How to Overcome Writer’s Block-13 Tricks That Actually Work

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Do you know what writer’s block means? Do you know how to overcome writer’s block? Have you ever procrastinated and put off an important writing project? Maybe the dreaded essay or a business report that was due in a few days. 

It’s something most of us have experienced at some point. I know that, every now and then, my mind is frozen and I am unable to write a simple email to a friend.

Writer’s block is not an uncommon obstacle and can be quite frustrating. When you suffer from writer’s block, you lose your flow of creative writing and feel like a blank sheet of paper. 

This also makes you feel like a total failure and wonder if you will ever write again. Writer’s block can get in the way of your creativity, productivity, and happiness.

Writer’s block is an unavoidable problem for any writer. Whether you’re on a blog or a book project, at some point in time, you are going to experience a total lack of words. 

It may seem there is nothing to write about and the world has become a totally different place since yesterday or last week (that’s after you’ve emptied your mind).

The good news is that there are several steps you can take to overcome it. Here are a few techniques that I use to help me break through writer’s block.

See also: Why A Writing Style Matters For Your Blog – And How To Improve Yours

What is writer’s block?

Writer’s block happens when you have a writer’s procrastination. This is actually a psychological phenomenon known as the mental block or (real name) as writers drift. 

Writer’s block can be caused by many reasons and may also affect each writer differently. Once you have writer’s block, it can exponentially grow, and hold you back from writing. 

Writer’s block can be built up from various situations, which in turn causes you to not be able to produce anything. 

What causes writer’s block?

Fear

Most people who are afflicted with writer’s block will claim that the impediment occurs because they are unable to write anything worthwhile; however, the main culprit for such is fear

Usually it is fear of the loss of one’s inspiration, followed by the fear of criticism. The truth about writer’s block is that it is not something which occurs when words cannot be written, but a self-imposed limitation. 

There are those who declare that writing under pressure can cause this affliction; however, in time, this condition will pass, and quality work can once again be generated.

Perfectionism

Writer’s block is a function of perfectionism. If you’re not careful, perfectionism can not only stop your forward progress on a project, but it can also keep you from opening up to inspiration that would move you into action. 

You have been called to write, now let yourself write.

Lack of inspiration

Writer’s block can be caused by a number of reasons. Often, it’s simply that the writer has lost their inspiration and needs some time to re-think their approach or find something that motivates them again. 

Occasionally you may just be too tired or have suffered a disappointment and it takes a little time to get back into the right frame of mind. But sometimes it’s more difficult to get around writer’s block.

Distraction

Distraction is probably the biggest cause of writer’s block. Too many distractions will take your concentration away from your work. 

Whether you are writing a blog, an article, a book, or preparing reports for work, too much distraction will cause problems. 

You can’t be working on your “best” material when you don’t have the right mindset.

Procrastination

Procrastination is a habit that’s difficult to break. It dulls your mind, and makes you feel sluggish and unproductive. 

You’ll stay later at work to avoid the task of writing, and you’ll always be able to find something better to do on the weekends. 

It affects everything in your life, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

See also: 20 Ways To Ditch The Overwhelming and Become A Productivity Powerhouse

How to overcome writer’s block

So how can you eliminate writer’s block?

These are the best ways to overcome writer’s block if you haven’t finished that article you are working on.

Now let’s look for a cure to that writer’s block of yours:

1. Go for a walk

There is nothing worse than kicking yourself for being without ideas when inspiration for a piece is needed. 

The trick is to never panic, and go for a walk. Ideas will begin to flow from a relaxing stroll outside.

Being able to take a walk outside helps clear the mind and gets you in a different frame of mind. It is the opposite of being in front of your computer or staring at the wall in your house or apartment with the television on. 

The English have a saying “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”.

2. Free write through it

Free write is a journaling method where the writer writes down whatever comes to their mind without worrying over grammar and spelling, sense or context.

When you’re feeling stuck or uninspired, you can free write or jot down all of the possibilities and directions your writing could head in next. 

So take a pen and a notebook, use them as a warm-up when you want to start writing, or practice anywhere you can find a little alone time. 

Let your creativity flow from one sentence to the next, and who knows where it might take you.

3. Put together a puzzle

I have discovered that putting together a puzzle can help you overcome writer’s block. It is a fairly relaxing activity and it also helps to take your mind off the fact that you aren’t writing anything. 

When I am forced to take a vacation, I have found that putting together a puzzle is a nice way to relax and enjoy my free time as well as help me to get away from trying to force writing.

