What is writer's block? When your creativity hits a block wall! You're fresh out of words! Your mind's a blank. The page is a blank. There's not one more thing you can say. Some small business owners who want to write about their business--whether in an article, brochure, or website--get stuck writing about themselves and so they hit a writer's block. They just can't put into words what they want to say about their business to promote it to their prospects.

Or sometimes they may think they know EXACTLY what they want to write, but as soon as that screen stares at them, their mind goes completely blank. Especially if there's a deadline. The printer is waiting for the copy. There's a trade show coming up and they need brochures. The website must be launched in time for the promotional launch.

So often the tighter the deadline, the worse the anguish of writer's block. What might possibly be causing this horrible plunge into speechlessness? One answer is obvious: FEAR! Small business owners are terrified they have absolutely nothing of value to say. They are afraid they can't boast about their business--it's just too self-promoting.

Writer's block can strike anyone at any time. Based in fear, it raises doubts about one's self-worth and ability to express oneself. What else besides fear may be at the core of writer's block?

1. Perfectionism. You feel you must produce a masterpiece in the first draft. Otherwise, you qualify as a complete failure.

2. Editing instead of composing. Your judging mind is lurking in the background waiting to pounce on any incorrect word, spelling, grammar errors, etc.

3. Self-consciousness. You find it hard to write about your business because it's not right to brag. And anyway, you're not a writer! Who do you think you're kidding?

4. Stuck at the start. It's always the first sentence that's the hardest and everyone knows how important the first sentence is. Or the headline on the brochure or website. Or the title of the article. It must be brilliant! It must be unique! It must hook the reader from the start! You simply can't get into writing the piece until you get past this challenging beginning.

5. Shattered concentration. You have to send out bills. Answer e-mails. The computer's acting up. Your assistant called in sick. You shouldn't be wasting your time writing copy. You have a business to run. How can you possibly concentrate with all this distraction?

6. Procrastination. It's your favorite hobby. It's your constant companion. Your favorite excuse. There's always manana. But if there's always tomorrow, you never write today!

Can this paralysis of the verbal chords be conquered? YES! YES! And YES! You can do it! Do you really want to get that piece written? Then read on...

Here are some successful methods of overcoming writer's block: 1. Be prepared Spend some time mulling over your project before you sit down to write. It gets your brain in gear and you'll be ready to roll when you sit down to write. 2. Give up perfectionism No one ever writes a masterpiece in the first draft. Don't put any expectations on your writing at all! Give yourself permission to write whatever comes out--you can fix it later or hire an editor. 3. Compose don't edit Don't compose with your judge in tow. Let the words, ideas, music flow out of you without critiquing every darn word. Sit at your computer, take a deep breath, and let go all your thoughts. Then let your finger hover over your keyboard and let what comes through you emerge unscathed. 4. Forget the first sentence You can go back to that all-important opener when you've finished your piece. Go for the middle or even the end. Start wherever you can. Chances are, when you read it over, the first line will be blinking its neon lights right at you from the depths of your composition. 5. Concentrate in short spurts Life happens, stuff happens, there will always be distractions. Treat your writing time as a little vacation from all those annoying worries. Create a space, perhaps even a physical one, where nothing exists except what you are working on. Focus in short spurts, and take breaks when you feel yourself losing focus. 6. Stop procrastinating Write an outline. Get some samples of what you want to create. Use someone else's writing to get going. Make an accountability agreement with someone. Set up a reward for yourself. Create an inflexible timeline. Imagine how good it will feel when it's done. Then just do it!

Once you conquer writer's block once, remember what works and do it the next time it strikes. And when you have your finished piece--article, brochure, website, or even book or eBook or other information product--the feelings of satisfaction will stay with you the next time writer's block sneaks in to your life.