You ever sit down to write and just feel “stuck”? I know I have. You have a story to tell, but it’s locked somewhere inside of you … This psychological obstacle, called writer’s block, affects us all, from established authors to new writers longing to fulfill a lifelong dream.
To overcome writer’s block, you have to identify its cause. In this article, I discuss four main causes of writer’s block—fear, procrastination, distractions, and perfectionism—and share tips for addressing them.
#1: Fear
For many of us, the true cause of writer’s block is fear. Fear of failure. Fear that our ideas aren’t good enough. Fear that our writing will never sell.
This fear is a healthy part of the writing process, and you can’t allow it to stop you from writing.
Read for inspiration
If your fear manifests as a lack of inspiration, spend some time reading. Read works from your favorite authors in your favorite genres. Whether it’s a poem, short story, or book, gather some inspiration, and then return to your own writing.
Try some writing prompts
If you’re struggling to come up with anything to write about or you feel you need more practice before writing the story of your dreams, try stretching your brain with a few creative writing prompts.
There are all kinds of prompt journals available to help you get your creative juices flowing. One of my personal favorites is The Creative Writer’s Notebook by John Gillard.
Embrace the fear
If you’ve spent some time reading and practicing with creative prompts, it’s time to get back to your writing project. You may still be feeling some fear. That’s normal—good, even.
Acknowledge your fear. Allow it to motivate and humble you. Remember that you’re not alone in this feeling. As Hemingway said, “We are all apprentices in a craft where no one ever becomes a master.”
#2: Procrastination
Perhaps fear isn’t your biggest obstacle. Maybe you struggle with procrastinating or finding time for your writing.
Set a target
To overcome procrastination, start by setting a page or word count target for your writing sessions. Choose a goal that is realistic, but still pushes you.
This strategy will be more effective if you add in a layer of accountability. Consider asking someone in your life—a partner, close friend, or mentor—to be your accountability partner. They can ask you weekly if you’ve met your writing target; in return, you can help hold them accountable for a goal of their own, like going to the gym.
Use the Pomodoro technique
The Pomodoro technique is a time-management strategy that is very helpful for people who tend to procrastinate. Simply put, you set a timer and work for 25 minutes. Next, you set a timer for a five-minute break. Then, you repeat this process four times.
During your 25-minute work sessions, you should be totally committed to writing. Don’t use your phone, don’t eat snacks, and don’t cuddle with your dog. You can do all of those things during your designated five-minute breaks.
Make it a habit
The most effective way to beat procrastination is by making writing a habit. Schedule a set time to write, like the first hour of each day, for example.
If you hold yourself to a schedule, over time, it will become a habit, and writing will no longer feel like a task to push off.
#3: Distractions
We’re surrounded by distractions, but they don’t have to keep us from our writing.
Go somewhere with a door
If you struggle with distractions, your best bet is writing in a room that has a door. During your writing session, shut out your pets, partner, roommate, or kids. If there’s still too much background noise, try playing instrumental music or wearing noise canceling headphones.
Turn off notifications
Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, and place it far away from you. If your texts are synched to your computer, put it on DND too.
Disable the internet
If you’re often tempted to browse the internet while writing, turn the Wi-Fi off on your computer. If something comes up that you feel the need to Google, highlight it and continue writing. Then, at the very end of your writing session, turn your internet back on and Google whatever you need to.
If you find yourself often Googling synonyms or definitions, consider adding a dictionary and thesaurus to your bookshelf. Then, it’ll be even easier to stay off of the internet while you’re writing.
#4: Perfectionism
Perfectionism is perhaps the most common cause of writer’s block and one of the hardest to overcome.
Write—don’t revise
Separate writing from revising. Imagine these as two different hats. When you’re writing, wear only your writer’s cap. Don’t try to stack your revision hat on top—that would look silly! Who wears two different hats at the same time?
In all seriousness, writing and revision are two totally different processes that use different areas of your brain. Trying to do both at the same time is a recipe for disaster. As difficult as it may be, you must silence your internal editor and keep writing. Don’t stop to reread everything you’ve written. Just keep going!
Remember, it’s just a first draft!
Let’s say you aren’t able to take my last piece of advice. You reread everything you’ve written so far, and you hate it. I’ve been there. Now what?
Remind yourself that this is just a first draft. It shouldn’t be perfect. In fact, it would be strange if you thought that it was. Finish your draft, and then start revising.
If you’re still feeling stuck, consider hiring a professional editor to help you. You don’t have to wait until your book is “finished” to hire an editor. At Aha! Editorial, our personalized services will meet you at any stage of the writing process. Want to learn more? Click here to book a free consultation.
Owner of Aha! Editorial
Let’s talk about your writing project: https://calendly.com/ashlyn-ahaeditorial
