Writer’s block can be a challenging and frustrating experience. It’s when a writer is unable to produce work due to a variety of reasons ranging from mood, lack of inspiration, or just feeling stuck. Whether you are a professional writer, a student working on an essay, or simply someone trying to express their thoughts on paper, the inability to put words down can feel like hitting a creative roadblock.
As a blogger and creator, writer’s block can be difficult when you’re trying to plan your content calendar for the month, especially if you feel like you’ve touched on most topics. Thankfully, there are various techniques and strategies that can help overcome writer’s block and reignite that creative spark. Here are 8 ways to overcome writer’s block.
1) Take a Break It can be difficult to step away from your work, especially when you’re in the middle of brainstorming. However, sometimes the best thing you can do when you’re experiencing writer’s block is to take a break. Get up, walk around, re-direct your focus elsewhere, and then come back to your work with fresh eyes.
2) Free Write Free writing is an easy and effective technique that encourages you to write for 5-10 minutes without stopping or worrying about what you’re writing. A great professor once told me to pick one word at random, and if nothing comes to mind during your freewriting session, just write that one word over and over again until something comes up. Just let your thoughts flow freely onto the page and it can help to get the creative juices flowing again.
3) Change Your Environment If you’re used to writing in the same spot every day, try working in a different location. Switching up your work environment can help overcome writer’s block by providing a fresh perspective and stimulate creativity. You’ll often find new ideas and break up those writer’s block blues.
4) Try Creative Prompts Try a writing prompt and make yourself write for at least 5-10 minutes on that topic. This can help get the creativity flowing and get you back into the writing zone. Writing prompts can include a topic, phrase, or even a beginning of an idea that you’re required to finish. A few of my favorite examples from Skillshare include,
• Go on a walk, notice a plant or bird, and write about its features in detail.
• Begin a story with “It was a dark and stormy night…”
• You just left town and sold everything you own. Where’d you go? Why?
• Write about what it feels like to drive through a scenic stretch of road.
• Describe how a particular color makes you feel.
5) Use Your Notes We tend to experience random bursts of creativity, which is why I recommend jotting down your ideas. Find a tool that’s convenient for you, whether that’s using a physical journal or the Notes app on your phone. Whenever I experience writers block, I always refer to my notes and find inspiration again.
6) Limit Distractions Don’t let distractions such as social media notifications, incoming emails, or phone calls can divert your attention away from your writing goals and hinder the creative process. Create an environment conducive to concentration and productivity without unnecessary disruptions that could further contribute to feelings of frustration or stagnation associated with writer’s block.
7) Talk to Someone If you’re fresh out of ideas, consider talking to a friend or a family member. If you’re stuck on a specific topic or if you don’t have any ideas in mind, having a conversation can spark inspiration for whatever project you’re working on. If you have a social media following, you can always ask your audience what they’d like to see!
8) Be Patient Remember that writing is hard work and everyone experiences writer’s block from time to time. Don’t be too hard on yourself and be patient with your own creative process. The more you write, the more you’ll find your rhythm and the more you’ll start to enjoy the process.
In conclusion, writer’s block is a common hurdle that many individuals face at some point in their writing journey. By implementing techniques such as taking breaks, free-writing, and seeking inspiration from different sources, you can break through the barriers of writer’s block and regain your writing flow. Remember to be patient with yourself and embrace the process of creativity! With the right mindset, you will triumph over writer’s block time and time again. How do you overcome writer’s block? I’d love to hear your thoughts. For more posts relating to productivity, visit my tag here.
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Love this post, I’m currently in a writing/ideas/motivation slump so have been on break, now taking tentative steps to get back into it…..
Also, I need to turn the sodding internet off to stop me getting distracted
Writer’s block is tough and I’m glad to hear you’re finding ways to get back on track. The internet can be a great place for motivation but also a huge distraction as well, especially our phones! Thank you for reading Sarah.
I’ve definitely experienced writer’s block before as a blogger, and these are great suggestions on how to overcome it. For me, I find taking a break and not thinking about what to write the most effective. I will go about my day and often be inspired and have a topic pop into my head that I would like to write about. I also keep a list of blog post ideas that I can always refer to if I need inspiration.
