How to Overcome Writer’s Block: 3 Easy Ways

Have you ever spent valuable minutes staring at a blank page or a blank screen on your computer struggling to write? You are not alone. When the mind goes blank, it seems impossible to jumpstart those creative writing ideas and get back to work.

What happens during writer’s block?

The right side of the brain is where original ideas are created or generated. The left side of the brain is where those ideas and words are analyzed and tightened. The brain’s left side has taken control leading to blank page syndrome, aka writer’s block. No ideas are being generated!

Anything you try writing seems awkward or stupid. Consequently, the right side of the brain can’t seem to get going. It’s comparable to having a negative boss during a crucial brainstorming session when no idea seems good enough to follow up.

The trick to overcoming this predicament is to separate the right brain (writing) from the left brain (editing.)

Here are three easy ways of overcoming writer’s block.

Break the Writing Process

Monotony can lead to writer’s block. For example, I didn’t attempt to write this article right from the beginning to the end, all at once. First, I sat back and conceptualized the topic in my head. Then I thought and chose the sub-headings. After that, I worked on a basic outline. Only then did I commence with the actual writing.

Breaking down the task into several parts made the writing much easier, with fewer roadblocks on my path from pen to paper. To avoid writer’s block, make it as easy for yourself by doing as much pre-work or preparation as you can before you embark on the hard part.

Figure Out Your Peak Writing Time

When are you most productive? The early morning hours are best for most writers because distractions are few since the kids are out playing or other people still asleep. For others, it could be early evening or late at night. This a personal thing, and every writer must figure out the best time for them.

A simple way of doing this is to try writing at different hours throughout the day and gauging your energy and focus levels, and comparing your output.

Practice Freewriting

Freewriting entails choosing something entirely different to write about. If, for example, you are struggling with developing a song’s second verse, why not leave songwriting for a while and try something else like poetry. Your creative side of the brain starts to focus on something else, easing stress and pressure. This allows your brain to tap deep in your head, bringing out new ideas.

Spend at least 15 minutes a day simply writing whatever flows from your head. Ignore the punctuation rules and just write freely, allowing the writing to be completely random. In the process, you might change topics many times. Just let it flow, vent it.

Last Word

Writer’s block can last an hour, a month, or a year. No matter how long your blank page lasts, it’s painful. Don’t get discouraged if you periodically struggle with writer’s block. Every great writer experiences it at some point, but you can overcome it.

“Don’t punish yourself. Give yourself a break, have faith for the vital juices will flow again.”