How to Break Through Writer's Block

Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned writer, you’ve probably reached a time in your writing career where the enchantment has worn off.

Have you ever had a creative block that prevented you from seeing the progression of a tale or even from starting it? Or did your ideas seem to vanish, and any fresh ones become meaningless in terms of creativity?

This level of dissatisfaction and inability to be creative is not uncommon. This is known as writer’s block, and practically every writer — even the best — suffers from it at some point.

What Is Writer’s Block?

The condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing is known as writer’s block.

It appears as if a barrier has been built between the author and their ideas. This does not make the writer incapable of writing; rather, it forces him to take a step back and reevaluate his work.

Writer’s block does not imply that the author is unmotivated to begin or finish their work; however, if left unaddressed, it has the potential to obstruct the author’s ambitions.

Say you have always dreamed of writing a book and becoming a published author. However, you keep pushing it back and using excuses to justify why you have not started yet. This inability to act is a physical manifestation of writer’s block.

Writer’s block can strike at any time. It can prevent you from starting your book, or even block you while you are almost finished writing it.

How To Get Over Writer’s Block In 8 Steps

If you are currently experiencing writer’s block or looking for preventative writer’s block help, follow these steps to boost your motivation and get your creative juices flowing again.

Step #1: Create Or Re-Work An Outline And Use A Plan

The greatest thing you can do is start with a plan, whether you’re seeking a quick writer’s block cure or how to get over writer’s block that’s been bothering you for a while.

This plan usually begins with an outline while writing a book. This outline can help you organize your thoughts and make writing seem less daunting. When you have most of your ideas down on paper, you can concentrate on constructing the content around them.

You may have written your blueprint a long time ago and now have a new viewpoint.
By removing your blinders and taking a few steps back from your project, you may broaden your focus and get a better picture of the overall picture.

This can assist you in coming up with new ideas for your work.

Step #2: Read Similar Works To What You’re Writing

If you’re at a loss for words, reading someone else’s is a great place to start!

Choose a favorite author or look for one who writes about the subject you’re writing about and read their work. This can help you break free from your writer’s block and move out of the tunnel vision you’ve been in.

Reading similar works can help you come up with ideas for how to start your piece, where you might take it, and even what word to use in a particular sentence.

Consider it a guide to help you organize your work and see where it can go. Even if the writing isn’t perfect, you can utilize it to improve your own.

Step #3: Exercise

When you have writer’s block, you may feel uninspired and underwhelmed.

While you’re probably sitting in front of your computer waiting for inspiration, it’s necessary to take a break from the screen and move your body.

Yes, you should move your entire body…not just the tips of your fingers!

In fact, regular exercise appears to be linked to increased divergent and convergent thinking, which are the two components of creative thinking; the former entails considering several solutions to a problem, while the latter entails considering only one option.

Consider going for a walk or attending your favorite gym class to help you break through writer’s block. You’ll return to work with a burst of creative enthusiasm.

Step #4: Change Your Environment

Take a good look around your writing space.

Is the area full of distractions? Or is it too bland? Does it feel like a space that’s conducive to producing good work?

If not, it may be time to change it up.

Try writing in a different space to allow your creative thoughts to flow. If you feel inspired in nature, set up a chair outside and let the breeze guide your ideas.

Step #5: Talk To A Loved One

When we write, we can get lost in our thoughts. We begin to overthink and overanalyze, leading to a critical attitude toward ourselves and our work.
In those situations, talking to someone who isn’t you can be beneficial.

Create an open discourse with a trustworthy buddy about your ideas and solicit honest criticism and opinions.

This will most likely assist you in breaking free from your own thoughts. It might even inspire you to come up with a brilliant new concept.

Step #6: Step Away For A Period Of Time

When writing comes naturally to you, you’ll feel like you’re in the zone, and nothing will be able to distract you.

If you’re experiencing a block, you try to get back into the zone, but it’s nearly impossible.
It’s advisable to take a step back and focus on something else for a time if this happens.

“Get away from your workstation if you get trapped.” Don’t just sit there scowling at the problem; go for a walk, take a bath, sleep, bake a pie, sketch, listen to music, meditate, exercise; whatever you do, don’t just sit there scowling at the problem.”

Step #7: Freewrite

As writers, we have a tremendous desire to consistently deliver high-quality work. It’s challenging to just write and let go of the drive for perfection. However, it’s possible that this is exactly what you need to break free from writer’s block.

Rather than focusing on production, write whatever comes to mind. Whether it’s a random thought or trying out new words in a sentence to enhance and increase your vocabulary, writing down anything will help you break through your writer’s block.

You’ll eventually get over the hurdle because your mind will start to get back into the flow.

Step #8: Develop Goals And A Routine

SMART objectives can help you control your expectations when it comes to your writing process, and they can help you avoid burnout and writer’s block in the long run.
Consider the following example of creating a SMART objective for writing your book:

Rather than making a broad goal like “write a book,” start with something specific like “I will finish writing the manuscript of my book by the fall of next year by writing 5 pages a day beginning today.”

Here’s how to determine a SMART Goal:

S (Specific) = The deliverable has been specified by you (the manuscript).
M (Measurable) – You have a certain number of pages per day that you must complete by next fall.
A (Achievable) = Because you enjoy writing and are eager to finish your book, writing 5 pages each day is a realistic goal.
R (Relevant) = Finishing the text will bring you closer to publishing the book to a larger audience.
T (Time-bound) = You’re aiming to finish the manuscript by the fall of the following year.

Even if you run into writer’s block, this SMART goal will keep you accountable and motivated.

Setting goals that will help you avoid writer’s block, such as going for a walk every day and promising to read a new book every month, is also crucial.