I'm pretty sure some folks will find it strange that I could have any possible "like" towards writer's block. For those who do not know what writer's block is, here is my definition of it: A person who's sitting back and thinking and thinking and thinking about something to write and can't write shit. Yep, that sounds about right from where I see it. Writer's block can be a serious pain in the ass if you're the type who enjoys writing in some form; either writing reviews, term papers, or for your basic living. In my case, it's usually a problem once in awhile when I lose my reviewing mojo after taking a short hiatus for some reason. But I have to be honest and say that writer's block isn't completely bad, at least not from where I see it and I'll explain this.
When I find myself completely possessed by full-reviewing mayhem (this is when I'm kicking out one review after the other none stop) I often tend to ignore many reviews, quick tips, and list, written by folks other than major friends. I will always stop by read and rate my true friends work though, and during this time I'm just in my zone and that's it. However, when the block comes into the picture, this is when I would explore other people's work. While reading other people's reviews, I would find ideas beginning to spark and this can help that reviewing mood surface, especially if that persons review is contrary to what I think of the topic in question, but this doesn't work in all cases. Some times I would have to go to other sites and either read or participate in discussions on genres I usually frequent. This would sometimes get the brain juices flowing again.
On some occasions when I find myself under writers block, and none of the genres or topics I frequent truly interest me. Then I'll begin other activities such as music listening, online cards and dominoes games, or even shopping. This is when I start to brainstorm things and I'll find myself at my most creative; branching off into categories I don't usually frequent, or coming up with things like I'm doing right now. About a month ago when I couldn't think of anything to review, I began thinking about what drives me and others to be video gamers, and out of nowhere I came up with one of my favorite reviews ever, a write up on Video Gamers (take a look at this if you missed it). This piece I put together broke me out of my mood since I forced myself to think, and I went on a semi rampage for the moment.
Not to take up much more time; writer's block can be annoying as h-e-double-hockey-sticks, especially if you really want to review something you just saw, read, played, heard, or even ate, but you can do something about it and turn that negative energy into something positive. These are my techniques to break it, in summary, read other folks reviews, especially someone who is always opposite of you to stir up that confrontational stance. Participate in discussions or create one. Come up with some form of creative writing piece that has nothing to do with what you want to review. Break out your main categories for example movies and books, and take a dive into restaurants or home & garden. Try to add a little diversity into your reviewing scheme. Listening to music, I usually find some serious brainstorm sessions taking place when I do that. Hopefully these techniques can help you out of your frustration. Personally, I don't mind it anymore because this is when I really begin to think.
