How To Overcome Writer's Block: 12 Pro Tips to Beat It
Picture this: You’re staring at a blank screen, and instead of writing, you just keep staring. It’s not like this is what you want – you genuinely don’t know what to say. But be gentle with yourself: You’re experiencing writer's block, and it happens now and again to everyone who writes, just about anything. Below, you’ll learn how to overcome writer’s block and why your writing process hit a snag in the first place.
What Is Writer's Block?
Writer's block happens when you’re trying to put words to paper, but you feel stuck, unsure, or out of ideas. You can experience this very common issue when you’re first starting out with a new assignment or project, or it can drop in mid-sentence without warning. You don’t need to be a professional author, reporter, or creative writer to deal with writer’s block, either: Anyone can experience this “stuck” feeling, no matter how small or large the writing needs before them. Here’s how and why writer’s block may occur:
Self-doubt: Maybe you’re starting your dream writing project, or you’re up against a big deadline. In either case, the expectations are high, which could mean you’re feeling a bit stressed about getting the project done. Unfortunately, that stress could easily open the door to a rabbit hole of more worries, making it even more challenging to focus.
Timing: Do you have a lot going on right now? Sometimes, you just need to take a step back and think for a bit before setting some writing time in your schedule.
Perfectionism: Writer’s block can be inevitable if you strive for perfection with every keystroke. Getting pulled into the trap of perfection doesn’t help your creative juices flow – it just causes more stress. We’re here to remind you: It’s OK not to produce five-star writing on your first draft.
Low motivation: Maybe you’ve had a tough week, and your brain doesn’t want to function. None of this makes you lazy; it just makes you a regular person. Overcoming writer’s block can be as simple as tending to your needs and then returning later to put ideas to paper.
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Distractions: Are you trying to write in a loud coffee shop when you really prefer quiet, or is Facebook calling your name from a tab in your browser? Distractions like these make it tougher to focus on writing.
Is It Normal to Get Writer's Block?
Absolutely! Writer’s block happens to everyone now and again. And you won’t be stuck with it forever. Admittedly, some people struggle with this more than others, and it can be even more challenging to face when there’s a time-sensitive manner on the line. But eventually, it’ll fade, and your masterpiece will be within reach.
12 Ways to Overcome Writer's Block
If you’re struggling to come up with ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Below are 13 ways to overcome writer’s block.
1. Improve your writing space
Maybe your current writing space, with its poor lighting and squeaky chair, is not the inspiring enclave you need to encourage ideas. That means it’s time to switch things up. Try rearranging your desk or adding a new lighting fixture to level up your space.
2. Use the Pomodoro Technique
If your lack of inspiration stems from an inability to concentrate for long periods, the Pomodoro Technique might save you. This technique creates an on-off writing schedule that builds in breaks. You’ll sit down to write for a while, then take a break, then repeat. Lots of folks who utilize the Pomodoro Technique write for 25 minutes, then take five-minute breaks, but you can adjust the timing however you need.
3. Plan a time and make a habit
When are you the most productive? If you feel more creative and energetic in the morning, that’s when you should write. Set an alarm to wake up at the same time each morning and use that morning time to get your writing done. Over time, your body, and brain will adjust to the flow, and you’ll learn to write your very best at these times.
4. Try writing something else
Instead of trying to tackle whatever’s on your task list, switch things up with a writing exercise. Grab a journal and find a fun prompt that taps into your creative side, or list some bullet points of things that make you happy. These exercises are a simple way to relax your nerves and help you think about something else for a bit, which can help burst through that writer’s block.
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5. Read
If you genuinely can’t put your words to paper, ditch your writing for now and pick up a book. Reading is a great way to get your mind off things and indulge in a fantasy that may inspire a writer’s block-breaking idea. Plus, maybe you’ll read something that’ll inspire your own writing.
6. Don’t start with the title
Although the title is the first thing people will see when they read what you write, starting there can be like staring at a blank wall. Seriously: Your title doesn’t have to be the first thing you put on paper. Begin somewhere else on your piece – the outline, the first line, the conclusion, the body. Your completed piece will likely have some recurring threads you can fuse into a winning title.
7. Automate repetitive writing
Whether you’re writing an email, composing a blog, or writing a weekly report for what seems like the 100th time, occasional writer’s block is inevitable. Use technology to your advantage and get rid of your usual repetitive typing tasks with Text Blaze’s easy-to-use, fully customizable snippets. Once you've taken care of your repetitive typing, you’ll always have a great starting point to add the creative words needed instead of staring at a blank screen.
8. Change your environment
Sometimes, sitting at your desk staring out the window isn’t the right place to inspire great writing. Introducing a new location can help trigger new ideas, as it encourages your brain to process this new experience and generate new ideas. University of California, Berkeley researchers have backed this up, finding that your environment significantly shapes your creativity in a series of studies.
9. Listen to music
Other types of art besides writing can help you find your creativity. Music is a great example: Screaming to a loud song or crying to a love ballad can really clear your mind. Behind all that fog might lie your best idea yet. Science backs this, too: Listening to upbeat, stimulating music helped encourage divergent thinking – which involves making new combinations and connections – among participants in a 2017 study that explored this topic.
10. Brew some coffee
Coffee is a great little caffeine boost and a cup of joy all in one. If you aren’t into drinking pure writing fuel – as in, straight-up black coffee – soften things up with a delicious flavored latte or cappuccino. No matter how you like your coffee, the caffeine it contains has been linked to cognitive enhancement, which can help inspire new ideas when you’re feeling tapped out.
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11. Meet a friend
Spending time with the people you love can get you out of a writing funk. Not only is a chat with a friend a welcome distraction and a break from the grind, but stirring up warm memories can help inspire new ideas. Take some time off from your scheduled writing slot to chat with a friend over some coffee, and hopefully you’ll be back refreshed with new ideas.
12. Build a collection of ideas
Your smartphone’s notes app can be your best friend when it comes to beating writer’s block. Any time you have an idea you could use later, jot it down in your notes. Keep building this note – never delete anything, just keep building. Then, when you’re stuck in a rut, pull up the note for some inspiration. You might just find the words you were struggling to see.
Wrapping up:
Writer’s block is annoying and can affect almost everybody. Our advice? Start using these time-tested tips to manage your writers block, and you’re good to go!
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