4. Change your music

Some people find that a change in music helps open up their creative flow. A different style of music can help you approach your work in a totally new way. 

What’s more, different styles of music are designed to relax the mind or wake it up, making them great for particular writing tasks.

Switch up your music, and you just might spontaneously find your writer’s block lifted. Studies show music stimulates the right hemisphere of the brain (the creative side), which goes hand-in-hand with writing. 

More importantly, it provides a listening distraction that can help get the block moving.

5. Map out your story

I have found that a writer’s block can be overcomed by simply taking the time to carefully map out your story. 

Prior to outlining what I want to say about my project, I had been struggling with how best to get my point across. 

Once I had all of the information laid out before me, it was much easier to figure out how to use each section of information to move toward supporting my main points. 

Getting your thoughts on paper also helps you to spot any plot holes or structural flaws beforehand.

6. Call a friend

A friend is better than the new editor. Call someone you have known for years who knows about your career and has no expectations of your writing abilities. 

Ask about their life, joke around with them, tell them about the latest news in your family and ask about theirs. 

After ten minutes you’ll feel better and be ready to write again.

7. Exercise

Exercise is very important for the brain as it enhances creative thinking. Runners have a better ability to think from multiple points of view, while weightlifting boosts creativity and improves memory. 

Swimmers have been found to have better concentration levels and a higher-than-average likelihood of being introverted.

8. Start in the middle

To unblock your creativity, write about any subject in the middle of your story. Start writing from the point in the story, and then move towards the beginning chapter by chapter. 

For instance, start with a murder scene in the middle of your novel, or a war scene in the middle of a screenplay. 

When you get stuck writing, work on scenes from the middle of your story and then move forward to begin completing the novel/screenplay chapter by chapter. 

Once you complete one chapter, move back to where you left off writing and continue with each successive chapter until you’ve completed your story.

See also: How To Promote Your Blog: The Complete Beginners Guide

9. Don’t edit while you write

The biggest problem with writer’s block is that you’re trying to write – which as we all know is impossible – and it makes you feel blocked and intimidated and just plain terrible. 

The solution is simple: don’t edit while you write. Try giving yourself a time limit, say 20 minutes per session, for just writing. It doesn’t have to be good writing either. 

Tiny bursts of writing followed by tiny bursts of editing add up to massive amounts of progress in research papers, term papers, dissertations, novels, plays, screenplays, business reports…everything .

10. Read aloud

Sitting down at the computer to write is a solitary activity. We often go into it with a blank mind and little to say. 

That’s not the case when you read aloud, you tend to be more expressive in your words and tone, there’s less time between penning sentences to doubt whether things make sense or not. 

Reading out loud stimulates the brain visually, emotionally and physically. It also helps you find the rhythm of your writing. 

The expression will automatically flow onto the page, which is why reading aloud helps with writer’s block.

11. Create a writing schedule

Another step to overcoming writer’s block is to create a writing schedule. By knowing when you plan to write and for how long, you are setting yourself up for success. 

Schedule at least 30 minutes a day, or up to an hour if needed. I know that 30 minutes a day may seem like a small amount of time, but it is enough time to set your mind in motion. 

As you progress with your writing schedule you will be able to add more time each day as needed. 

Also, try not to schedule more than an hour of writing time at any one time as this may be hard on your mind.

12. Fuel up

The great thing about writer’s block is that it only exists in your mind. The solution, however, may be found in your pantry. 

Remove the anxiety of writer’s block with a cup of coffee or tea and some snacks – I promise food will get you back on track. 

Plus, the distractions of food may also help you make decisions that weren’t there before.

13. Reread your favorite writing

Writer’s block can be a real hurdle for anyone looking to create. But remember, if you look hard enough, the answers to overcoming your writer’s blocks may already exist in the ones you’ve already written. 

As you read over older pieces, try identifying what made them effective or ineffective. You may find that your current work has similar strengths or weaknesses. 

Or maybe it will feel like you’re reading someone else’s work, and you’ll get swept up in the process of creating something new. 

Either way, it’s never too late to take a step back and reconsider where you’d like to take your writing next.

See also: 3 Ways To Find & Hire Talented Freelance Bloggers

Conclusion

These are the ways to overcome writer’s block. The point is to start writing. Just get your fingers moving, anything will do. 

Do not force it and do not try to think of the most ingenious ideas; just let the words flow freely until you reach a full stop.

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