We’ve all been there. Staring into the abyss of the blank page, a cursor flashing at us, teasing us for the writing we just can’t seem to start.
Writer’s block is all too common, and it’s natural for every writer to experience it. It’s how we get ourselves out that matters. Today we’ll be diving into writer’s block, its causes, some practical steps you can take to alleviate it, plus some specific exercises you can implement to banish it for good.
So, let’s get started!
What is writer’s block?
Writer’s block is essentially being stuck in your writing process with seemingly no way forward. It can be overwhelming and frustrating and is experienced by most writers.
Usually, it’s a temporary phenomenon with writer’s overcoming it within minutes, hours, or sometimes days or weeks. So just what causes it?
Causes of writer’s block
Boredom
Many writers briefly lose their creative spark, tired of the content they’re currently writing. This doesn’t mean they’ve had enough of their story all together, it could just be a moment of boredom that plagues their writing process for a time.
Perfectionism
Everyone wants to create their best work, even before they’ve written their first word. Writers can constantly stew over the story in their head, never quite seeming to get it right. So, they never start writing. This is common at the start of a project, but can present itself at any time, triggering doubt in the writer’s mind.
Worry
Many writers are afraid that their work won’t be received well in the wide world, in a place open to critique and possible negativity. Conversely, some writers are overly critical of their own work, and worry about writing in case they themselves hate what they’ve created.
Fear of comparison
As with all forms of art, comparison is inevitable, with everyone having different likes, dislikes, and tastes. Many writers fear this comparison and won’t write because of it. It’s time to embrace the comparisons and opinions; you may just be surprised!
Wrong timing
Most writers will find themselves inspired at various times of the day, or in certain places and situations. Some are early birds, some night owls, and life can just get in the way, preventing writers from sitting down to create at their ideal time. When an opportunity to write then does present itself, it may not be at the ideal time.
Tips for overcoming writer’s block.
Currently stuck in a writer’s block rut? Have no fear, for we have several practical top tips that you can apply right now to get back on track.
Find the root of the problem
Ask yourself this: why am I feeling like this? What is causing my writer’s block? Is it because you feel a crushing pressure to succeed or compete with your fellow writers? Or is the problem within the story itself and you’ve lost sight or interest in it? Perhaps it’s a lack of confidence or are you just exhausted?
By understanding why you feel this way, you can hone down which techniques will work best for you to overcome your writer’s block. Just remember, you’re not alone, and all writer’s experience this.
Take inspiration from writers who inspire you
Whoever they are, there will have been someone who inspired you to start writing. Perhaps an author, screenwriter, teacher or even a friend gave you the first spark of inspiration to start writing.
Consider what it was about them or their work that harnessed your attention. What writing techniques or literary devices make their writing successful? Could you use similar methods in your own work? Are they experts in a specific genre? Is it the same genre you write in?
If the answers aren’t immediate, it’s the perfect opportunity to read or watch material that you love, and that informs your writing. It can be a great kickstart to continuing your writing process.
Create a new writing routine
You probably already have a writing routine in place that works for you, but it may be a sign to switch things up if you are finding writer’s block is rearing its ugly head often. The key is to be consistent, even if it’s one hour a day, week, or month.
For example, if you find you’re most alert and inspired in the mornings, wake up a little earlier to write, or if you prefer a more elongated amount of time, find a day with more free time, so you can really focus on creating something great. The most important thing is consistency.
Start writing something new
Working on the same project for an extended amount of time can become a little tiresome, especially when you become stuck on a character arc, plot point, or that one niggly scene you find you can’t quite get right.
Try writing something completely different, or if you have another project on the back burner, return to it and put your current work down for a while. When you return to it, you’ll have exercised your writing muscles, but will also have a fresh perspective on the piece that incited writer’s block in the first place.
Switch up your environment or redesign the one you’re already in
Where you sit and write should be spark your imagination and help get your creative juices flowing. If you find you’re losing focus at your current workstation, why not change it up and work outside, in a café, or simply in a different place in your house?
If this isn’t possible, why not redecorate your current writing space? Print out inspirational quotes, treat yourself to a new notebook or stationery. Or even a new keyboard and mouse if you use your computer to write. It could be as simple as changing your screensaver or tidying up your desk, so you have a clear yet inspiring place to write.
Exercises for overcoming writer’s block
Now let’s dive into some specific writing techniques you can use to boost your creativity and banish writer’s block for good.
Pomodoro Technique
This technique is commonly used to boost productivity in almost all professions and industries.