Those are all wonderful ways to combat writers block. I’m glad taking a break has been helpful for finding inspiration again. Thank you for reading Karalee!
I really appreciated your tip for taking a break. Getting rested and refreshed make writing so much easier. Finding a fresh environment is also a great idea. I get some of my best ideas when I am walking outside or visiting a new place for the first time.
Taking a break makes a huge difference, even though it can be hard to step away sometimes. Spending time in nature or being in a new environment always sparks inspiration, I’m glad it’s been helpful for you! Thank you for reading Heidi!
I find it so hard when I have writer’s block. It is so hard to turn it around and start writing. I bit of time pressure helps me though.
Corinne x
https://skinnedcartree.com
Pressure can definitely be helpful at times, I’m glad it’s something that helps you out with writer’s block. Thank you for reading Corinne!
The biggest block in my writing is finding time when my housemates won’t bother me. I like a distraction-free zone just to focus, and my little dogs only want to play when I’m home. Lol!
Hahaha I would be distracted by cute little dogs too! Thank you for reading ER!
Very inspiring post
Thank you for reading Rameen!
A very inspiring post. I think this blockage is a serious problem for many people. Great tips that can help!
Greetings from Poland!
Thank you so much Klaudia!
Limiting distractions is a great tip. Sometimes I put my phone on do not disturb if I really need to focus.
Lisa
http://www.lovefromlisa.com
I love that feature! It’s very helpful when you’re trying to minimize screen time and distractions. Thank you for reading Lisa!
Being patient and taking breaks is crucial to overcoming writer’s block! Thanks for sharing all of these tips!
https://melissakacar.com
100%! Not rushing the process and just giving ourselves time is always helpful. Thank you for reading Melissa!
Changing the environment can really help a lot! I get blockage sometimes for blog posts, and going to a coffee shop or something really helps!
Lots of love,
Krissi of the marquise diamond
https://www.themarquisediamond.de/
It really does! I love coffee shops, I always found myself incredibly productive when I’m there. Thank you for reading Krissi!
Writer’s block is definitely something I struggle with a lot- it’s why I changed my blog schedule to post once a week. This allows me to take a break to properly have ideas, so I’m not burnt out. I might try writing a bit on vacation as I am going away for a week. Great post!
That’s a great idea, Winnie! Rather than trying to come up with content on a demanding schedule, it’s nice to give ourselves more time to work on something we’re happy with. I hope you have a great time on vacation and thank you for reading!
Great tips! Writer’s block is so real. After blogging for 5 years, I’ve experienced feeling stuck and uninspired to write anything. Taking breaks, reviewing my notes, and free-writing are some of the ways that help me overcome this too.
It can be so difficult to come up with new content when you have writer’s block. I’m glad you’ve found ways to overcome this! Thank you for reading Fritzie!
These are such great tips! Writer’s block is definitely something I struggle with a lot – as well as running my blog I’m just about to enter my second year of a creative writing degree! I think freewriting is really helpful and stepping away from any distractions is key, too! Thank you so much for sharing x
That’s amazing! I’m glad to hear free writing and minimizing distractions have been helpful for you. Thank you for reading!
I have a spreadsheet with blog post ideas, and yet sometimes they aren’t enough. I don’t want to write about something I’m not excited about so I really like the idea of free writing. That would definitely help me find my excitement again x
Using a spreadsheet sounds like a great idea! I agree that sometimes we may not be in the mood to write about the things we’ve come up with, which is why free writing is such a great exercise to find inspiration in the present moment. Thank you for reading Caroline!
It must be extremely challenging at times to come up with new post topics. I have also have experienced writer’s block but because it’s a hobby for me I can walk away when I’m struggling and start again another day when the words flow easier. You’ve come up with some terrific strategies to help. Thanks for sharing Winnie!
Thank you Jodie! It can be difficult coming up with new ideas, but thankfully there are practical ways to find inspiration again. Thank you for reading!