When you Simply “Can’t Even”: How To Get Over Writer’s Block

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Anyone who writes has experienced the debilitating feeling of “writer’s block”. In my early days of writing, I remember sitting there at the computer, staring at the screen, waiting for words to bloom in my mind and find their way to my word document. I’d sit there waiting for inspiration to strike and it never came.

Now that I am a bit more seasoned, I have found ways to triumph over the goliath that is “writer’s block”. All of the following techniques I have used to get over my writing slumps, with great success and I hope they aid you in your writing pursuits as well.

1. Write something else

Do you have another writing project you are working on, or maybe something you’ve been wanting to start? Try working on that when you’re running low on inspiration for your current project. Maybe write a short story, or try a random writing prompt. Heck, knock out some character bios for the project you’re stumped on (you know you’ve been putting those off, anyway). Writing begets writing and sparks new inspiration.

2. Put your hands up and step away from the computer

Take a break! Gets some food/coffee/tea/sleep. Rejuvenate your mind by taking a step back from your project. Maybe whilst you’re staring aimlessly into the black abyss of your dark roast coffee, lightning will strike and you’ll suddenly think of an ingenious way for your main character to climb out of the plot hole you’ve dug for them. Maybe you’ll have an incredibly vivid dream about how to guide your characters to their happy ending or untimely demise (writer’s preference). Maybe as you’re stuffing your face with a delicious midnight snack, you’ll think up a potion recipe that will allow your villain to kick off their evil plot to destroy your hero. Bottom line, admitting you’re out of ideas and backing away is the first step to inspiring new ideas.

3. Explore other stories

Catch up on that TV series you’ve been neglecting. Watch that new movie you’ve been wanting to see. Binge some Netflix. Read a book. Play a video game. Delve into the limitless realm of the imaginations of others. Everyone needs a little help occasionally, and who better to consult than the masters of storytelling?

Having a little trouble with your misguided scientist? Mary Shelly can help you with that. World building got you down? Read or watch things based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Are your super villains seeming a bit blasé? There is a whole Marvel and DC universe for you to explore. Is your post-apocalyptic world feeling empty and devoid of life? A few sessions of Fallout will serve you well.

Sometimes a little bit of outside inspiration is just the fuel you need to get your creative machine up and running again.

4. Try other creative hobbies

Draw your characters or landscapes in your story. Paint some happy little trees with Bob Ross. Sew a ballgown. Scrapbook. Make some soap. Craft some jewelry. Build a table. Create! Doing creative things makes you feel good, and it inspires a feeling of accomplishment … maybe it will even give you the motivation you need to open up your writing project and get back to work.

5. Plot

Don’t know where to take the story next? Do some plotting! Think about where your character is and where you want them to end up, then try to think of how you’re going to get them there. Write it down.

Plotting is an extremely helpful exercise that should be done often—I make a outline for each chapter, for example. Use your notes as guidelines rather than a set of strict rules that you have to follow. Stories change, and sometimes writer’s block occurs when we feel boxed into our original ideas. Don’t limit yourself with following your original outline when you have better ideas now! Plot and keep your story evolving. Make it fun for you, and the “inspiration fairy” is sure to visit you often.

6. Run it by a friend

Sometimes, you just need a sounding board. Talk with your buds about your story and maybe they’ll have some fresh ideas for you. Maybe they will point out something you had not noticed that you can use to further the plot. Even I, a self-professed hermit, have used this tactic when I’ve hit a “writing wall”. As much as I love my solitude, occasionally I have to invite others in to garner a new point of view and ultimately progress.

7. Organize your writing space

Maybe your creative space has gotten a little bogged down. Try cleaning and organizing your writing space. Maybe update your desk with some new pen holders, or a cool desk toy, or a spiffy new mouse and keyboard. Hang up some landscape or motivational posters (you can never have too many “hang in there” cat posters). Install some mood lighting. Organize your desk drawers. Organize the files on your computer. Organize your notebooks. Clear off all those mugs you’ve been too lazy to wash. Turn your desk into a place you want to be. Make it feel like your space. Clear the clutter from your desk and the clutter in your mind is sure to leave too.

The one thing that all of these methods have in common is to take a break from writing the thing that’s got you blocked. You can’t squeeze blood from a stone, and sitting there trying to will only lead to more frustration. Take a breather, and don’t feel guilty about it. Getting “writer’s block” is just like anything else in life, in that it too shall pass. If you’d like to expedite the passage of that block, go ahead and try the methods above—hopefully there is least one in there that will work for you.

Godspeed, fellow traveller, and happy writing!

Nicole

Have you conquered writer’s block and ascended to the peak of manuscript competition? Congratulations! We’re so proud of you! Now it is time to take the next step and get your masterpiece edited. Luckily, we can help you with that! Check out our “Services” page to see the types of editing services that we offer, or click here. Us ravens are here to help!

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Caw Caw for now!

The Tome Ravens