How to overcome writer's block - 10 easy steps

In this post, I’ll be diving into how to overcome writer’s block by using effective strategies and techniques.

Picture this: you’re sitting in front of a blank screen, your cursor blinking mockingly at you. Your mind draws a blank, and your fingers freeze on the keyboard. Congratulations, my friend, you’ve just encountered the notorious beast known as writer’s block! But fear not, for in this blog post, I’ll arm you with effective strategies and techniques to vanquish this pesky enemy and reclaim your creative prowess. So grab a cup of coffee, tea, or your all-time favourite bottle of wine, light a candle, put on some music and let’s dive into the art of overcoming writer’s block! And, believe me, it is an art.

Writer’s block can be conquered in various ways, but keep in mind that not all strategies will be suitable for your unique working style. But, they do work for me – so hang in there with me and hopefully you’ll be able to pull yourself out of your writing rut.

Push through the resistance
Shift your mindset
Free write
Fresh air does wonders
Music
Mix things up – move around
Collaborate
Set a routine
Writing retreat
Stop while you’re ahead

Push through the resistance

“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield is a pep talk for creatives, especially writers. Pressfield talks about a lot about resistance in his book, which he describes as the force that prevents people from realizing their creative potential and fulfilling their ambitions. He argues that resistance manifests in various forms, such as procrastination, self-doubt, fear of failure, and distractions. Sound familiar?

Pressfield believes that beating resistance is the key to reaching your creative goals. He believes that resistance is a natural part of the creative process, but through discipline, determination, and perseverance, you can beat resistance. He encourages writers to develop a routine, establish specific goals, and cultivate a mindset of professionalism.

When it comes to writer’s block, Pressfield sees it as just another form of resistance. His advice? Keep pushing through it. Stay committed to your work, even when you’re feeling stuck. Instead of letting doubts hold you back, see challenges as chances to grow and get better.

In a nutshell, “The War of Art” is like a battle plan to help creative types kick resistance to the curb and unleash their full potential. It’s all about getting inspired and getting stuff done! If you haven’t read it, go give it a read. It’s a brilliant book and one that I often reread when I feel stuck.

“Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance.” Steven Pressfield
“The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield

Shift your mindset to overcome writer’s block

In “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, she discusses writer’s block as a natural occurrence that can be overcome with a shift in mindset. Gilbert believes that writer’s block often stems from fear and perfectionism. She encourages writers to embrace creativity with a sense of curiosity and playfulness, rather than putting pressure on themselves to produce perfect work. Gilbert suggests that ideas are abundant and constantly seeking expression, and it is the writer’s job to remain open and receptive to them. She advocates for perseverance and trusting the creative process, even in the face of obstacles like writer’s block. Overall, Gilbert’s approach in “Big Magic” emphasises the importance of courage, resilience, and a willingness to engage with creativity in a lighthearted manner in order to overcome writer’s block.

“Let inspiration lead you wherever it wants to lead you. Keep in mind that for most of history people just made things, and they didn’t make such a big freaking deal out of it. Don’t sit around waiting for passion to come to you. Get up and start working.”
“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert

The power of free writing

Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer’s block is to simply let your thoughts flow freely. Freewriting is the uncensored act of putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and allowing your ideas to spill out without judgment. Give yourself a set time limit, say 10 minutes, and write continuously without worrying about grammar, structure, or coherence. The goal here is to let your subconscious take the wheel and unveil hidden gems buried within the cluttered recesses of your mind. Who knows, you might stumble upon a brilliant idea or a unique perspective that breaks your creative stalemate!

Embrace the great outdoors

When your writing seems to hit a dead end and you feel the need to overcome writer’s block in a way that truly refreshes your mind then it’s time to step away from the glowing screen and venture into the great outdoors. Nature has an uncanny ability to invigorate our senses and rejuvenate our minds. Take a leisurely walk in the park, hike a scenic trail, or simply sit under a tree and let your imagination roam free. The sights, sounds, and smells of nature can spark inspiration and help you view your writing conundrum from a fresh perspective. Plus, a healthy dose of Vitamin D never hurt anyone, right?

Harness the power of music to overcome writer’s block

Ah, music—the magical elixir for the soul. When writer’s block strikes, create a playlist that matches the mood or theme of your writing project. Whether you prefer classical symphonies, upbeat pop anthems, or soul-stirring ballads, let the rhythm and melody transport you to a world where words flow effortlessly. Music has a unique way of bypassing the logical confines of our brains and tapping into the realm of emotions and creativity. So put on those headphones, press play, and let the tunes guide your writing journey.

Change your surroundings

Constantly looking at the same walls can make even brilliant minds feel stuck. Breaking free from your usual writing habitat can do wonders for banishing writer’s block. Head to a coffee shop, library, or park—anywhere that offers a change of scenery and a breath of fresh air. Surrounding yourself with new sights, sounds, and people can stimulate your senses and awaken dormant ideas. Plus, the background buzz of a bustling café might just be the perfect white noise to drown out your writer’s block woes.

