Writer’s block is a right old pain, isn’t it? Especially when you’re desperate to get your article or chapter finished and the words just will not flow.
Some people say it’s a myth. Others swear it’s a reality. Whatever your thoughts, let me help you overcome whatever is stopping your writing flow.
Here are 10 ways to help you crush writer’s block!
#1 Put your writing project to one side
Creativity will not be forced. I know this from experience. The more you try to squeeze the words out of your tired brain, the more your writing will lack flow and you’ll end up hating the finished article. Instead, take heed of your grey matter and put whatever you’re trying to write to one side. Just for now. When you pick up this writing project again, any writer’s block will have vanished. If it hasn’t, just postpone it a little longer.
#2 Focus on something else
Instead of battling with writer’s block, focus on something else. Once I get the ironing board out, don those rubber gloves, or jump in the shower, it’s really weird but the ideas begin to flow. It seems my writer’s mind likes to play games. So if I pretend I’m not thinking about writing, my creative sparks seem determined to prove the opposite and the good stuff seeps in. (Creativity doesn’t like being ignored, you see.)
#3 Switch off your laptop
Sometimes it’s simply a matter of getting away from a screen. So pick up a pen and paper, draw a big spider diagram to help you brainstorm whatever you’re trying to get through and kickstart your writing juices again.
#4 Have a mooch around social media
Have a wander around Facebook land or Twitter or LinkedIn. Pop into some of those writing groups you’ve joined and see what other people are talking about and writing about. Mooch around other biz pages in your niche, too, if you’re writing non-fiction. What are they writing about? Pull together some common themes and use them to set off in your own direction.
#5 Get out of the house
Being stuck in the house with writer’s block is the worst place to be. So take a walk or a run in the fresh air. Go to the gym. Visit the local coffee shop (and eat cake, too, that always helps). Things always look different when you return to your desk.
#6 Read some good quality blogs
There’s nothing wrong with reading what other people are writing about (yes, even if it is the 
competition). Read some of the big digital global magazines, too, who write articles which speak to your target reader or ideal client. If you’re stuck for ideas, here are a few of my favourite places to find good quality articles.
WomenOnBusiness.com
forbes.com
mindbodygreen.com
thriveglobal.com
medium.com
#7 Try freewriting
Virginia Woolf was a huge advocate of freewriting and I concur it’s good to do some warm-up writing before you start on the real task. So, if writer’s block is hampering your progress, just grab your notebook and pen and write about absolutely anything and everything that pops into your head. Talk about how you’re feeling, what you can see out of the window, what you can hear, what you’re having for your next meal, etc. This empties the brain of the minutiae and, in theory (and usually practice), it makes way for the fab stuff to filter through.
#8 Crank up the music
Pop on your favourite uplifting music or head over to YouTube and search for some big, powerful songs to raise your vibration. Play them as loud as you can, sing along (like nobody’s listening) and feel those words seep into your brain and dissolve that pesky writer’s block.
#9 Visit Google.com
If you’re trying to focus on a particular topic, add some keywords into Google and see what comes up. Play around with thesaurus.com and try out different keywords to spark new ideas on the subject that’s got you stumped. Moving past your blocks can be as simple as finding another word to use (synonym) or even its antonym, to get you back in your funky writing flow again.
#10 Clear your mind
Emptying your mind is a great way to take the edge of your writer’s block. Try meditating (there are heaps of guided meditations on YouTube if it’s new for you) or a bit of Tapping/EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) – check out brilliant Brad Yates and David Childerly to get you started. These two very different ways of switching your mindset and releasing those emotional blocks can work wonders for your writing productivity.
What’s your favourite trick for overcoming writer’s block. Please share with us!
Michelle x
Self-Publishing Services for UK Independent Authors
