Lately I find myself sitting at a desk or a table staring at my laptop, zoned out for what may be half an hour at a time. Whether I am writing an essay for my college geography class, a paper for science or finding an idea for an opinion article, the madness of writer’s block eventually falls over me.

With the extra amount of work lately, especially in the form of essays and stories, I have been on my computer typing away furiously, when all of a sudden I run out of ideas. This happens more often in creative writing or research. I run out of a creative thought and then become frustrated because I can’t think anymore. This frustration then leads to more blockage. It can become a vicious circle.

Writing, when not blocked can be an enjoyable thing. Even though it is not my job, like a daily journalist, I still get upset when I can’t think of anything to write. I am lucky though, some writer’s block can be caused by serious events in the writer’s life, like a death of a loved one or some relationship problems. Serious writer’s block can last for long periods of time. Nothing like this has ever happened to me, but it can feel like it when I can’t think of anything for an extended period of time.

I think part of the problem is an overload on work. Personally I have a lot to do. I have sports after school until 5:30 P.M. and after that I am already super tired and stressed, then I have a three page essay to write for a class plus all my other homework. While working on the essay, I often drift off and worry about the usual things: football, other homework, what is on TV, girls, not in that order. This is a lot to conquer and still find time to eat and sleep. So, of course writer’s block is bound to set in and when it does, it stinks.

What helps me to overcome writer’s block is to lower my standards and not try to win a Pulitzer Prize with every sentence. Just writing a few silly thoughts can help gain inspiration. When the inspiration is back and I don’t worry about all the work teachers give me, I have a better time writing. Writer’s block is a terrible and crippling state to be in and, after all of that, I still have no idea how to end this article.