In a perfect world, there would be a quick fix for writer’s block. A potent elixir that could jumpstart your brain, magic up genius ideas, and make your fingers race across the keyboard like a lightning storm crackling through the sky.
Sadly, we don’t live in a perfect world. But there are proven strategies you can use to get back into your story. Let’s explore a few of them.
#1 Journal to Uncover Your Block
Understanding why you’re recoiling from your writing project, even though you desperately want to write, is the first step.
If you’re continually experiencing writer’s block, address it — don’t ignore it. They say a problem shared is a problem halved, so share your problem with your journal.
If you’re continually experiencing writer’s block, address it — don’t ignore it.
Bestselling ghostwriter, mystery writer, book coach, and developmental editor Dr. Rachel Clair wrote on this topic for our book Set Your Story Free: The Writer’s Guide to Freewrite.
She suggests shifting your mindset by using prompts like: “I can’t write because…” or “I’m not enjoying my writing project right now because…”
When you know the answers, it’s easier to interrogate the specific issue you’re experiencing, realize it's probably unfounded, and move past it.
Finish your journaling session on a positive note. Answer these questions: “I am excited about my writing project because…” and “I will write today because…” Then, jump straight into your project!
#2 Build a Regular Writing Habit
Imagine you’re heading off on a cross-country road trip. Your tank is full and you’re raring to go. But your car keeps stalling and breaking down on the side of the road. You can’t rack up the mileage when you’re constantly stopping and starting again. Your destination always feels far away. It’s the same with writing.
If you dip in and out of writing without a sustainable regular routine, you’ll likely encounter writer’s block. To combat this, build a regular writing habit, whether it’s 30 minutes twice a week or two hours every day.
If you dip in and out of writing without a sustainable regular routine, you’ll likely encounter writer’s block.
Find what’s sustainable and realistic for you and, come figurative hell or high water, stick to it. Try habit stacking until writing in a certain place and time becomes second nature.
#3 Do Writing Sprints
Writing a novel is a marathon. But it can, and should, include sprints. A sprint is a timed writing session — it’s as simple as that. Writing against the clock provides the urgency and pressure needed to get the words down, even when you’re not particularly in the mood to write.
Writing against the clock provides the urgency and pressure needed to get the words down, even when you’re not particularly in the mood to write.
Depending on what makes you most productive, you might like to challenge yourself to write X number of words in X number of minutes. (You can use the Pomodoro technique or a good old-fashioned egg timer.)
Or you could allot, for example, one hour of your time to writing without a specific goal or word count target. When you make your writing time sacred and distraction-free, writing becomes more tempting than staring at the wall.
#4 Use a Single-Purpose Writing Device
Distractions are a writer’s Achilles’ heel. Anything you can do to reduce distractions and tap into deep concentration will help you write more and more often.
One of the best ways to bat away distractions is to write on a single-purpose device with focused functionality.
Enter the ultimate tonic for writer’s block: Freewrite. This dedicated drafting device — free from blinking notifications and noisy alerts — helps writers 2-3x their creative output. Each Freewrite is specifically designed to give you the forward momentum to keep writing without looking back, so you can edit and polish later.
One of the best ways to bat away distractions is to write on a single-purpose device with focused functionality.
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Writer’s block sufferers, we know it’s tough out there. But implement these strategies and you will rediscover your productivity and fall back in love with your writing project.
Mike Somerby identifies as a writer — with some reservation.
