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Overcoming Writer’s Block: 18 Techniques That Actually Work

Posted on November 27, 2024 Written by Pinar Tarhan Leave a Comment

Image via Gerd Altmann/geralt on Pixabay.

Writer’s block—the dreaded condition that every writer, from novices to seasoned authors, faces at some point. It can leave you staring at a blank screen for hours, feeling frustrated and creatively drained. But the good news is that writer’s block is not some insurmountable obstacle. With the right strategies, you can overcome this annoying mental barrier and get back to creating compelling narratives and articles.

So let’s explore practical techniques that actually work to help you conquer writer’s block and revive your writing mojo.

1. Establish a Writing Routine

Creating a structured writing routine can make a significant difference in your productivity. Just like going to the gym regularly builds muscle, setting aside a specific time each day for writing conditions your brain to be more responsive during those hours. Whether it’s early morning or late at night, figure out what works best for you and stick to it. The more consistent you are, the less resistance you will face when it’s time to write.

If you’re bad at routines and consistency, do an objective evaluation of your peak productivity times. When are you at your most energetic? When are you more eager to get things done? Try to write at these times as much as you can.

Writing every day at the same time is great. But if you can only write at 5pm for three hours some of the time, embrace those times.

2. Set Achievable Goals

One of the biggest reasons writers struggle with writer’s block is that they set unrealistic expectations. Setting smaller, manageable goals can be the key to overcoming the overwhelming feeling of needing to produce the “perfect” piece. Try writing 200 words a day or working on a single paragraph. By focusing on small goals, you not only make progress but also avoid feeling paralyzed by the idea of creating a full chapter or essay.

Remember, some is always better than none when it comes to writing.

3. Freewriting

Freewriting is one of the most effective techniques to overcome creative blocks. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes, and write without stopping. The goal is not to craft polished prose but to allow ideas to flow freely without judgment or editing. You might end up with a jumble of thoughts, but within that jumble, there are often seeds of new ideas that can be developed further.

Freewriting helps to unblock your creativity by removing the pressure of perfectionism.

4. Change Your Environment

Sometimes, a change in your surroundings is all you need to reignite your creativity. If you’ve been writing at the same desk for weeks, consider moving to a different location. Try writing in a coffee shop, a park, or even just a different room in your house. The change in scenery can give you a fresh perspective and help clear the mental clutter that might be holding you back.

5. Use Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are an excellent way to stimulate your imagination and get those creative juices flowing.

A writing prompt can be a sentence, a word, or even a picture that inspires you to create something new. There are countless prompt resources available online, or you can make your own. Prompts help by giving your brain a nudge in a direction you might not have thought of, which can often be enough to break through the block.

6. Break the Project into Smaller Parts

Large projects can feel overwhelming and lead to avoidance. To combat this, break down your work into smaller, more manageable parts. If you’re working on a novel, for instance, focus on writing just one scene or a specific dialogue. If you’re writing an article, start by outlining the main points instead of tackling the whole piece at once. By focusing on smaller components, you’ll make steady progress, which helps build momentum and dispel the block.

When I get stuck on certain parts, I always start with the scenes that come easier. Once they are out of the way, I find they pave the way for the more difficult ones.

7. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions can be a major cause of writer’s block. Notifications, social media, or even background noise can interrupt your flow of thought. Identify what distracts you and take steps to minimize these interruptions. Turn off notifications, close irrelevant browser tabs, and find a quiet place to work. You could also use tools like Focus@Will or “white noise” apps to create an environment conducive to writing.

Alternatively, if you’re used to working in complete silence, see if there’s a certain kind of music or background noise to get you in the mood to write.

The idea is to experiment until you find what works for you.

8. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation can be extremely helpful in dealing with writer’s block. Often, the block arises from anxiety or negative thoughts about your writing abilities. Practicing mindfulness helps you stay in the present moment and quiet those doubts. Even five to ten minutes of meditation can help clear your mind, allowing you to approach your writing with a fresh perspective.

If you’re new to mindfulness and meditation, or if you want something focused on creativity, you should try Dr Danny Penman’s Mindfulness for Creativity. It has become one of my bedside resources.

