish to write on. Trying to rush your own thoughts would never give you the result you’re looking for. Originality in content springs from original thoughts, so as long as the thoughts are your own and uninfluenced, the content would be genuine and high-quality.

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