3 Tips for Writer's Block
Tired of writer's block slowing your writing down? Me too. Nothing is more frustrating than feeling creatively stuck. Don’t get dragged down for days or weeks from writing your story. Instead, try these 3 tips for writer’s block that are guaranteed to help get you out of your slump.
Change the Scenery
Imagine with Music
Take a Break
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Change the Scenery
Sometimes all you need to spice up your mindset is a change of scenery. Venture off to a coffee shop or your local library and get an hour or more of uninterrupted writing time. Sometimes surrounding yourself with books and other people working can motivate you. If anything, it will get you away from distractions at your regular home office.
Bonus tip: Don't connect to any internet (if you can). Use your writing software without it so you aren't pulled into the vortex of the web.
Imagine with Music
One magical tip to separate your racing thoughts from creativity is to put on giant headphones and imagine. Listen to any ambient or classical music and let your imagination carry your ideas. The rhythms of the music serenade your thinking brain and allow your mind to play. The music will slow your thoughts. Here, word count doesn't exist. Shut your eyes and let your imagination wander. This technique is something lost within our 21st-century speed living. Stillness and imagination are wildly productive. For years, we integrated them into our lives as kids, and we still have the capability to do so. Speaking from experience, this tip is EXTREMELY useful. It actually sparked a short story and helped me create a voice within that piece.
Take a Break
If none of these tools above are working for you then take a break. Step away from your project for 30 minutes, an hour, or an evening. Get outside and go for a walk. Listen to the world around you and breathe.
If that still doesn't work for you then take a break by focusing on other tasks. Cook, clean, work out, take a shower, or do any other physical activity because it will get you out of your head. When I'm involved in a task using my hands, the action is grounding me, and separating me from an overthinking brain.
These 3 tips for writer's block are going to get you out of a slump. I've used them, so I know at least one technique will help you. Comment below and tell me if any of these tips worked for you!
How to spark Creativity when you’re burnt out?
Another reason you may be facing writer’s block is that you are creatively burned out. When this happens, you don’t have any ideas or energy to continue writing. Chances are you have been striving to write after you’ve been working all day at your day job, or you have other creative interests that suck all of your ingenuity, so when it’s time to write—you can’t.
The thought of whipping out your WIP (work-in-progress) repulses you, yet you are also stressed because you’ve fallen behind on writing and just want to get more words on the page. Yes— we’ve all been there.
So, what do you do?
Adjust the time of day when you write.
I implore you to try different strategies and see what works for you most of the time. You don’t have to write every day— in fact, it isn’t realistic to write some days. But if you can write most days— that is the key. Also, every day pulls at you in different ways, so try these small adjustments.
Write in the early morning
I know it’s easier said than done, but trust me, your writing needs this. Try and write first thing in the morning. Before anyone else is awake, grab your computer, a cup of coffee, and get typing.
I find that when I get up early enough to write, I don’t feel pressured by all of my to-do’s, or the many distractions of life because the world is still quiet.
This is an incredibly helpful change if you’re a person whose job is already creative. For example, maybe you’re a freelance writer or a graphic designer who already expells a ton of creativity for work. Moving your passion project to the start of your day is a game changer; it’s vital for getting that book written because it will spark so many positive neurons within you from dopamine to adrenaline to achievement. More importantly, you will be making major strides in completing the project versus the draft collecting dust.
Another reason you should try to write first thing in the morning is that your mind is malleable. You’ve just awakened from the dream world which keeps you in a cerebral state that will fuel your story.
These don’t have to be extreme pockets of time. Waking up one hour earlier than usual can keep the momentum you need to keep moving your story forward. Consistent writing keeps the creative juices flowing—even when you’re not writing—you’re thinking about your book.
Write in the late evening
If the thought of waking up early sounds terrible because your creativity is fueled by the moon, then switch your writing time to the late evening.
Again, try this when everyone in your home is going to bed—when it’s just you and the page. Some days this also works for me when I’ve done all the tasks I needed to for the day, or I’ve visited with my family and have time to be completely alone. Being solitary is the key to both of these adjustments.
When there are no more to-do’s or distractions, there are no more excuses.
Again, you don’t have to spend three hours writing. Instead, aim to stay up one hour later most nights to move your story forward. If you’re a night owl, chances are you already are staying up late. The difference is that now you are spending the time writing.
These small adjustments to your writing life will be the difference you need to move past creative burnout and finish that book.
Good luck and happy writing!
Tell us in the comments below what helps you get out of a writing rut. We’d love to hear your strategy.
