Writer’s block. The dreaded, invisible force that paralyzes creativity and leaves you staring at a blank page wondering when it will be ok to give up and start a netflix binge. Every writer has faced it, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been writing for years. And to be honest, these days it’s not just the novelist’s problem. It’s the business owner that needs to connect to her audience with the right content or the dreamer that needs to put her idea on the page and don’t know how to start.
But here’s the good news: writer’s block doesn’t have to win. With the right techniques, you can push past the creative fog and get back into your writing flow.
In this article, we’ll share five tried-and-true techniques to overcome writer’s block. Whether you’re struggling to get started or feel stuck in the middle of a project, these methods will help you break through and reconnect with your creative energy.
Freewriting: Just Let It Flow
One of the best ways to break through writer’s block is to freewrite or as we call it here at Write.Your, free spirit journaling.. This exercise helps unlock your mind and remove any self-imposed barriers. It basically helps to download everything that stops you from writing, while writing (hmmm tricky!).
Here’s how to do it: set a timer for 10-15 minutes, and write whatever comes to mind. No editing. No overthinking. Just write. Let your hand be the leader for this session, just word by word, sentence by sentence no matter how messy or weird it comes out.
Freewriting taps into your subconscious and loosens your creative muscles. It’s not about perfection; it’s about motion. By letting go of expectations and allowing your thoughts to flow freely, you often stumble upon ideas or phrases that spark your next great piece of writing.
Pro Tip: If you find yourself struggling even with freewriting, try using a prompt.
Something simple like:
“I remember when…”
“If I could change one thing…
“If I could tell the world how I feel right now I would…”
Freewriting can jumpstart your imagination and let the fears and doubts come out, free and clear..
Change Your Environment: Shake Things Up
Sometimes, the root of writer’s block is monotony. Writing in the same spot every day, with the same view, can dampen your creativity. Changing your environment—even if it’s just temporarily—can help.
At Write Your We talk a lot about going out and looking for a change in scenery in order to start something new and fresh. We go out to cafes and to nature and we try to spend one day a week out there looking for inspiration.
Try writing in a different room, a café, or a park. New surroundings can offer fresh inspiration. A different atmosphere may trigger new thoughts and emotions, helping you approach your work from a new angle. If you can’t leave your writing space, rearrange your desk, add some new decor, or play some background music to alter the ambiance.
Pro Tip: If you’re heading outdoors, take a small notebook with you. Observing the world around you—people, nature, sounds—can feed your creativity and fuel new ideas.
Use the Pomodoro Technique: Write in Short Bursts
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that can help you tackle writer’s block by breaking writing into short, focused sessions. The process is simple: work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer break (15-30 minutes).
This technique reduces overwhelm, especially when facing a big writing project. Knowing you only need to write for 25 minutes can help you feel less intimidated by the task. Often, once you start, you’ll find yourself writing beyond those 25 minutes.
Pro Tip: Use a timer app to keep track of your writing sessions, and reward yourself with something small—like a cup of tea or a walk—during your breaks.
Engage in a Different Creative Activity
Sometimes the best way to beat writer’s block is to step away from writing altogether. Engage in a different creative activity like drawing, painting, cooking, or even dancing. These activities allow your brain to process ideas in a new way and can recharge your creative energy.
When you return to your writing, you’ll often find that your mind is refreshed, and the ideas come more easily. This method is especially useful if you’re feeling creatively drained or uninspired.
**Pro Tip:** If you’re into journaling, write about your creative activities or any thoughts that arose during them. This can provide insight into what’s blocking you and help you move past it.
Set Small, Achievable Goals
Writer’s block can sometimes stem from setting unrealistic goals for yourself, like trying to write a whole chapter or finish an essay in one sitting. Setting smaller, more achievable goals can reduce pressure and make writing feel more manageable. We are all about “small bites” or step by step state of mind. All is well 🙂
Break your project into bite-sized tasks. Instead of aiming to write a full draft, set a goal to write one paragraph or even one sentence. Once you complete that small task, you’ll likely feel a sense of accomplishment, motivating you to keep going.
Pro Tip: Combine this with the Pomodoro Technique for extra productivity. One task per writing session can add up quickly!
A moment of relaxation: Writer’s Block Is Temporary
Writer’s block can be frustrating, but remember: it’s temporary. By using these techniques, you can push through the barriers and rediscover your writing flow. Whether it’s freewriting, changing your environment, working in short bursts, engaging in other creative activities, or setting smaller goals, the key is to keep moving forward.
The most important thing? Don’t be too hard on yourself. Every writer experiences moments of stuckness. With patience, practice, and the right strategies, you can conquer writer’s block and continue sharing your unique voice with the world.
Our Writing Workshops are all about giving you new inspiration to start writing again and to work on your blocks.
