Every writer knows what writer’s block is. It usually starts like this: open up a document, type in a few words, delete them, write them again, and then turn off the screen. Your head is empty, and so is your stomach. After a good meal and numerous cups of coffee, you realize you still feel the same.
Writer’s block is not only an inconvenience; it can be a significant hindrance. It is hurting your writing. It makes you doubt your skill and slows down your progress. However, writer’s block is not permanent. You have already taken a large first step by recognizing it.
In this guide, you will learn how to clear writer’s block in a few simple steps.
9 Strategies to Clear Writer’s Block
- Identify what is really causing your writer’s block
- Stop giving writer’s block power
- Refresh your mind by changing your environment
- Write the scenes you are excited about
- Use outside inspiration to clear writer’s block
- Break your project into manageable steps
- Prevent burnout by stepping away
- Try a new writing medium
- Build a writing habit to prevent writer’s block
Identify What Is Really Causing Your Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is as real as it is not. You probably have heard the expression “It’s all in your head.” That is the issue for many writers. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of writer’s block, but figuring out the root cause can be the solution.
Common causes include:
Perfectionism: The need for your draft to be flawless and perfect.
Overwhelm: You feel like you have too much to do and end up doing nothing.
Lack of direction: Not knowing what the next step is.
Burnout: When you have been pushing yourself too much for long periods.
Fear of failure: You are afraid your final product will not be good enough.
Once you have figured out why you have writer’s block, you can choose a strategy to target the root problem instead of treating the symptoms.
Stop Giving Writer’s Block Power
One of the most effective ways to clear writer’s block is to ignore it. Pretend it is a myth. Write regardless of how you feel. Stop aiming for perfectionism. Instead, focus on making your first draft exist.
The first draft is not supposed to be as good as the final draft. That is why it is the first. You are telling the story for the first time to yourself. You might begin at the wrong place, or you have no idea what to write in the next chapter. For many people, this is the most enjoyable phase because they are experiencing their story for the first time.
Write it good, write it bad, just write it down. Do not try to edit or fix typos. Ignore those, too.
Refresh Your Mind by Changing Your Environment
Change your surroundings. If you are constantly writing in the same place, your brain might start associating that place with the feeling of writer’s block.
Places to try:
- Move to a different room in your house.
- Write in a cafe.
- Visit a library.
- Try writing outside.
Even small changes, such as lighting a candle or creating a new playlist, can make a significant difference. The primary goal is to create a relaxing writing environment that allows you to be your most creative self.
Write the Scenes You Are Excited About
At times, you feel stuck or have no idea what to write next. Remember, you do not have to write in chronological order. Jump over a chapter or maybe ten. Jump to a scene or chapter you feel excited to write. Once you feel inspired again, it is easier to circle back and fill in the gaps.
This approach works well with novels. In addition, you can start at the end and outline the story backward. Figuring out how your story ends can help you move forward with your plot. It also gets that itch to write all the good parts over with.
Use Outside Inspiration to Clear Writer’s Block
It is perfectly acceptable to borrow ideas from external sources when you feel uninspired. You can use writing prompts, pictures, or even sit in the park and observe people.
For example, write about a time you had to make an impossible choice. It can also be about describing a feeling without explicitly staging it, such as desire.
Using external inspiration, such as writing prompts, is great because even if it does not make it to the final draft, it pushes you to write. You can begin by taking a look at Reedsy’s creative writing prompts.
Break Your Project into Manageable Steps
Feeling overwhelmed is a major factor in writer’s block. Writing a novel or a short story is a large project. It requires hours of research, outlining, writing, and editing. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that you do not need to do it all at once.
Break your project into smaller and achievable steps:
- Aim to write one scene at a time instead of a whole chapter.
- Outline the next chapter, instead of aimlessly typing.
All of those small habits will add up, and before you know it, your first draft is finished.
Prevent Burnout by Stepping Away
One of the reasons you feel stuck is that you are overworked. When the workload becomes too much and persists for an extended period without any rest. There is a high possibility that you will experience burnout.
Take a nap, go for a walk, or spend time with friends. You can start reading a new book. Get inspired by the work of others. Take some time off to do other hobbies and relax. However, keep in mind that taking a break can instantly turn into procrastination. The goal is to clear writer’s block so you can write, not to avoid it.
Try a New Writing Medium
Sometimes, staring at a bright screen and typing is the issue. Switch to a different medium instead.
- Use a pen and notebook instead of your computer.
- Try to voice-to-text and speak your thoughts out loud.
- Write it down on your note app while you are commuting.
Try different methods and see which one works for you. Sometimes, changing the way you physically create the words helps bypass the mental block.
Build a Writing Habit to Prevent Writer’s Block
Although quick fixes are great, the most reliable way to get rid of writer’s block is to avoid getting it in the first place. To prevent writer’s block, I suggest establishing a writing habit.
Set aside a specific time each day or week to write, even if it is only a few minutes. The more often you show up to write, the less power you give over to writer’s block.
Moving Forward With Confidence
If you were wondering how to clear writer’s block, then you have read the perfect guide. Writer’s block might feel like an unmovable wall, but it is merely an obstacle in need of overcoming. Through trial and error, you will find the right approach. As for now, keep writing.
