When researching this topic, I came across a post that called writer’s block a myth. The writer gave different reasons why he thought so.
According to him, writers only feel they have a block because they are perfectionists who don’t forgive themselves when they make a mistake. Another reason is that it is just an excuse to procrastinate.
I completely understand his perspective and even agree with him because I have done some introspection on it myself and found those are parts of the reasons that my work doesn’t make progress.
But here is the thing: whether or not you believe writer’s block is a myth, it is a real experience for many writers. And we deserve to find a solution to get out of that creative roadblock.
This is why I proceeded to write this; to help my fellow writers overcome writer’s block.
If you need help to keep writing even when you are struggling, continue reading to learn how to get over writer’s block.
What Is Writer’s Block?
I included this not because I didn’t expect any writer not to know the meaning. But just in case you are an amateur writer and wondering what is happening to you, let’s define the term.
Writer’s block is when a writer experiences creative shutdown or mental burnout that makes it difficult to keep writing. It is basically struggling to come up with what to write for an existing project or new ideas on what to write on.
If you’re struggling with this and wondering how to cure it, read along.
10 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block
1. Take a Break
Sometimes, the best way to beat writers’ block is to stop trying so hard.
Seriously.
Step away from the screen, close that notebook, and do something else; take a walk, binge a show, or even clean – yes, that counts too.
Giving your brain a little breathing room can let ideas sneak in when you’re not forcing them.
Have you ever noticed how your best thoughts come in the shower or when you’re falling asleep? That’s because your brain’s relaxing at that time.
So don’t feel guilty for hitting pause when you are struggling.
If you are a writer and have written before, you are still a writer. Don’t worry, your creativity isn’t gone; you are just hitting a little impasse.
A nap can be all you need to get back on track.
And if it’s for a new project, one idea that could work is to travel. Leave the work and go on a vacation; it doesn’t have to be out of the country.
Going to a new city and interacting with the culture and people can even help you get your creative juices running again.
2. Write Something Else
If you are writing something and seem stuck on it, instead of staring at the blank screen or just writing and deleting stuff, consider switching gears.
For example, if you were writing a book, you can try writing a blog post, a poem, or a journal entry instead.
Or you could try writing something supposedly silly, like a random scene about a talking dog who owns a bakery. Honestly, it doesn’t have to make sense; it just has to get you writing again.
Sometimes your mind needs a little detour to find its way back to the actual project.
And writing something else loosens you up, breaks the perfectionist trap, and reminds you that hey, you can still write. There is nothing more freeing and encouraging than that.
3. Freewrite
If you’ve been writing for a while, you must have heard others say freewriting is effective but you may still be wondering how freewriting helps you overcome writer’s block.
I would have been asking this question too if I hadn’t tried it and seen that it works. I made so much progress on a novella I was writing for a while after I tried freewriting.
Freewriting is writing with no rules or structure, just write as it comes.
You can set a timer for five or ten minutes and write whatever comes to mind.
Or you could do the same for your project; just keep writing.
Don’t censor yourself. Don’t worry if it’s weird, messy, or makes zero sense. The goal is to let the words flow, not to write your next masterpiece.
Two things are likely to happen; you may get a tiny gem or fresh idea pop up when you’re not thinking so hard or you may have a messy first draft that moves you along, which you can then go back to edit rather than wait for weeks for inspiration.
Freewriting is amazing because it clears the initial mental clutter and gets you back in touch with your creative voice.
Just make sure not to think too much or you will be forced to stop. The magic is to keep writing.
4. Seek Inspiration from Other Creatives
Creativity is contagious and sometimes, you just need to soak up from another person’s creativity.
When you are struggling, that may be your cue to watch a movie with stunning cinematography, scroll through an artist’s Instagram page and read their creative process, read a book with killer dialogue or even listen to music with good lyrics.
You will be surprised how your mind will sharpen by interacting with someone else’s work. Seeing how others express themselves can shake something loose in your own brain.
