If you’ve ever experienced writer’s block, you’re not alone. If anything, you’re completely normal! It can happen to anyone, no matter how seasoned they are as a writer.
Luckily, there are tried and true methods and tips writers have used for ages to combat this pesky issue.
If you feel as though you’ve hit a dead stop, use these five tips to say “goodbye” to writer’s block and knock out whatever you’re working on.
1. Just write, even if it’s “bad”
A common root of writer’s block is pressure, whether it’s pressure from yourself or an outside force. Writers often feel like their writing always has to be “perfect” just because they’re writers—that’s nonsense!
Don’t focus on making it perfect; focus on getting your thoughts out. Getting caught up in the pressure of finding the perfect way to say something will ultimately hinder you from writing anything at all. When I’m doing this, I allow myself to use filler words or phrases I’ll eventually cut out, such as: really, like, due to this, and because of that, etc. It helps me feel less pressured to sound “good” and just let my thoughts flow freely.
Once you get your thoughts out of your brain and onto paper (or a screen), I bet you’ll step back and think: “I have some pretty solid ideas to go off of.”
2. You don’t have to start at the beginning
Writing doesn’t have to be linear. There’s no rule of writing that says you MUST start at the beginning. Start wherever you have ideas.
Sometimes, I’ll start at the conclusion (maybe I did for this blog, you’ll never know) instead of the introduction. If you feel super excited about the information you want to include in the middle, start there! After getting into the groove of writing whatever part you’re most interested in, putting together everything else is much easier.
3. Use a productivity technique
If your writer’s block stems from your inability to focus, try a productivity technique. The Pomodoro® Technique works to cut down interruptions through six objectives.
According to Francesco Cirillo, the creator of this technique, we’re most productive in 25-minute blocks. So block off 25 minutes on your calendar, set a timer, turn all your notifications off, and write! It may be challenging, but once your timer goes off, stop. The technique doesn’t work if you keep going!
4. Walk away
If you’ve been staring at your screen for hours without a single sentence written, it may be time to give yourself a mental break. While it may feel counterproductive to walk away, it’s usually what your mind needs.
Take a walk, unload your dishwasher, shower, listen to music or a podcast, read, talk to your pet, do your laundry, whatever helps you decompress! Let your mind wander and relax. After you’ve chilled out for a bit, whether it was for 15 minutes or a few days, you’ll most likely find that you’ve replenished your creative juices and that your capacity to write has improved.
5. Write something else
Maybe your writer’s block isn’t stemming from the act of writing itself but the specific project you’re working on. In this case, it can be helpful to take your mind off your current project and write something else, even if it’s just for fun!
Writer’s Digest and Reedsy Prompts have hundreds of free writing prompts you can use to get your creative juices flowing. We’re not saying to ditch your original project entirely, but taking 15 to 20 minutes to focus on writing something else, and maybe something more fun, can help tremendously with kicking writer’s block to the curb.
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