Have you ever decided to write, only to stare at a blank screen because you can’t type the words? You might have writer’s block. Unfortunately, it can be very common, but we've got tips for writers block that will make all the difference.
If sitting down to write is easier said than done, you'll learn what causes writer’s block and how you can overcome it.
What is writer's block?
Writer’s block is when you are in a creative slump and can’t seem to get anything written. You might feel like you have a lot to write, but nothing makes sense, or you may feel like you’ve completely lost the ability to form sentences.
The moment you start to write, your fingers freeze, and your brain gets distracted. It can affect any writer at any time in their writing career.
In fact, many famous writers have been afflicted with writer’s block, including Leo Tolstoy and Virginia Woolf.
What causes writer's block?
So what causes writer's block? There are a few factors that can create roadblocks, including external and internal factors.
You may have been rejected by a publisher, don’t have time, or have other stressful events happening in your life. Or you can just be feeling anxious about the writing process.
Often writer’s block is caused by something internal. You might have self-doubt about your writing ability, have perfectionism or just be unmotivated to write.
One key to overcoming writers block is to work through any psychological barriers you may have.
10 tips for writers block to get you past it quickly
No writer likes having writer’s block, but it does happen. Fortunately, there are ideas you can use to try to overcome this problem. Here are some of our tips for writers block:
1. Keep writing
If you are struggling with how to deal with writer's block, one of the best tips is to just keep writing. For perfectionists, this is particularly true, as you may want your work to be flawless. Instead, remember that you can always come back and edit later.
Sometimes in order to get to the really good stuff, you have to work through the messy and badly written parts first. Get anything written, even if it’s “I don’t know what to write." It can help with your creativity.
2. Try a writing prompt
If you sit down to write and suddenly realize, “I have writer's block,” you might want to try a writing prompt. You can even make it more of a challenge by giving yourself a set time to write, such as 20 or 45 minutes.
Forcing yourself to write at a specific time can put enough pressure on you to start writing. If you’re looking for a list of writing prompts, you can check out sites like Writer’s Digest.
3. Read
Another tip for overcoming writers block is to set your writing aside and read. Reading your favorite writers can spark inspiration for your own work.
Try to read a few passages from your favorite book, some poetry, or a short essay. Reading good writing can help you get in the right mindset before you pick up your pen.
4. Write something else
If you start to think, “I have writer's block,” you might want to write something else. Sometimes your brain needs time away from a writing project, especially if you’ve been at it for a long time. Start a short story, work on an outline for a novel, or just write in your journal.
5. Go for a walk
Another way to figure out how to deal with writer's block is to go for a walk and give your writing brain a complete break.
Walking is very meditative and can give you the creative push you need to come up with ideas. By the time you’re back, your brain will be bursting with ideas, and you’ll be ready to sit down and start writing.
6. Switch up your workspace
One tip for overcoming writers block is to switch up your workspace. You might find that working in a new environment can help you stay focused.
Try to find a place to write that is free from distraction, whether that’s a coffee shop, your own office, or the kitchen table.
7. Work on another part of the story
Some of the tips for writers block include working on another part of the story. If you find yourself stuck with one chapter, try writing from another angle. Start writing the conclusion or the middle.
You can also try to plan out your story to get a better picture of where your writing is going. There’s not a rule that says you have to stick with writing your novel chronologically!
8. Use the Pomodoro technique
Whenever I have writer's block I try to use the Pomodoro technique. This strategy was developed by Francesco Cirillo as a time management tool.
The idea is to set a timer for 25 minutes and work on one thing for that length of time, before taking a five-minute break.
9. Write at the same time every day
One of my favorite tips for writers block is to write at the same time every day. If you're content to sit around waiting for inspiration to strike, it never will. Instead, plan out when you are going to write.
If you work full-time that might mean waking up early to write before you go to work or writing during your lunch break. Whenever it is, make sure to be consistent and stick with it every day.
10. Forget about writer's block
One of the ways to learn how to deal with writer's block is to just forget about it. In fact, some even think that writers block is simply a myth.
While writing is hard, sometimes all you need to do is work through the difficulty. And that can be as simple as deciding that you don’t have writer’s block.
Articles related to more writing tips
Enjoyed this article? Here are some more articles on writing tips to help you excel as a writer!
- Getting Started As A Beginner Freelance Writer (In-depth Guide)
- Creating Your Writers Toolkit: 14 Best Tools For Writers
- Interesting Topics To Write About For A Book!
Use these tips for writers block, and remember to just keep writing!
Regardless of which tips for writers block you decide to apply, a lot of them have the same principle. Just start writing.
The real trick is to come up with a different technique or give your brain a break to get inspired, and then get back to writing. If you apply these 10 tips to your writing toolbox, you’ll be back to writing in no time!
Now that you know about writer's block, take it one step further by reading our article, good questions to ask an author.