Dealing with writer’s block is a common challenge faced by writers of all kinds, from novelists and poets to journalists and students. The frustration that comes from staring at a blank page or struggling to put coherent thoughts into words can be overwhelming. However, there are strategies that can help you overcome these obstacles and find your writing flow again. Here are several approaches to dealing with writer’s block, focusing on creativity, discipline, and self-awareness.
How to deal with writer's block
1. Identify the cause
Understanding the root of your writer’s block is the first step in overcoming it. Writer’s block can stem from many different causes:
Fear of failure: You may feel anxious about whether your work will be good enough, which paralyses you from even starting.
Perfectionism: Trying to make every sentence perfect from the get-go can stop you from making progress.
Fatigue: If you’re mentally or physically exhausted, it becomes much harder to write.
Unclear direction: Without a clear idea of what you want to say, it’s difficult to start writing.
Once you pinpoint the reason behind your block, you can take specific steps to address it. For example, if fear of failure is holding you back, focus on writing a messy first draft without worrying about quality. If you’re fatigued, prioritise rest and self-care before attempting to write again.
2. Freewriting and brainstorming
One of the best ways to break free from writer’s block is to engage in freewriting. This involves writing without any concern for structure, grammar, or quality—just putting words on the page. The goal is to let your thoughts flow freely and generate ideas without self-censorship. You might start by writing about your feelings, thoughts, or anything unrelated to your current project.
Timed freewriting: Set a timer for 10–15 minutes and write non-stop. Even if you begin with random sentences or complaints about writer’s block, the act of writing can help you break through mental barriers and eventually lead to creative ideas.
Focused brainstorming: If you’re stuck on a specific project, try brainstorming by writing down key themes, characters, or concepts. Create lists or mind maps to visualise connections and possibilities. This technique helps you bypass the pressure of creating a perfect narrative and instead focuses on generating raw material.
3. Change your environment
Sometimes the space you’re writing in can contribute to writer’s block. Changing your environment can be a quick and effective way to shift your mindset.
Go somewhere new: If you usually write at home, try writing in a different room, at a café, or in a library. A change of scenery can help stimulate your creativity and provide new perspectives.
Minimise distractions: On the other hand, if your current environment is too distracting, consider minimising interruptions by turning off your phone or using apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block distracting websites.
Incorporate nature: Nature has been proven to boost creativity and mood. If possible, take your writing outside to a park or garden, or simply take a walk before sitting down to write again.
4. Establish a writing routine
Routines can help you condition your brain to write, even when you’re not feeling particularly inspired. A disciplined writing schedule can also help prevent writer’s block before it even starts.
Set a regular writing time: Choose a specific time each day when you will write, even if it’s just for 30 minutes. By making writing a daily habit, you reduce the reliance on inspiration and create a routine where writing feels more natural.
Write in small increments: Break your writing sessions into manageable chunks. Instead of trying to write for hours, set smaller time goals (e.g., 25 minutes of focused writing, followed by a 5-minute break, known as the Pomodoro Technique). This prevents burnout and can help maintain momentum.
5. Engage with other forms of creativity
Writer’s block may result from creative burnout, so engaging in different forms of art can be a great way to reignite your passion for writing.
Read a book: Reading a book, article, or essay on a topic unrelated to your writing can spark new ideas and perspectives. Sometimes immersing yourself in someone else’s words can bring clarity or a renewed sense of direction.
Watch movies or listen to music: Listening to music or watching a film that evokes the mood or tone of what you’re trying to write can put you in the right frame of mind. You may find that a particular piece of music inspires a scene or that a movie triggers an idea for your next chapter.
Artistic breaks: Try painting, drawing, or engaging in any other creative activity that takes your mind off writing for a while. This can refresh your mind and bring you back to writing with renewed energy.
Play with LEGO: The tactile, hands-on nature of building with LEGO activates different parts of the brain more than tasks like writing or thinking alone. It provides a mental break from traditional creative blocks while still encouraging lateral thinking. When you're stuck on a problem or need inspiration, assembling LEGO pieces into unexpected designs can lead to fresh perspectives and new ideas.
