Writer’s block. You know the feeling. You want to write, but as you sit at your desk, ready to bring your story to life, you’re left with a blinking cursor and a blank page. Fear not! Mozzie is here to help! I’ve got 5 tips that have helped me beat writer’s block and will help you to overcome it too!
Whether you’re crafting a novel, blog content, scripting a video, or just journaling, these tips will help you boost productivity and stay motivated.
Tip 1: Change Your Environment
The simplest way to circumvent it, is to write somewhere else. Try writing in a different room. If that doesn’t work write outside, be it in a coffee shop, your car, or your garden. Creative writing thrives in stimulating environments. Sticking to the same desk every day can make your creativity feel stale.
Try this:
• Write in a cozy corner of your home instead of your usual workspace.
• Take your notebook to a coffee shop for a change of scenery.
• Step outside for a walk with a voice recorder to capture new ideas on the go.
• Sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective to reignite your creative flow.
Tip 2: Freewrite
If you’re stuck, try writing a short and sweet little piece of writing. Forget about rules, expectations, or anything else, and just write for 10 minutes about the hat hanging on your bedpost, or whatever else you see or tickles your fancy. Freewriting is one of the best writer’s block solutions. This exercise encourages you to write without overthinking, helping you bypass perfectionism and unlock your creativity.
How to Do It:
• Set a timer for 10 minutes.
• Write whatever comes to mind—no editing, no second-guessing.
• Don’t worry if your words seem random or unrelated to your project.
• Freewriting is a powerful tool to inspire and get the words flowing again.
Tip 3: Pause Creating, and Consume Creativity
Just like food fuels our bodies, our minds need fodder to feed on. In his book On Writing: A Memoir of The Craft, Stephen King essentially says that an author needs to read as much as possible (He put it much more eloquently, but that is the gist). Make sure you keep reading or consuming other people’s creative works. That is what got me out of my writing slump. Reading something you love will get those creative juices flowing again. So read, read, and read!
Try This:
• Read a book in your favorite genre to gain inspiration.
• Watch a movie or TV series that resonates with your story’s themes.
• Listen to a playlist that matches the mood of your writing project.
Tip 4: Set Smaller, More Manageable Goals
Writer’s block can feel overwhelming because of unrealistic expectations. Setting a daily, weekly, or monthly writing goal is excellent. But make them reasonable. Instead of a big one, set several smaller goals or deadlines. Achieving multiple small goals will fuel motivation and build momentum. You can reduce the pressure and boost productivity by breaking your work into smaller tasks.
Small Goals to Try:
• Write 100 words today.
• Complete one paragraph or scene.
• Draft a simple outline for the next section of your project.
Tip 5: Fall in Love Again
When you’re stuck, it helps to reflect on your purpose. What made you want to start writing your current project? Find that first love of writing again. Fall in love with your story again. See how you have grown as a writer. Give yourself recognition for your progress without getting a big head. Reconnecting with your passion can help you stay motivated to write, even when it feels challenging.
Ways to Reconnect with Your Why:
• Revisit the original inspiration for your project.
• Look at your notes, vision board or journal where you’ve documented your goals.
• Ask yourself: What story do I want to share, and why is it important to me?
Remember, your story matters. Finding your “why” can reignite your creativity and help you push through writer’s block.
Final Thoughts:
Writer’s block can feel like an uphill battle, but what goes down must come back up. If you can’t climb the mountain, go around or through it. With these practical tips—changing your environment, freewriting, consuming creativity, setting smaller goals, and revisiting your why—you can overcome writer’s block and stay creative as a writer!
What are your favorite tips for beating writer’s block?
Share them in the comments below! If you found these tips helpful, share this post with your fellow writers to spread the inspiration.
Write stuff down!
Mozzie