Every writer hits a wall at some point in their journey. Sometimes, in my workshops, I call writer’s block a myth. Not because it doesn’t exist but because it is not as daunting as some make it out to be. Usually there is a reason for the writer’s block. Just like any journey, you’ll want to identity where you took this wrong turn and found yourself stuck against this wall.
Understand Your Writer’s Block
The first step to overcoming writer’s block is identifying what’s causing it. There are many reasons writers get stuck:
Fear of imperfection: Feeling like your words need to be flawless can paralyze progress. Nothing we do will ever be perfect but it can be complete. Over the years, I have had to accept that there will always be something I will notice and want to change when reading back through my work. This is because we are always learning and growing.
Burnout: If you’ve been pushing yourself too hard, your creativity might need a break. I find it necessary to take a walk around the block or run an errand. I’m not sure about you but for me it is super easy to get buried in my work and forget to come up for air in the real world…that will lead to burnout.
Story issues: Sometimes, the plot, characters, or pacing need rethinking before you can move forward. I am very much a pantser not a plotter and over the years I have recognized the importance of plotting. Even if it is simply bullet pointing the highlights of what will be happening, I have to ensure I know where my characters are going or I will not be able to get them there.
I have seen, and experienced, many root causes from daunting deadlines to poor plotting. Take a step back, reflect, and ask yourself, “What’s holding me back?” Once you identify the root cause, you can tackle it with intention.
Reignite Your Creativity
Sometimes, all you need is a little spark to get the words flowing again. Try these simple exercises to jump-start your creativity:
Freewriting
Set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind, no matter how unrelated or messy. You may not have realized that you’ve been so focused on one particular project that you’ve allowed it to consume you and clog your creativity. I’m sure the majority of us have been there. Freewriting has a way of unclogging the writer’s block and ensuring the creativity flows freely.
Writing prompts
Use a fun or unusual prompt to shake up your routine. Here are some examples:
- Write a letter from your character’s future self.
- Imagine an elephant rushed through the room you are in right now, what would happen?
- If you were a bird, where would you fly in a day?
- Write a short story in a random genre.
Prompts are endless and are a great way to shake up your normal writing routine. They force you to write outside your comfort zone and challenge your mind to be creative. They help you think outside the box and could be just what you need to find a solution for your block.
Change your environment
A fresh setting, like a park or library, can also help you see things from a new perspective. We were not designed to stare at screens or paper all day. We were meant to be out roaming around, living life which then creates amazing stories. To remove writer’s block, the modern writer must remember to step away from their writing, explore the world around them and observe for inspiration. Sometimes a simple change in scenery is all it takes, other times it may be a conversation with a friend or a spark of inspiration while people watching.
Remember, progress isn’t always about finishing a scene or chapter. These exercises keep your creativity alive and ready for when inspiration strikes. The best advice I have ever received was, “Writers, write.” It is simple, to the point and so very true.
Redefine Progress
Speaking of progress, let’s redefine what it looks like. Writer’s block often stems from feeling overwhelmed by the enormity of the task at hand. Instead of aiming for perfection or a massive breakthrough, shift your focus to achievable, bite-sized goals:
- Brainstorm ideas for your next chapter without worrying about structure.
- Write a random scene for your story and worry about placement later.
- Write the ending and fill in the blanks on how your character will get there. (Sometimes the block comes because you’re not sure where your character is meant to go.)
Some of this advice I can get behind and some of it I would have a hard time implementing but have seen other authors successfully accomplish so I wanted to share it as well. The best way to sum up progress is to figure out what winning looks like to you. If winning is only achieved when the story is completed, I can guarantee you will find a writer’s block within your journey. Celebrating small victories along the journey will help you build momentum and the confidence needed to keep moving forward.
Find Your Way Through Writer’s Block
Remember, every writer faces moments of struggle, but each block is an opportunity to grow. By understanding the source of your block, experimenting with creative exercises, and redefining success, you’ll find words once again and finish your story.
What’s your go-to strategy for breaking through writer’s block? Share your tips in the comments below, and download our free “Break the Block” eBook today!