How to Overcome Writer’s Block
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Do you need to know how to overcome writer’s block? Is your creative mojo hiding out somewhere? Then you’ve come to the right place!
In this post, we’ll cover what writer’s block is, what causes it, and, most importantly, how to overcome it. We’ve been there and got that particular T-shirt! Read on to see how our experience can help you.
What Is Writer’s Block?
Let’s start by making ourselves all feel better about writer’s block. You are not alone! It’s a common problem, and even the most experienced writers find that it can hit them out of the blue.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines writer’s block as “a usually temporary psychological condition in which a writer is unable to proceed with a piece of writing.” Some quite negative words are used in other definitions: procrastination, unwillingness to make an effort, inability to settle, imposter syndrome, and even laziness. But is such negativity likely to solve the issue? We don’t think so.
If we see writer’s block as a normal part of our writing process (and many writers think it is) rather than as a problem, it becomes easier to deal with. Keep reading for more on how to deal with writer’s block.
What Causes Writer’s Block
Views about the causes of, and cures for, writer’s block vary. However, some commonly cited causes include:
- Self-doubt – Right up there with imposter syndrome, self-doubt can be a huge hindrance to our ability to get going with anything, not just writing. Telling ourselves we’re unlikely to ace a job interview sets us up to fail, so let’s not do that. Let’s push self-doubt aside and decide we can do it, whatever it is.
- Not knowing what to write or having too much to say – Both can be tricky. Perhaps there are gaps in your content brief, or you struggle with overwriting and wordiness.
- Perfectionism – That little voice saying that if it’s not going to be absolutely one hundred percent spot-on perfect, we might as well not even start.
- External pressure – Are we writing because we want to, or is someone piling on the pressure? Homework, a report deadline from an unreasonable boss, previous criticism, and others’ expectations can all impact our ability to write.
How to Overcome Writer’s Block
Phew! That’s the negative stuff out of the way. Now here’s what could help you overcome writer’s block when it strikes:
- Look at writer’s block as part of the normal writing process. Every creative pursuit has its ups and downs. Not every cake rises beautifully, but it can still taste great. None of us is perfect! Changing the way we look at a problem can help it go away. Without writer’s block, we might have written something that just didn’t work, but once the block has cleared, our writing can go well again.
- Change how or where you write. Swap from typing to handwriting. Go and write in the park or just in the next room.
- Just write something. Anything. A letter to your best friend, a silly limerick, a set of instructions so your teenagers can operate the washing machine. Just the act of writing can revitalize the muscle memory in your brain.
- Pretend you’re reviewing your writing for a journal or book cover. Seeing it from another perspective can show you where to go next.
- Do something else entirely. Go for a walk, dance around the kitchen, ride your motorcycle, take a nap. But as with any displacement activity, set a time limit so that you do get back to your writing after a break.
- Ask a friend to brainstorm ideas with you. As you build on each other’s suggestions, you’re likely to think more creatively and develop original ideas.
- Think about how you solve other problems. Perhaps the same process will work here too.
- Plan your content before you start, whether it’s a piece for a magazine, some website copy, or your blockbuster novel. As well as helping you avoid writer’s block, planning your content effectively will improve the quality of your work.
Becoming A Freelance Writer
Having a structured plan in place is a great way to overcome writer’s block. Our course, Becoming A Freelance Writer, teaches you how to effectively prepare for content writing projects. You can even sign up for a free trial!
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