7 Ways to Conquer Writer's Block

Photo from The Yale Herald

Stop me if you've heard this one before:

You're sitting down to write, staring at the white page, wishing more than anything to fill it up with story. But no matter how much you try to will your fingers to type, the words just aren't coming.

Or perhaps you're doing everything in your power to avoid going even that far. The dishes need to be cleaned, the living room's a mess, and you should probably do your laundry. Anything to avoid sitting down and pushing out a story that is lodged somewhere in your head and refuses to come out.

Welcome to writer's block, the most notorious villain facing all authors.

If you've clicked on this blog post, you've probably struggled with this nebulous fiend before. Or perhaps you're currently caught in its clutches, trying to find a way to move past it so you can actually finish writing your book. In which case, I can try to help you.

What is Writer's Block?

This might seem like a stupid question, but it's worth clarifying: what is writer's block?

The official definition is " the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing." Basically, no matter how much you may want to write, something in your brain is stopping you from actually doing it.

There are two basic types: traditional writer's block and project block.

Project block happens when you're stuck on one particular story or project. You've started writing it, possibly even have an outline, but now you're halfway through and...you're stuck. This one is responsible for all the unfinished projects cluttering up your desktop and filling your drawers.

Traditional writer's block is when you can't write at all. Maybe you thought you had project block and decided to take a break from one story to work on another before going back, but the words aren't coming there, either.

Sometimes, writer's/project block is a sign of burn-out. If you've been cranking out two thousand words every day for the last month, then for Christ's sake, take a day off. Go to the beach, spend some time with friends, do whatever you need to recharge. Writing is like any job: sometimes, you just need a break.

Of course, if you've already tried that and the block is still there, then that's a whole other issue. Which is probably why you're here.

​Every author handles writer's block differently. I'm going to show you some ways that I, personally, push past it. I cannot guarantee that they'll work for you, but it's worth a shot.

Photo from Called to Write

How to Conquer Writer's Block: 7 Tips
​Tip #1: Making Writing a Habit

This is more of a preventative measure. Create a regular writing schedule. I try to hit at least two chapters a day, especially in quarantine when I have literally nothing else to do, taking breaks as needed. Someone else with a whacky work schedule may write every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon. Or maybe every morning before leaving for their shift. Or every other night while the kids are asleep.

Whatever the case, make a writing schedule. Once it becomes a habit, engrained in your psyche, it'll feel weird not to write. This will help prevent writer's block from happening at all, and make it easier to push through if it does happen.

Tip #2: Outline

Oh, boy. Here come the pitchforks.

I cannot function without an outline. Even if I know I'll probably change the outline as I'm writing, I still need that sense of direction. It's a map that I use to navigate my own story.

Other people--usually called "pantsers" because they fly by the seat of their pants--find outlines stifling and suffocating, and instead write their stories blindly and without direction. These people are crazy, and are to be feared.

I'm not saying that pantsers should move entirely to outlines. What I suggest is, if you're a pantser and get hit with the block, outline only the scene you're trying to write. You don't have to stick with what you outline; Lord knows I never do. But it'll help give you some sense of direction and hopefully snap you out of your snafu.

Tip #3: Find External Inspiration

Generally speaking, I'm wary of anyone who says they need some sort of external inspiration in order to write.

We're authors. It's our job to find that inner spark and create something from nothing. People who say they need to "be inspired" in order to write anything usually don't become professional authors.

However, that's not saying external inspiration doesn't have its place. Many of my story ideas come from other stories or world history. It can be a good starting point.

For dealing with writer's block specifically, sometimes you can trick your muse into coming back with a little help. I have a list of books and videos here that are specifically geared toward helping authors with worldbuilding, character, story structure, etc. They naturally get me thinking about my current work in progress, and that helps me beat writer's block.

Often I'll find that the reason I'm having trouble with a particular project is because there's an inherent flaw within the story itself that I'm not seeing. Not enough conflict, or the characters aren't developed as they should be, or some problem with the worldbuilding. Consulting an external source on that to find and diagnose that problem not only helps make the story better, but it usually clears up the writer's block as well.

Tip #4: Skip to the Good Stuff

Maybe you're really excited about some scenes in your book, but less hyped for others. Or you've written the opening and aren't sure how to write the transition to the catalyst. Or your characters are in a tough spot and you know they get out somehow, but for some reason that "somehow" isn't coming.

Just skip to the good stuff. Put a note in brackets, like this:

[characters escape by doing something clever]

or

[insert proper transition here]

​...and then move on. This leads directly to our next piece of advice...

Tip #5: Don't Worry about Quality

Sometimes, authors get so caught up with whether or not their writing is actually any good that they freak themselves out and ultimately create their own writer's block. I find this especially frustrating when authors are freaking out over a first or second draft.

I've got news for you: your early drafts will suck.

My early drafts suck.

Everyone's early drafts suck. It's not until we're self-editing, pulling in writing partners and beta readers, and plugging up those plot holes that our work gets anywhere near "passable," let alone "good."

Fretting about quality happens only in the self-editing stage, when your analytical brain is turned on and you get to do things like map our your story structure and look for grammar mistakes. In the creative process, when you're just putting words on paper, don't worry about quality. Console yourself with the fact that you can make it better later and keep moving. Momentum is everything.

Tip #6: Put Your Hands Up and Step Away from the Computer

Sometimes, you really just need a break.

The human brain isn't built to focus on one thing for long periods of time. That's why lots of authors advocate for writing sprints: set a timer for 25-30 minutes, write as much as you can in that time, then take a five minute break when the alarm goes off. Rinse, wash, repeat.

If you've been staring at the screen for a while, sitting at a cramped desk for over an hour while you try to force the words to come, stop.

Take a breath, stand up, walk away.

​Get a snack from the kitchen, take a walk outside, watch a funny cat video on your phone.

After your break, come back refreshed and ready to write. The words will come much easier.

Tip #7: Shut up and Write

Sometimes, you just gotta bite the bullet. Especially if you're on deadline, or you need to get this damn thing written so it'll stop keeping you up at night.

Outline the scene you're working on so you have some sense of direction.

Remember that the draft doesn't have to be perfect. You'll fix it later.

Skip to the good parts of your story that you're the most excited to write. Keep the momentum going.

​And write.

The best way to beat writer's block is to just beat it.

---

Visit me on social media:

---

Thank you, Patrons!

become a patron