Inspiration is all around you; stay open to it if you are struggling.
Also Read: 10 Practical Ways to Generate Blog Post Ideas
5. Talk About the Project
Sometimes, all you need is to say it out loud.
You can grab a friend or call your sibling for this, or even rant to your pet; just find a way to talk about your project.
Tell them things like what it’s about, what excites you, and where you got stuck? Saying it out loud can help you process ideas in a way typing can’t. And you’ll often uncover solutions just by hearing yourself explain the problem.
Plus, although I know I said to talk to your pet, speaking to a human might be more productive because they may offer insight you hadn’t thought of or even ask you a question that can give you a brilliant idea.
So don’t isolate yourself; take advantage of your network and talk your way to your breakthrough.
6. Read What You Have Written
It’s easy to get blocked when you’re convinced everything you’ve written is trash. Most creatives are the greatest critics of their work, so that’s not so surprising.
However, trust me that it’s probably way better than you think.
So, go back and read what you’ve already written, not to critique it, but to reconnect with it.
It will remind you why you started, what moments you love, and what direction you were headed. You might even stumble across a paragraph that makes you think, “Wait, I wrote that?”
That little boost of confidence is very necessary to reignite your motivation.
7. Develop a Routine
Now, I know some people believe creativity shouldn’t be boxed and that’s true.
However, it also loves a good rhythm; a simple writing routine keeps you grounded and helps with creativity.
I don’t know how this works as I am not a scientist, but I know our brain adjusts to our routine. So, your brain might cooperate better when you have a routine that it’s used to.
I am not saying you have to wake up at 5 a.m. with birds chirping and coffee brewing – unless that’s your thing, of course.
Just find a time and space that works for you. If 20 minutes in the evening, or writing every Saturday morning works best for you, that’s fine.
The more consistent you are, the more your brain starts to associate that time with “writing mode.”
Again, I can’t explain how it works but when you show up often enough, inspiration will learn to meet you there.
Also Read: Why You Should Have a Website as a Writer
8. Lower Your Expectation
Perfection is the enemy of progress. If every sentence has to be brilliant, it’s no wonder you’re blocked.
Let yourself write badly; it’s okay and maybe even good for our egos; God knows, we have plenty of that as writers.
So, give yourself room to be a fallible human – write clichés, repeat the same word ten times – Just write. Drafts are supposed to be messy anyway. Fortunately, we can edit them to beat them to shape.
You need to give yourself permission to write something “meh,” then come back and polish it later.
Remember that you can’t edit a blank page; it’s better to have something you can work with, which is how freewriting can overcome writer’s block.
Let go of the pressure and embrace the process; your first draft isn’t your final product.
9. Change Your Scenery
As much as our brain works well with a routine, it also gets bored with monotony.
If you always write in the same spot – same desk, same chair, same background noise – it might be time to shake things up.
Take work to a new café, go outside, or even just move to a different room.
A fresh environment can trigger new thoughts and perspectives.
In fact, sometimes, all you need to do is to light a candle, play a new playlist, or even something trivial like adding a plant to your workspace.
You’ll be surprised how making a small change can cause a big difference.
10. Be Kind to Yourself
Like I said, writers are their own biggest critic, but you need to ease up on yourself a little.
Writer’s block doesn’t mean you’re lazy, uncreative, or not cut out for this; it just means you’re human.
Writing is hard, and sometimes your brain just needs a minute. So instead of beating yourself up, try treating yourself with compassion.
That means speaking to yourself like you would a friend, celebrating small wins and taking breaks without guilt.
That also means that you’re allowed to have off days and be unsure.
As long as you keep showing up – gently and consistently – you will get there.
Progress is more about consistency, it is not always a sprint. Much more, be proud of yourself for trying; I know I am.
Share some of your struggles with me and let’s discuss; you may find you are not as alone as you feel.
