5 Tips To Overcome Writer's Block

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Introduction

Believe it or not, writer’s block is real and VERY common. I experience it all the time to some extent. When writing these blogs, when writing captions for social media, and sometimes even writing simple things like a birthday message. Just know that it is normal, everybody has it, and you will be fine.

There are dozens of things you could be doing when you’re hit by writer’s block. People respond to different types of stimuli, so if one of these does not work, try the next one and so on. Hopefully, one of these 5 tips (which I believe are the big ones) will help turn your writer’s block off.

1- Take A Break

Sometimes we are so involved with what we do that it starts to overwhelm our thought process. A lot of times, writer’s block comes from stress or exhaustion. Whenever you feel drained or out of ideas, take a break.

Take a day off, go out, breathe some fresh air, talk to other people, forget about your story for a few hours... Then, come back with fresh eyes and start writing again. There is no shame in taking a break if that will make you come back stronger.

2- Get Inspiration From Others

Sometimes the best way to beat writer’s block is to get inspiration from other people. And for writers, that means reading.

Start reading a new book, pay attention to the flow of the story and what you like about it, then try to apply that into your work. Another idea is to read articles or blog posts from your favorite writers or that talk about the writing process. There are times that we just need to be reminded why we do what we do.

3- Disrupt Your Routine

Are you “team routine” or “team do everything that comes to mind in no particular system at all?” I have to confess I like the idea of having a routine to some extent, but it is hard to control everything happening on any given day. Because of the nature of what I do, it is even more difficult to repeat my routine day after day. There are never two days in which I do the exact same things.

Routines are suffocating for some people while for others it is extremely necessary. There are great benefits to having a set routine, but sometimes we just need to disrupt it a little. Otherwise, we get into our comfort zone and stop being productive or creative.

For writer’s block, that can translate to your environment. For example, if you have the habit of writing in the same space, with the same computer, under the same lighting, try to change the setting. It may be the breath of fresh air you have been looking for. Your new surroundings may spark new ideas or unlock old ones, and get you back on track.

4- Try Writing Exercises

As a writer, you have probably gone through writing exercises before. If not, check out this blog post and this blog post for some exercise suggestions.

Anyway, a good exercise to get rid of writer’s block is “word vomiting.” With this, you literally write everything that comes to mind on a piece of paper. No pauses, no edits, no time to think before writing. This can help with freeing your ideas and putting your thoughts into words.

5- Know You Can Do It

Other very common causes for writer’s block are perfectionism, impostor syndrome, fear of failure, and fear of rejection. When you feel like you are not enough or that you cannot do it, talk to a friend or find some motivation elsewhere.

People feel motivated by different things. Some are motivated by money, others by family or loved ones, others by success... No matter what motivates you, go after it. If that’s your family, spend some time with them and try to reconnect with your “inner writer.” If working out motivates you, then go to the gym. The important thing is to find what motivates you and hold on to that.