Collaborate and brainstorm

Two heads are better than one, as the saying goes. When writer’s block rears its ugly head, reach out to a fellow writer or creative friend and engage in a brainstorming session. bouncing ideas off each other can spark inspiration and lead to unexpected breakthroughs. Additionally, collaborating on a project can inject fresh energy and motivation into your writing process. Plus, it’s always fun to share a laugh or two with someone who understands the struggle of the dreaded writer’s block.

Set a routine to help you overcome writer’s block

Routine may sound pretty boring, especially to a creative like yourself. Gosh, for years I prided myself in not having a “routine”. Unaware that my unconventional routine still formed a routine, I discovered I also thrive on structure. But, how does this relate to writing? Well, getting in the “mood” can really help your brain to switch from your everyday mode into writing mode. And, you can easily do so by “tricking” your brain to jump straight into a routine by having specific writing rituals.

Things like; lighting candles, playing a specific music playlist, sitting in a certain spot in your home, only writing at a specific time of day, all play a great role on creating a routine to put you into the writing zone.

I use this whenever I’m writing fiction (especially on a deadline) and need to zone straight into my story without having too much time to do so. Writing at night is something I love and do. But I have created rituals that help me get straight into my writing groove so that I can churn out words at a rather large rate.

My routine:

Put on my diffuser – usually I decide on a scent at the beginning of a book that describes the feeling I want during the writing/story and I stick to that same scent throughout that piece of work.
Dim the lights – I dim my lights or turn them off completely. I like working in the dark. It heightens my senses and turns off my “worry brain” so that I can focus on only my laptop screen. I often have fairy lights on as they are romantic and beautiful.
Play music – I don’t like listening to any music with lyrics while I write as they distract me but I don have specific playlists for specific emotions that I want to feel.When I want to avoid emotions, I listen to rain sounds. I love the sound of rain.
Set a Pomodoro timer – I thrive on deadlines and having a pomodoro timer helps me to sit down and focus knowing that I have an upcoming break and that everything can hold off for 25 minutes. Just 25 minutes, not long at all.

Writing retreat

Writing retreats give us the ability to create a dedicated time and space to focus solely on our craft, away from the distractions of daily life. You don’t need to join a group writing retreat, in fact taking yourself on your own retreat can be extremely rewarding.

Here are a few facts about creating your own writing retreat and how it can help break your writer’s block cycle:

Immersive Environment: When booking your writing retreat make sure you book it at a place that’s beautiful and will leave you inspired. Writing retreats typically take place in serene and inspiring locations, such as countryside cottages, secluded cabins, or tranquil coastal settings. Being surrounded by nature and away from the usual hustle and bustle of everyday life can help you relax, clear your minds, and tap into your creativity. As Anne Lamott, author of “Bird by Bird”, said, “Almost all good writing begins with terrible first efforts. You need to start somewhere.”
Structured Schedule: Even though you may be alone on your own little retreat, it’s important to still stick to a strict structure in your day. Don’t waste this time sleeping in or binge-watching Netflix. Structure your days with designated writing slots, breaks for walks, and meal times. Knowing what’s coming throughout your mini retreat is important as it helps create focus along the way.
Creative Exercises and Prompts: Group writing retreats often include creative exercises, prompts, and writing challenges designed to spark inspiration and break through writer’s block. Find your own exercises, prompts, and challenges to help yourself. Writing exercises can encourage us to approach our work from new angles, explore different genres or styles, and push past our comfort zones.

“The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you’re allowed to do whatever you like. (That may be a rule for life as well as for writing. But it’s definitely true for writing.) So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it honestly, and tell it as best you can.”
Neil Gaiman

Overall, writing retreats can be incredibly valuable during your writing process but you do need to plan them properly ahead of time. If done properly, a solo writing retreats can recharge, refocus, and reignite your passion for writing, making the whole experience invaluable for breaking the cycle of writer’s block.

Stop while you’re ahead

Lastly, stop while you’re ahead!

“The best way is always to stop when you are going good and when you know what will happen next.”
Ernest Hemingway

When you know where your story is going, it’s easy to write. Instead of writing until I run out of ideas, I stop when I have a clear direction for my story. When you sit down to write the next day, you’ll know exactly where to start.

So, yes, writer’s block may be a formidable opponent for any writer (gosh, haven’t we all struggled with this?). But, armed with these techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to defeat it. Remember, writing is a journey, and occasional roadblocks are just part of the adventure. So embrace the challenges, experiment with different approaches, and above all, have fun with your writing. So, my fellow wordsmiths, it’s time to conquer that blinking cursor with confidence!

How to overcome writer’s block – 10 easy steps