9. Read for Inspiration

Reading the works of other authors can provide the spark needed to overcome writer’s block. Take some time to read a book, poem, or article related to your genre. You may come across a phrase or idea that inspires you to write something of your own. Reading also helps you recognize different writing styles, which may give you new insights into your own approach.

10. Write Something Different

If you’re feeling stuck, try switching to a different type of writing. For example, if you’re working on a novel and feeling blocked, try writing a poem, a journal entry, or even a letter to a friend. Changing the style of writing can be refreshing and can help you discover a new angle for your main project. It takes the pressure off and allows you to enjoy the process of writing again.

11. Don’t Aim for Perfection

Perfectionism is one of the greatest enemies of creativity. Many writers get blocked because they want their first draft to be flawless. The truth is, first drafts are often messy, and that’s perfectly okay. Give yourself permission to write badly. Editing and polishing come later. Your only job during the initial writing stage is to get your ideas down on paper. When you let go of the pressure to be perfect, writing becomes much easier and more enjoyable.

12. Take Breaks

Sometimes the best thing you can do is step away from your work for a while. Taking short breaks can help clear your mind and give you a fresh perspective. Go for a walk, exercise, cook a meal, or do something else that relaxes you.

Often, a break can provide the clarity needed to overcome writer’s block. Just make sure your break doesn’t turn into procrastination—set a timer if necessary and get back to writing afterward.

13. Engage in Creative Activities Outside of Writing

Sometimes, it helps to stimulate your creativity in other ways. Engaging in creative activities like drawing, playing music, dancing, or crafting can help you tap into your creative energy without the pressure of producing written work. These activities can get you out of a creative rut and provide the mental flexibility needed to return to writing with renewed enthusiasm.

14. Talk It Out

Discussing your ideas with a friend or fellow writer can help you overcome writer’s block. Talking through your plot, character, or article ideas can reveal new angles and help you articulate what you’re struggling with. Often, verbalizing your thoughts helps make them clearer.

If you don’t have someone to talk to, consider recording yourself talking about your work—sometimes just saying it out loud helps you see things from a new perspective.

15. Use Technology to Your Advantage

There are many tools and apps designed to help writers overcome creative blocks. Apps like Scrivener, Ulysses, or Evernote can help organize your thoughts, while brainstorming tools like MindMeister allow you to map out ideas visually. Tools like Grammarly and ProWritingAid can help with editing, allowing you to focus more on writing. Experiment with different tools and find what works best for you.

16. Write Through the Block

When all else fails, simply write through the block. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and commit to writing without stopping, even if you feel uninspired. You might end up with nonsense, but you might also find that your brain shifts gears partway through, allowing you to access ideas you didn’t know were there.

Writing through the block, without worrying about quality, can sometimes help you break down the barriers and find your rhythm again.

17. Reward Yourself

Rewarding yourself for meeting your writing goals, no matter how small, can motivate you to keep going.

Whether it’s a treat, a break to watch your favorite show, or a coffee from your favorite café, positive reinforcement helps create a rewarding cycle around writing. Celebrate small wins and use them as stepping stones toward bigger goals.

18. Embrace Failure as Part of the Process

Lastly, remember that every writer experiences setbacks. The creative process is inherently unpredictable, and failure is part of it. When you accept that writer’s block is a natural occurrence, you take away its power.

Instead of viewing it as a sign that you aren’t good enough, see it as an opportunity to explore new techniques, ideas, or creative directions. Adopting this mindset makes writer’s block less intimidating and much easier to overcome.

Book Promotion Can Help

If you’re struggling with writer’s block, shifting your focus to promoting your published books can be a powerful way to reignite creativity. Effective book promotion methods not only help you reach a wider audience but also reconnect you with the core reasons you began writing. Utilizing book advertising, promotional events, or even virtual book tours, you can share your stories with new readers and get valuable reactions and feedback. This engagement can serve as motivation and inspire fresh ideas. Whether it’s a book marketing plan involving social media, reader giveaways, or collaborative promotions with other authors, actively promoting your books can help break through creative blocks and breathe new life into your writing journey.

Conclusion

Writer’s block can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that it’s only a temporary hurdle. By employing these techniques, you can regain your creative flow and start making progress once more.