6. Collaborate or seek feedback
Writing doesn’t have to be a solitary activity. Sometimes discussing your ideas with others can help you work through writer’s block.
Talk to someone: Share your struggles or ideas with a trusted friend, fellow writer, or mentor. Even if they don’t have solutions, simply verbalising your thoughts can help clarify them.
Join a writing group: Joining a writing group or attending workshops can provide a sense of community, accountability, and motivation. Feedback from others can also help you see your work from new perspectives.
Co-writing sessions: If you have writer friends, try scheduling co-writing sessions. This way, you can write in each other’s company, keeping each other motivated and on track.
7. Overcome perfectionism
One of the most common causes of writer’s block is the pursuit of perfection. Many writers feel paralysed by the fear that their writing isn’t good enough, which can stop them from even starting. However, it’s essential to remember that the first draft doesn’t need to be perfect. Editing and proofreading come much later.
Write badly on purpose: Allow yourself to write a bad first draft. Accept that your initial attempt may be riddled with mistakes and clunky sentences, but that’s okay. You can’t edit a blank page, but you can always revise a messy one.
Focus on progress, not quality: Set goals that prioritise output over quality. Instead of aiming to write an incredible paragraph, aim to write 500 words—no matter how good or bad. This mindset can help you move forward without the pressure of creating something flawless right away.
8. Take care of yourself
Sometimes, writer’s block is a symptom of something deeper—stress, burnout, or neglect of self-care. Taking care of your physical and mental health can play a crucial role in overcoming creative blocks.
Rest and recharge: If you’ve been pushing yourself too hard, take a step back. Rest, sleep, and self-care can restore your energy levels and creativity. After all, writing is mentally taxing, and you need to give yourself time to recharge.
Exercise: Physical movement, especially walking, has been shown to improve cognitive function and creativity. Going for a walk or doing light exercise can clear your mind and help you think more clearly.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like mindfulness or meditation can reduce anxiety and help you focus on the present moment, making it easier to break through the mental fog that causes writer’s block.
Shake it off: Shaking it off like a dog is a powerful metaphor for resetting your frame of mind or shifting out of a negative mood. Picture a dog, drenched in water, shaking itself from head to tail with sheer vigour. It doesn’t think about it; it just instinctively rids itself of discomfort. You can adopt a similar approach to shake off stress or a bad mood. This could involve a brief burst of physical movement—like literally shaking your body, stretching, or dancing. The act helps release pent-up tension, recalibrating your mental state. By physically "shaking it off", you tell your brain that it’s time to let go of the negativity and reset.
9. Work on a different section
If you’re stuck on a particular scene, chapter, or section of your writing, try skipping ahead to a part that excites you more.
Write non-linearly: You don’t have to write your novel or essay in a linear fashion. If the section you’re stuck on is giving you trouble, jump ahead to a different part of the project where you feel more confident.
Change genres or mediums: Sometimes switching genres or formats can help unblock your creativity. If you're stuck on a serious novel, try writing a playful poem, or switch from prose to dialogue.
10. Do something boring
Doing something boring can be surprisingly effective in breaking writer's block because it allows your brain to relax and shift focus.
Fold the laundry: When you engage in a monotonous task like folding laundry, washing dishes, or hoovering all the carpets, your mind wanders freely without pressure. These moments of mental "downtime" often lead to breakthroughs because your subconscious starts working through creative ideas in the background.
Go for a walk: You might suddenly connect the dots on a tricky plot point or realise a new approach to your argument.
Boring tasks give your brain the space it needs to spark inspiration without the direct stress of forced creativity.
Writer’s block is frustrating but not insurmountable. By experimenting with different strategies—such as freewriting, changing your environment, or establishing a routine—you can push through those periods of stagnation and reignite your creativity. Remember that writing is a process, and overcoming blocks is part of that journey. Most importantly, be patient with yourself, and know that writer’s block is a temporary state.
If you'd like more help bringing your writing to life and getting it in perfect shape before publication, whether it be a basic proofread or full edit, get in touch to find out how we can work together.
Photo by Daniel K Chung on Unsplash
Comments