Set a timer for 25 minutes and just start writing. It could be anything to do with your current project, or something completely new. You just need to keep writing continuously for those 25 minutes until the timer beeps.
After this, take a 5-minute break away from your desk. Make a cup of tea, walk around the house. Whatever it may be, ensure you return to your desk once the 5 minutes are up, and start again, setting another 25-minute timer.
Repeat these steps three times. The results may just surprise you.
30-Minute Challenge
This exercise is great to build awareness of what distracts you and how you can remove those distractions from your work and head space. It’s best to do at the end of the day but can be done at any time.
Once again, set a timer, but for 30 minutes this time. Write down all the events in your day. At the end of the 30 minutes, take note of all the things that distract you in your writing process. These could be thoughts, noises, interruptions, people, pets, anything at all.
The internet is an all-too-common distraction for writers who can become lost in Google searches and research, as well as social media. If this is the case for you, why not try pen and paper for a while, away from any screens.
Or if you find it’s other people in the house distracting you, why not try taking some time when the house is quiet, or find a fresh writing space in which to work?
Try this exercise one day after another, each time applying the techniques to cure the distractions you identified. Repeat until you have found the best writing and head space possible for you.
People Watching
The people around us have huge influences on our work, whether we interact with them or not. Take yourself out into the world and listen to conversations and how people interact with each other.
You don’t just have to stick to coffee shops. Listen to conversations at the grocery store, in the street. Catching snippets of people’s exchanges can also help spark your creativity; what were they going to say next? How do they know each other? What if they had said ‘this’ instead?
Take the connections you observe and mould them into something new.
Use Writing Prompts
Writing prompts aren’t just for students and novices. They are great for more experienced writers and can be especially helpful if you’re struggling to produce an initial idea. Your idea may not be a direct representation of the prompt, but your unique interpretation can set you well on your way.
Polish Your Skills
As writer’s we are always learning; there’s simply too much knowledge for even the most experienced of writer’s lifetime. If you’re struggling with writer’s block, why not learn something new?
Pick up a book on writing, enroll in a course, find instructional videos online. Learn how other writer’s craft their work and see if you can apply their techniques to your work. Of course, not everything you learn will work for you, but ultimately knowledge is power!
Write in a Different Medium
Writing doesn’t just mean drafting a novel. If you’re struggling with a scene, for example, why not turn it into a screenplay, or a poem? A poem is a fraction of the length of a novel, so could be less pressure for you to write.
Similarly, you could create a short screenplay consisting of lots of dialogue exchanges to delve deep into your characters’ voices and motivations.
As well as defeating writer’s block, you may find that your story works just as well, if not better in a completely different medium. So many possibilities!
Deny writer’s block exists
Some have cited writer’s block as a myth, insisting that there is always something to write. Procrastination can be a common byproduct of writing, for the same reasons writer’s block appears.
If you find yourself stuck on a piece of work, consider what you could write alongside. For example, could you write a monologue from one of your character’s points of view, or edit a previous section of the project?
You may have to put a particular chapter or scene down for a while, but by working on another aspect of the project, you have not lost, only gained more knowledge about your characters and their world.
Reset
Take yourself away from writing for a while. Go for a walk, cook a delicious meal, or spend some time with friends and family. By putting your work out of your mind, you can come back to it feeling refreshed and ready to grapple with the blank page once again.
Sometimes gifting yourself space to breathe and distancing yourself from writing can make all the difference.
Conclusion
Overcoming writer’s block is a journey unique to each writer, but it’s worth it. Through understanding the root causes, implementing practical tips, and engaging in specific exercises, writers can navigate their way out.
Though daunting, writer’s block is a natural part of the creative process. It may stem from boredom, perfectionism, worry, fear of comparison, or simply wrong timing. By recognizing these factors, writers can address them head-on and regain their creative momentum.
Practical tips such as finding the root of the problem, seeking inspiration from admired writers, establishing an innovative writing routine, and exploring different writing mediums can provide pathways out of stagnation. Additionally, exercises like the Pomodoro Technique, the 30-Minute Challenge, people watching, using writing prompts, and polishing writing skills offer invaluable tools for overcoming blocks and fostering creativity.
Ultimately, denying the existence of writer’s block and embracing the idea that there’s always something to write can empower writers to push through barriers and continue their creative journeys. With persistence, patience, and a willingness to explore original approaches, writer’s block can be banished for good, opening doors to limitless creative possibilities.
