Six writer’s block-busting pieces of advice

You, and every writer who has ever lived and published, have been there before at some point in your career: you stare at a blank page in frustration, trying to summon the words and the creativity to begin to write. Whether on paper, typewriter, or laptop screen, the emptiness of the page is seemingly mocking you.

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Write every day

Writing is like exercise: setting a regular routine for it can strengthen your creative muscles. Even if it’s just for a few minutes, sitting down to write at the same time can be an effective way to overcome writer’s block. Set a daily writing goal and stick to it. This can help you develop a writing habit and make it easier to get started each day. Remember, the more you write, the easier it becomes.

Change your environment

Sometimes, a change of scenery can do wonders for overcoming writer’s block. If you’re stuck, try writing in a different location, such as a coffee shop, park, or library. It’s been proven in studies that a nice, leisurely walk can improve creativity up to 60%, so if there’s a destination that’s close to you within walking distance, you can stir up some inspiration all en route!

You can also try rearranging your workspace or adding some inspiring decor to get the creative juices flowing. Focus on natural light, airiness, and other elements that make you feel comfortable and at ease, so you can tailor your writing space to your creativity.

Take a break

If you’re feeling burned out, taking a break can be just what you need to overcome writer’s block. Step away from your writing for a little while and do something that relaxes you: this could be anything from taking a walk to reading a book or even watching a movie.

Furthermore, consider the pomodoro technique: work on different tasks in 20-minute intervals with quick breaks in between. The goal is to give your mind a break so you can come back to writing refreshed and inspired. Work on a crossword puzzle, watch an inspirational documentary, or (as mentioned earlier) go for a long walk. You’ll likely return to your writing desk feeling refreshed and ready to put words to paper.

Write through the block

Sometimes, the best way to overcome writer’s block is to write through it. This is easy: just start by writing something, anything—even if it doesn’t make sense. Consider it like scratch paper, or verbal doodling, which has also been proven to enhance creativity. Don’t worry about quality or whether it’s good enough. Eventually, you’ll get used to the act of coming up with ideas and you’ll move past the block. Remember: you can always edit later.

Collaborate with others

Collaborating with other writers can be a great way to overcome writer’s block. Working with others can provide new perspectives and help you generate new ideas. You can also bounce ideas off each other and provide feedback on each other’s work. Form a writing group or workshop or find one in your area that fits your genre and projects. At work, ask your trusted colleagues if you can collaborate, review, and edit each other’s writing, so you can improve your output and create the best work that you’re capable of.

Quotes about overcoming writer’s block

Here are what some famous writers—who have all had to overcome writer’s block in their lives—have said about that very process:

“Writer’s block is just a symptom of feeling like you have nothing to say, combined with the rather weird idea that you should feel the need to say something.”
Hugh McLeod

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”
Mark Twain

“The worst thing you write is better than the best thing you didn’t write.”
Sol Saks

In conclusion, overcoming writer’s block is possible. By implementing these six writer’s block-busting pieces of advice, you can get back to writing and unleash your creativity. For more tips on productivity and organization, check out some more advice on staying organized in your home office, finding productivity, and managing your time through focusing techniques.