How to overcome writer’s block
Writer’s block: two words that strike fear into any writer’s heart.
It’s frustrating and it feels like every ounce of creativity has fled the room and that words don’t even make sense anymore. Staring at the keyboard or the blinking cursor in your word processor isn’t helping but you don’t know what else to do.
Even the best writers have bouts of writer’s block and feeling stumped with their idea or getting into their flow. Most writer’s block boils down to one of these four causes:
- Self-criticism: Writers are unmotivated by internal stressors
- Broad criticism: Writers are irritated at the idea of how their work will compare to others’ work
- Lack of external motivation: Writers are disappointed or hostile because they couldn’t find external motivation like attention or admiration
- Lack of internal motivation: Writers are disengaged and can’t find motivation
Essentially, writer’s block is about timing, fear, and perfectionism. It’s not the ideal time to write or your idea isn’t fully formed yet, you’re afraid of critiques of you work, or you need everything to be perfect and ready to go before you start writing.
Writer’s block can be a deadly cycle for a creative. You’re already on a deadline but the words just won’t come to you so you get more annoyed and start to resent your writing project and push it off or abandon it completely. Stop falling into this cycle and keep up with your project with these five tips!
5 tips for overcoming writer’s block
1. Take a walk
This is my favorite way to overcome writer’s block as it changes up my environment, I get some fresh air and sunshine, and get that much closer to my step goal for the day. By not being held hostage by my computer, I can relax and let my mind wander.
2. Talk it out
I’m not going to lie, I talk to myself a lot – out loud. It really helps to work through problems in my writing or identifying gaps that I need to fill. Sometimes I’ll involve another person or I’ll straight up just talk to myself to talk through what’s not working or generate ideas of how it could be better.
I know a lot of writers who do this in the idea stage and record themselves to play back their recording to sift through the good ideas and ones that can be shelved for later.
An alternative of this option is to do a free write. Don’t worry about the structure or flow of ideas, just type as fast you think through your ideas and you can sort them out later. This brainstorming session is great for getting your mind moving and adding new ideas or dimensions to your work.
3. Write something you’re excited about
One of the best ways to get the creative juices flowing is to write something you’re actually jazzed about writing! Yes, you will have to go back to the tedious and boring bits to complete your work, but at least you’ll have some good energy and excitement to keep you going.
4. Eliminate distractions
A lot of writing tools have full screen mode so you can only focus on what you’re working on. And it is a life-saver. I no longer think about what’s happening on Facebook or Twitter or checking one of the blogs I follow. I can only see the words in front of me and that’s all that exists at that moment.
Find a quiet space, turn off the TV, close out your social media or YouTube tabs, have some water or coffee next to you, and get writing. Ignore that feeling of FOMO, you’re not missing out anything that’s more important than your content.
5. Listen to music
I once accidentally wrote lyrics by the Spice Girls into a speech for the mayor of the city I worked for. I’ve since learned I cannot listen to music while I write, but I definitely turn up some tunes when I need to get pumped for a writing sprint or want to daydream or think of new ideas.
I know many writers who will put on classical music in the background as they write to keep them focused, or there are some cool websites that play ocean sounds or thunderstorms to keep your mind focused. Give it a try and see if it helps you!
Thunderstorms are the sounds I play to sleep… so not the best background for productivity for me, but listening to some Muse or New Politics will get me ready for a long writing session.
Finally, if you need a little push or dose of motivation, just think of the wise words of Dwight K. Schrute:
What tips do you have for overcoming writer’s block? Share them with me in the comments below or on Twitter!
