If you’ve had to write anything in your life, an essay for high school, an important email, or a blog post for a client, you’ve probably experienced writer’s block.
If you’re looking for an actual definition, writer’s block, according to Merriam Webster is:
“A psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece.”
The bottom line is writer’s block SUCKS. It makes you feel even more anxious and makes your imposter syndrome even worse. Not to mention the fact that it impacts your money. Simply put, you don’t have time to deal with writer’s block.
Don’t worry, I’m not going to tell you to write every day or anything like that.
Here are 7 tips that will actually help you get over writer’s block.
1. Take a break from writing
Seriously. Even though you may be on deadline, a break can still help you. Staring at the unfinished piece of work for the last couple of hours wasn’t helping, so what do you have to lose?
Sometimes when writing my monthly newsletters, I have serious writer’s block. One month, I took a break to do that day’s Wordle and start a crossword. You can go for a walk, take a nap or watch a movie. If you have a looming deadline, consider asking for an extension. It’s better to submit something good than submit work that you know was not your best.
2. Find the reason
There is a reason you’re experiencing writer’s block. You may be:
- Stressed out
- Unclear on how to start the piece
- Tired
- Anxious
If any of those sound like you, then addressing these concerns may help you get over your writer’s block.
“Unfortunately, many people suffer from BPS — Blank Page Syndrome. Let’s face it: starting to write is scary. Seeing the cursor blinking at you on that bright white screen, realizing that you now have to come up with three or ten or twenty pages of text all on your own — it’s enough to give anyone a major case of writer’s block!” — Stefanie Weisman
Stress
Chances are sitting and staring at the blinking cursor isn’t going to make you less stressed. Even though you may have a tight deadline. Get up and leave your laptop. Take a couple of deep breaths. Get some fresh air. Watch an episode of your favorite show. Run a bath. Call up a friend. Do anything you can do to reduce your stress levels and then try again.
If you find yourself constantly overwhelmed with writing you may want to consider taking on less work and raising your rates.
Uncertainty
Sometimes the reason why I’m staring at the blinking cursor is that I have no idea what to write.
That may require you to:
- Message the client and ask for more information or guidance
- Start asking for writer briefs in the future
- Read other blogs written about that topic
- Research to get a better understanding of the topic
Tired
If you’re too tired to write the only thing I can recommend is getting some rest.
If you’re strapped for time, try taking a power nap and you’ll wake up energized and chances are your writer’s block will be gone.
Anxiety
Figure out the source of your anxiety.
For example, if you’re anxious because the deadline is looming and you don’t know how to approach the piece, there are steps to fix that. You could email your boss or client asking them for an extension and some more guidance.
Generally speaking, if your anxiety is debilitating or just interfering in your life, I’d recommend speaking with a mental health professional.
In the meantime, take a couple of deep breaths or meditate.
3. Eliminate distractions
Sometimes, you’re just not focusing long enough for the words to flow.
So put your phone on silent or face down for some time and see if that helps.
Sometimes, I just put my phone somewhere where I can’t reach it, so I’m not tempted to pick it up.
You can also put a time limit on any apps you feel are taking up a lot of your time. For me, it’s TikTok and Twitter so I either limit my hours per day or delete them from my phone when I’m swamped with work.
In addition, I realized that where you right matters a lot. I’m much more productive when I’m writing from my desk versus my bed.
4. Read
Sometimes reading what someone else has to say may inspire you. It doesn’t have to be related to what you’re writing.
Use this time to catch up on blogs, the book you’re currently reading, or the newspaper, if that’s your jam.
Sometimes, you just need to get your mind off what you need to write and
Audiobooks also count!
5. Plan ahead
I like writing when inspiration strikes, but inspiration won’t always be there. Therefore, I take advantage of it, when I have it.
Therefore, when the writing juices are flowing, I create and batch content.
That way, when writer’s block eventually comes, I won’t be panicked.
Planning ahead can look as simple as having a list of topics or ideas in your notes app or as elaborate as a fully fleshed-out content schedule on Notion or Google Sheets.
6. Keep a Swipe File
A swipe file is a document with your favorite pieces of writing. For example, if you came across a compelling sales email, a captivating subject line, a well written blog post, an Instagram post in your niche with a ton of engagement, you can add these to your swipe file.
The purpose of a swipe file is to inspire you to create great content, not to copy, of course.
However, when you’re staring at the blinking cursor, looking at some beautifully written copy can get the writing juices flowing again.
7. Use AI
I know. Many freelance writers feel that AI is coming for their jobs and so they want to avoid it at all costs.
But hear me out.
You can plug the topic you’re writing for into AI and it can generate headings, places you can do more research, frequently asked questions on the topic and so much more.
You don’t need AI to write the piece for you but it can definitely help you come up with ideas.
Next Steps
The next step is to get writing! Don’t worry if the words aren’t flowing as freely, just start writing and trust the process.
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