Tips to Help Overcome Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is frustrating and disheartening, especially when you want to write and the words just won’t seem to flow. Not every technique to try and overcome that block works for everyone, but here are few that have helped me in the past.
Skip to the next scene you’re excited about: If you find yourself stuck on the part you’re working on, sometimes jotting down whatever needs to happen there and moving on can help. This is especially useful if you have another scene in mind that you’re excited to write. Getting the words flowing and delving back into your writing in a way that isn’t frustrating can make going back to those parts you’re less than thrilled to write a bit easier.
Do a writing sprint: Sit down with a laptop or a pen and paper and set a timer for yourself. This can be customized to what you think would be best for you, from one minute to fifteen minutes or even longer if you want. The goal for these is just to get yourself writing, so don’t pressure yourself to write any one specific thing or focus on making it perfect. It’s all about the flow of writing and warming up those creative muscles.
Look at pictures or listen to music for inspiration: Websites like Unsplash and Pinterest host a ton of pictures and art pieces that can provide a spark of inspiration for a story. For Pinterest, sourcing the image can be a bit sketchy so actually using those images for anything more than inspiration isn’t recommended. Sometimes finding an interesting picture can give you an idea for some characters or a plot event in your project! I’ve also found it helpful to search through Spotify playlists to find music that provides some inspiration. Searching the playlist tab with something like adventure, or villain, or any number of feelings or genres can provide some amazing songs to fit whatever your project is.
Look through prompts: Sometimes looking through prompts can stir up some ideas, either for the project you’re stuck on or to get into writing something new. Even if the prompt isn’t entirely right for you, taking bits and pieces of one can be helpful. Plot Generator allows you to choose from a variety of genres to create a prompt or a blurb for you to work with. Reedsy has a backlog of over 1,800 prompts that you can sort by genre. Five new prompts are also added weekly and during that week you can submit a short story to the contest, based on one of those five prompts, for a chance to win $250.
Take a break to read, watch, or do something fun: Putting pressure on yourself to write or beating yourself up over not being able to doesn’t always (or even usually) help. Maybe you just need to recharge your creative battery! Reading something new or watching a show or movie can provide you a nice break while letting your brain consume some new ideas. Even just going for a walk or out to do something fun might let your mind chew on your project without the added pressure of a blank screen or page. I like to have a small notebook on me just in case inspiration strikes so I can note down an idea, but the goal here is to allow yourself time to recharge your creativity and not stress about it.
Take a break from that project: This might be the most annoying option when all you want to do is power through the one you’re working on, but sometimes that simply won’t work. Having another project to focus on, or taking a break from writing entirely, might be the best way to get yourself out of the writing rut.
