7 Ways to Overcome Writer’s Block

Whether you’re writing a research paper on the ethics of psychology or an analysis of fire management measures, writing can be difficult. Add in a bad case of writer’s block, and putting your thoughts into words can seem impossible.

Every writer has likely faced that moment when words just won’t come, but what's causing this writer’s block?

Defining Writer’s Block

Coined in 1947 by Austrian psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler, writer’s block is an inhibition affecting the productivity of writers. It can stem from life stress, anxiety, or burnout. Writer’s block can make even simple writing tasks feel overwhelming.

The secret to overcoming writer’s block? Sit at your computer and write. If you wait until you’re inspired, you’ll never do it. Fortunately, here are some tips to overcome writer’s block and make the process easier.

1. Have a Designated Workspace

Perhaps you have a designated home office where you can close the door and study, or maybe you’re doing homework with your kids at the dining room table. No matter your environment, make it a place you want to be. Declutter, put up a picture of what inspires you, or add any other personal touches.

Consider the time of day you are most productive. Don’t try to write in the morning if you aren’t a morning person. If you’re constantly restless, try writing while standing up.

Consider the temperature and noise. If you’re uncomfortable, writing will be harder — and if you’re distracted, nearly impossible. Wear comfortable clothing, and turn on classical music or white noise if you can’t deal with noise or the quiet.

2. Use the Pomodoro Technique

Francesco Cirillo, developer of the Pomodoro^® Technique, says people are most productive in 25-minute blocks.

Set the timer on your phone, try the Pomodoro Timer, or download an app — search “productivity timer” in your app store. Don’t let yourself be interrupted during those 25 minutes — that means no email, no getting up to get more coffee, etc. Do whatever is required to sit tight and power through. After 25 minutes, take a much-deserved break.

3. Plan a Time and Make a Habit

Much of overcoming writer’s block is sitting down to work. In the book Re-Engineer Your Workday: Create Time for Life, author Rowena Hubble talks about John Grisham’s routine. Working full days as an attorney when he began writing, Grisham maintained discipline and was at his desk, ready to write, by 5:30 am sharp. He committed himself to writing at least one page every day.

Put time on the calendar, and commit to it. You don’t have to bring ideas or inspiration, but you do have to show up and follow through.

4. Try a Writing Prompt

Remember in grade school when you were assigned a topic and had to write about it for 15 or 20 minutes? Treat the beginning of your writing time similarly by using a prompt. Writer’s Digest has a section of its website dedicated to them.

5. It's OK to Be Flawed

Trying to write a perfect first draft is a surefire way to suffer writing paralysis. Don’t concern yourself with spelling, grammar, or even good writing on your first draft. Just start writing.

Use filler words — yes, an editor may advise against this at the end stage of writing. At the beginning stage, phrases such as “due to the fact that” and “it is imperative that” could help you articulate your ideas. You can edit them out later.

6. Read

Find inspiration from your favorite writers. Try cracking open a book before you sit down to write. Read poetry for 10 minutes, a single chapter from a book, or a short essay. This will put you in the right mindset to write your own words — or at least imitate what you’ve just read.

7. Don’t Give It a Name

Some psychologists have varying takes on writer’s block. Psychologist Steven Pritzker told the American Psychological Association (APA) that writer’s block is “an artificial construct that basically justifies a discipline problem.”

Professor Paul Silvia told the APA that “naming something gives it … power.”

So don’t acknowledge it. Sit down at the desk, and prove it wrong.

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