Whether it’s creating a writing routine, using prompts, practicing mindfulness, or just changing your environment, there are many ways to push through the block and start writing again.

Writing is a journey, and every challenge you face, including writer’s block, contributes to your growth as a writer. So the next time you feel stuck, try some of these strategies and get back to doing what you love—writing.

What do you do when the muses fail you? Let me know in the comments!

How I Got Out of My Longest Writer’s Block (And Resources to Help You Beat Yours)

Posted on April 11, 2021 Written by Pinar Tarhan

I did despair, will be honest with you.

I got so terribly stuck in 2020 that it even leaped into 2021.

It’s not cool getting writer’s block with ideas, because ideas are how we make our living.

And getting ideas is only part of the battle!

Most of the time, before the pandemic hit, I would still be stuck even though I had a ton of good ideas.

Because being a freelancer means you also need to find publications that are right for your idea. And you’ve to brace yourself for rejection, following up on ideas, and finding new markets in the face of defeat. Rinse. Repeat.

But since COVID became full-blown where I live in March 2020, I started missing my full-of-ideas-but-stuck-on-where-to-pitch phase.

You see, I can get ideas from anything, and it helps to vary a routine even in tidy ways.

But who’s been doing anything? Julie Nolke’s portrayed this brilliantly in her sketch where two friends meet for the first time after several months, and the question they dread the most is “What’s new with you?”

I hardly had an active or social life since you know what. And even the activities we regarded to be ordinary became things of luxury, scarcity, and things we missed dearly.

Spending hours in a coffee shop without worrying about your health or others’ in the dead of winter? Gone. (Either the café is closed due to government mandate, or I wouldn’t be able to spend hours indoors in good conscience anyway.)

Spending a whole day at your favorite shopping mall for a day of movies, eating out, and shopping? Gone.

Dancing away at my local dance studio and socializing? Gone.

You see my point.

Of course, it is the right thing to do to stay inside your house or spend some time outdoors with precautions.

But doing the right thing doesn’t mean it won’t destroy your creativity and damage your mental health, especially if you are a dominantly extroverted person.

This is not to say I couldn’t/didn’t do anything. I managed to complete and publish my second novel, A Change Would Do You Good (aff. link). I’m committed to improving my marketing skills as an author, so I read up religiously on marketing for authors. (My thorough reviews on these books are coming soon to the blog, of course.)

But the more I worried about what I couldn’t do, I kept not being able to create anything, come up with ideas, or pitch.

So, I decided to forcefully pull myself out of it, because it wasn’t happening on its own:

– I remodeled my favorite activities according to the pandemic and found some new stuff. (Yes, I’ll still be running to the mall/dance studio/coffee shops and such once it is safe, but you’ve got to find stuff while you wait.) This included going for beach walks more often, staying in the coffee shop for very short amounts of time, and playing ball. Literally. I love throwing a ball around.

– I met more frequently with friends who live nearby and happen to be uber careful about their health.

– I dug into old notebooks, files, and e-books for old ideas that weren’t pitched or placed yet.

– I (re)read tips on finding ideas, including my own.

– I asked friends what they were doing to deal with their blocks or the pandemic.

– I pitched guest posts, free and paid. Yes, I love writing for money, but I do need to network with other bloggers as a writing professional and novelist with books out anyway. Being approved by another editor is a great confidence boost. You might need it after struggling for so long.

– I looked at past wins. I did it before. I could do it again.

– I read every single email I got from other writers detailing what 2020 did to their creativity and business.

– And I started to write, starting with my own website. The more you write, the more you can write. Writing life is funny/annoying that way.

I’m not saying I’m all cured, but I took the first steps.

In case you are wondering, here are some of my favorite posts about brainstorming, creativity, and finding ideas from this blog.

– The Best Free Resources for Writers to Find Markets to Pitch

– 6 Great Places to Find Paying Web Writing Markets

You might be wondering why I listed posts about markets when you don’t have ideas. Well, I got some of my best ideas by reading other publications.

– Finding Article Ideas & Writing About Them: 30 Inspiration Tips for Writers

One of my favorite tips on this article is “rant.” Of course, I don’t just mean rant vocally or in your head. Write it down.

