Writer’s block is a mental state that prevents you from writing or even coming up with ideas to write about. Some writers insist it’s an illusion, arguing that not acknowledging it will help you break through. But let’s face it: It’s no illusion. Writer’s block often stems from fear of failure, perfectionism (which often results in procrastination), or plain uncertainty.
Pretending it doesn’t exist rarely helps. The mind is powerful, and sometimes, you need to help it get out of its own way. Writer’s block, whether brief or lasting, can strike anyone. And while it can seem like writer procrastination at times, it isn’t’ the same thing. After I finished my MFA, it took me a year to write another story. (I’ll explain how I overcame it later.)
3 Tips on How to Overcome Writer’s Block
Curious about how do you fix writer’s block? Need quick actionable steps on how to get past writer’s block? Get a professional writer’s tips to work through writer’s block so you can put words on the page and complete your freelance assignments.
Move It, Move It
When my book launched in 2023, the Author’s Guild interviewed me. They asked for my go-to remedy for breaking through writer’s block, and my answer was, “Clean the kitchen.”
Why? Two possible things happen when you try this remedy. First, you may decide you’d rather write, sit down, and put something on the screen. Second, you may actually clean the kitchen. In both cases, you’re likely to experience one of two outcomes: a clean kitchen or a breakthrough in your writing.
Movement helps unblock your creativity because it increases blood flow, boosting cognitive function. It also releases endorphins that reduce stress and anxiety, while offering a mental break that allows your subconscious to process ideas.
Find a type of movement that works for you. Maybe it’s a brisk walk, a swim, or lifting weights. Or try gardening or tidying up your workspace. Cleaning works especially well for me because it involves specific tasks that keep my mind occupied, leaving space for creative ideas to surface.
If cleaning isn’t your jam, check out 7 tried-and-true ways to improve your writing.
Switch Your Medium to Work Through Writer’s Block
Writing by hand is a popular solution as a way to overcome writer’s block. The physical act of using a pen and paper activates different areas of the brain than typing. Studies show that handwriting can improve sensory processing and conceptual understanding—perfect for unlocking stuck ideas.
If handwriting isn’t your thing, try switching to another medium. Draw a picture, create a Canva mood board, or act out scenes from your story. For instance, I involve my family when I’m stuck. I explain the scene and let them suggest what should happen next—especially if it involves characters facing peril.
Another tactic is to switch projects. Having multiple projects (fiction, nonfiction, short-form, long-form) lets me jump to another when I feel blocked. Working on various types of freelance writing might help you eliminate writer’s block you’re experiencing for a particular project. Finishing a different task can give you a sense of accomplishment and might even spark new ideas for the original project.
FAQs
Write More (or Write Differently)
“Just write” may sound like tired advice, but it works. Start typing anything—even if it’s “I don’t know what to write” over and over. Freelance writer Diana Kelly Levey shares that when she struggles to start an article draft for a freelance client she types something on the Google Doc or Word document like “Amazing Headline Here” and “Riveting intro about X, Y, and Z here that will set up the sources and story angle.” Then she gets into the meat of the article writing and goes back to those areas later.
Once you start writing something, eventually, your brain will shift gears, and something useful will emerge.
Lawrence C. Connolly, an author, uses an interesting trick: He writes first thing in the morning, before his “critical brain” wakes up. For some, writing early—or in a new environment like a coffee shop—helps shake loose ideas.
The most transformative method I’ve found is morning pages, a concept from Julia Cameron’s book The Artist’s Way. Write three pages every morning, no matter what. Cameron compares this practice to clearing a muddy windshield: By decluttering your thoughts, you make room for creativity to flow.
Deciding to simply write anything quickly can help you become a faster writer in 20 minutes.
How Do I Know If I Have Writer’s Block?
Writer’s block can show up in many forms and when you’re trying to get out of a writer’s slump it can feel like you’re stuck in quicksand without a rescue option in sight. You might feel unable to think of anything to write, or everything you write feels wrong. Avoiding your project, lacking motivation, or feeling apathetic can also be signs.
If you’ve tried multiple remedies without success on how to get past writer’s block, it may point to deeper issues like depression, anxiety causing writer’s block, or freelance burnout. In that case, seeking professional help might be the best course of action.
