writing tips

How To Overcome Writer’s Block

3 Mins read

All writers understand the difficulty that might arise when starting a new project from scratch. And it’s much more aggravating when there’s a deadline involved and you still can’t seem to get the words out. The most important thing is never to give up hope. Everyone goes through challenges. It’s important to remember that there are ways to get out of them. That’s why in this guide, we take a look at how to overcome writer’s block. 

Below, we dive into dealing with feelings of anxiety, a lack of inspiration and methods of achieving greater productivity.

Let’s dive in.

how to overcome writers block

How To Overcome Writer’s Block: Identifying The Problem

To overcome obstacles, you first need to understand their nature. After all, not all writing blocks are the same. Let’s look at the most common causes and how to overcome writer’s block.

Difficulty In Organizing Thoughts

Writers are often creative individuals and sometimes can lack organizational skills. It goes for organizing thoughts too. But the good news is that it can be learned.

Different types of writing projects have their own structures which we can follow to achieve the best results. For example, some essays must follow the guidelines set by the assessor. However, that rigidity can sometimes cause problems.

If you don’t know how to put your thoughts into an essay, you can pay someone to write an essay for you which could help get a better grade on your assignment. Getting help with writer’s block is sometimes all about letting someone else tackle the task so that you can learn from it. We all learn in different ways after all. 

Simplifying complex thoughts and splitting them into smaller and clearer ones can also help to create order in your mind. You could try recording your thoughts using a smartphone or special device and then listen back to them later. It’s a good way to ensure that we don’t forget any good ideas. You can then come back to your notes and start to piece things together.

Writer’s Anxiety

If feel a sense of anxiety when it comes to writing, you’re not alone. Many writers face this problem.

The best thing to do in this situation is just to start writing. No matter what you are working on – a book, an essay, or an article. Focus on that first sentence. Then the next. Then a page. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Text can be edited. But if you don’t start, there will be nothing to fix.

Try to forget about your audience or grade if writing an essay. Accept your anxiety and understand that it’s okay to feel nervous sometimes. But don’t let this feeling conquer and control you. If you’re really struggling, you could try talking to a fellow writer or someone you trust about what’s bothering you. Sometimes just verbalising the issue can help you unpick it. 

Lack Of Inspiration

Many authors face the problem of a lack of inspiration and motivation. One of the most common reasons for this condition is burnout.

If you’re experiencing burnout yourself, as difficult as it is you need to accept that rest is necessary. Could you go on vacation? Even a short break is helpful.

Sometimes a simple walk in the park or a conversation with a friend over a cup of coffee can bring inspiration back.

Sometimes content creators aren’t inspired by the theme of a story or the nature of a task and that can lead to ill-motivation. TO get around this, try researching that little bit deeper, searching for the interesting and curious aspects of the topic. Here are some more tips on how to find inspiration and achieve your goal.

Strategies And Techniques To Overcome Writer’s Block

We are all individuals, so different productivity techniques suit each person. However, there are some proven methods and they may work for you. Let’s take a look.

Time For Writing 

Setting out regular writing time is the most effective approach to increasing productivity. For some people, the most productive time is in the morning, when your mind is clear and your concentration is at its peak. But everyone is different. Some people, like myself, come alive at night and can stay up way into the early hours working. 

Setting up a specific time frame to write a novel, coursework gives you the freedom and space to create. If you want to be productive without relying on sheer determination, then establishing a routine is essential.

Free Writing Practice

No outlines, cue cards, or editors are involved in this creative process. Without planning, you instead let ideas come to you as you write. When a student or writer begins with a general concept in mind but no specifics, they leave themselves open to fresh ideas. Nervous overwriting may be reduced, and creativity is stimulated by just sitting down and putting words on paper. 

So, when it comes to overcoming writer’s block, try to figure out what the cause could be. The next step is to try and tackle it head on. Use different techniques to increase efficiency and look for those that are right for you. 

For more advice on how to overcome writer’s block, get in touch.

Richie Billing
98 posts

About author
Richie Billing writes fantasy fiction, historical fiction and stories of a darker nature. He's had over a dozen short stories published in various magazines and journals, with one adapted for BBC radio. In 2021 his debut novel, Pariah's Lament, an epic fantasy, was published by Of Metal and Magic. Richie also runs The Fantasy Writers' Toolshed, a podcast devoted to helping writers improve their craft. Most nights you can find him up into the wee hours scribbling away or watching the NBA.
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