How to Break Through Writer’s Block
Blog Writer // Camryn Lehr
We’ve all been there. Staring at the screen with a blinding panic, fingers at the ready, and yet no words come to mind. Frustration pricks the back of your neck, anger frizzles your brain, and you become paralyzed. Writer’s block is all too familiar to every writer. It is a daily occurrence, but sometimes writer’s block can transcend the usual minute of annoyance and become a recurring nightmare.
As someone who has been attempting to write since I was three, I know writer’s block all too well. The only solace I’ve ever found is advice from other writers. From these writers, I’ve discovered many tips and tricks to push past my brain’s inability to form sentences. These life hacks have transformed my writing experience. I went from staring at blank documents on my glowing computer screen and crying to being able to start and finish essays, short stories, and even novels. Here are my get-out-of-writer’s block jail-free tricks and tips!
1. Just Write Something
My creative writing teacher in high school said it best: “Just write something.” I know it sounds unhelpful. When I first heard this, I thought, if I could “just write something,” I would! But “just write something” isn’t meant to be snarky, it’s meant to be freeing. If you’re like me, writer’s block hits because you’re afraid of writing the wrong thing or because you feel that you will automatically write something awful.
I’m here to tell you that unfortunately you will write something awful, but here’s the secret: that’s okay. The first draft doesn’t have to be good. You can delete the first draft, but even a bad first draft will help you on your journey to write something meaningful. It is important just to get something on the page, to break the seal, because yes, when you first start writing there can be a lot of “throat clearing,” but eventually you might write something worthy, even if it is just one sentence. The first step to getting over writer’s block is to simply write something—anything.
2. Take a Break
I find that my creative juices stop flowing unless I purposely carve out time for myself. When I’m struggling to write and repeatedly hitting the delete key, I know it’s time for a break.
I like to go for walks. Staring at the trees and breathing in fresh air relaxes me. It allows me to notice things like the specific color a brown leaf turns when the sun hits it square in the face. The beauty of nature inspires me, and sometimes, if I’m lucky, that inspiration will turn into a new creative idea, and have me click-clacking on my keyboard once more.
If I’m not taking a break, I like to grab something to eat. You can’t think when you’re hungry. Many times when I’ve been completely stuck and ever so slowly growing frustrated, I’ve realized the actual problem is I’m hungry. Grabbing a snack is a necessary break, and once that break is over, you’ll be in a better headspace to write.
3. Talk to Someone
In the same vein as taking a break, talking to someone can refuel your writing energy. Oftentimes, I have an idea for a story, but I’m unsure how to turn that idea into actual writing. I may be stuck on how to structure that idea, how to start the idea, what voice to use, or something else entirely. I’ve found that talking these ideas out is very helpful.
Bonus points if you’re talking to another writer. Writer friends are a great resource. They understand how difficult it is to write, and as writers, they know what works in terms of structure, voice, and plot.
4. Start with a Writing Exercise
The pressure to write something breathtaking can crush anyone’s spirit. To ease this pressure, I have to remind myself that writing is meant to be fun.
I do this through writing exercises. I use ServiceScape, a website where you can choose a genre like comedy, dark fantasy, or contemporary. Once you choose a genre, it will stimulate a bunch of prompts. The prompts are the barebones of a plot for that genre, and your job is to start to write a short story following this prompt. I normally give myself five to ten minutes to write one of these prompts. These writing exercises normally yield rough results, but they relieve stress, and cause me to recall my love of writing.
In addition, much like a bodybuilder needs to stretch before working out, writer’s need to warm up too. Writing exercises are our warm up. These exercises put you in a writing headspace—the same headspace where you can do your best writing.
5. Try Writing In a Different Way
My final piece of advice is to modify your writing routine. As someone who loves consistency, this can feel scary; however, sometimes, our routines are killing our writing.
If you write on a computer, try writing in a journal. In general, writing in a journal can be very helpful. Handwriting is more time-consuming than typing, so it allows your brain to think for a longer period of time about what you’re writing. This extra processing time could lead to a new idea.
Additionally, try changing your environment. If you’re writing at home in the quiet of your room, try writing in a café. The café noise and the public pressure of onlookers may force you to write.
Also, switch up the time of day you write. If you write in the morning, try writing at night. Switch up your writing routine and figure out what works best for you.
To conclude, I wish to first point out the obvious: writing is incredibly difficult. Attempting to craft something articulate and engaging is a brave endeavor. But, I will also point out that you are up to the task. You’ve got this!