What makes you mad? What annoys you? What do you disagree with? Why?

Often, there is a pitchable/sellable angle behind unpopular opinions.

This is how my CNN article Where I grew up, ‘Sex and the City’ offered a vision of liberation came to be.

People were writing left and right about How Sex and The City wasn’t diverse enough or politically correct enough. My angle? I wasn’t disputing these.

I was, instead, reminding everyone about when it came out (1998! You can’t expect late 2010s values from 1998,) and what meant for women everywhere then. What sealed the deal? That I come from Turkey.

Sex and The City may not mean as much to an American woman now. But to a Turkish woman in her 30s? Still one of my favorite shows.

Unpopular opinions can open doors for you when you successfully point out how rational it is. Which reminds me, I have very unpopular opinions about Nickelback, Emily in Paris and, the Fast and Furious movies to pitch.

Have you suffered from writer’s block lately? Please share your experience in the comments. And found this article helpful? Spread the word on social media.

Knowing that we are not alone in our struggles can help with anything, including writer’s block.

16 Non-Writing Tasks to Do When You Have Writer’s Block (or Don’t Feel Like Writing)

Posted on July 28, 2017 Written by Pinar Tarhan

I love the idea that we – writers – are sitting on a porch somewhere with a lovely view, a delicious coffee-based beverage nearby and typing away to our heart’s desire.

Now, we can often be found typing away with a coffee in hand, but we are not always writing a story or an article. (And the view doesn’t always rock, but that’s beside the point.)

Pinar Tarhan, writer — For instance, this is me posing for a picture because we need that too. 🙂

And while we love writing, sometimes we are stuck. Sometimes we’d do anything but, no matter how much we love writing.

But just because you can’t write doesn’t mean your whole work has to go to hell:

16 Non-Writing Tasks to Do When You Have Writer’s Block (or Don’t Feel Like Writing

Pitch. Unfortunately, editors and clients don’t always come to you with assignments and story ideas. You have to create your jobs. So you pitch. You usually have a pitch template than can be tweaked, so this is more editing than actual writing.
Follow-up on previous pitches. You have pitched stories a while back, but you haven’t heard back. So you customize that follow-up template if you need to, and fire away.
Keep track. You make notes on where you pitched and what you followed up. You don’t want to send the same idea to an editor that already turned it down.
Clean your inbox and answer important emails. It’s not advised to check your email every 2 minutes, but you should probably check it at least twice every day – especially if you are expecting responses and you have clients from different time zones. You don’t want to miss an assignment because the message got buried among 100 unimportant other messages.
Read the articles in the publications you are pitching– aka also known as market research.
Read unrelated stuff for fun and inspiration.
Deal with blog administration. There is always a plugin to update, a post to edit.
Apply to jobs and/or pitch to clients.
Post on social media. You have a presence; you need to maintain it.
Talk to other writers. It’s one of my favorite methods for staying sane.
Update social media profiles. Maybe you did something interesting or acquired an impressive byline.
Update your website copy. You might want to review your services and how you present them.
Update your portfolio. Those new bylines won’t add themselves.
Hang around aimlessly – online and offline- looking for inspiration and story ideas. Some of the most obvious ideas arrive when you feel like giving up. And ideas can come from anywhere, including from your favorite comedians.
Clean. I don’t mean spring cleaning, but just a general, mindless tidying up that won’t take too much time. Also, how clean is your computer screen? I swear mine is playing in the dirt when I’m not looking.
Organize. Organize files, on the computer and in your office. Do you need all the paper? Did you notice a publication you loved but forgot about? Saw a book you need to refresh up on? Leave the cleaning and organization to the end, though. You don’t want to use them as procrastination tactics.

What do you work on when you are stuck? Please let me know in the comments.

Plain Old Writing Fun: My Favorite Cartoons on Writing

Posted on July 15, 2012 Written by Pinar Tarhan

There are many writing-related cartoons that make me laugh. And not because they are hilarious or tragicomic, but they also have a level of truth to them – OK, sometimes the truth level is scarily high:))

I hope you can all enjoy the cartoons below. I’m planning to make this list a series, collecting the funny stuff whenever I see it.

Enjoy!