How to Overcome Writer’s Block

A plague will infect every writer. Regardless of skill or years of experience, writer’s block will come.

Writer’s block comes when there is nothing on the page, nothing on the mind, and it feels like there is nowhere to go.

Doubt begins to creep in, about yourself, your ability, and your willingness to go on writing.

“…if your prose seems stillborn and you completley lack confidence, you must be a writer.”

-jOHN MCPHEE

Experiencing writer’s block is part of the writing process, it cannot be avoided.

John McPhee wrote in his book Draft No. 4 about the feelings of writer’s block. He encapsulated the crushing feeling that it can have on a piece.

But, he also acknowledges its use. Specifically, how the writer’s block leads to the initial draft, or “nucleus” of what the piece will eventually become.

That is why writer’s block is not something to fear, nor ignore.

Embracing writer’s block can begin a beautiful story or provide the conclusion to a heavily researched non-fiction piece.

Regardless of the story type, a block is a great opportunity to explore the piece. A time when you aren’t sure what to do prompts creativity, ultimately making your piece stronger.

There are many ways to handle the mental block, with some being more productive than others. However, the best way to use the time is through proactive, writing-enhancing activities.

Do some reading

A good writer is a great reader. Writers build off of the things they read all of the time.

In general, it is important to read a wide range of topics. A voracious consumption of novels, non-fiction publications, and even poetry can improve your writing.

Reading these during a time of block will do you just as much good.

Sometimes, trying to think of how to continue the next chapter or continue the arc of a paragraph is impossible. The only solution may be to step away and explore a different world.

The best things to read would be items in the same genre or style as the piece you are writing.

When you read these, you are likely to get a great idea for your own piece.

But, don’t count out other types either. You may be just as likely to get a killer idea from a news article or sci-fi novel.

Either way, read and ideas will spring to your mind.

Finish your research

If you have writer’s block, you have not done enough research or reporting.

This is primarily for those who write in the sphere of non-fiction or journalism. Because these genres are based on facts, events, and interviews, your block may be because you’re lacking information.

If you’re writing a non-fiction book, you may need to hit the books or do more online research. There could be a small bit of information out there that would link your information together perfectly.

For journalists, information comes from the reporting process; namely interviewing. So, if you are in the midst of writing a story and feel like you have nothing to write, it’s time to get back out there.

Interviews are a great way to gain perspective and additional information on a topic or story. When you’re stuck try talking out the topic with an expert.

Make an outline

Outlines are the backbone of any piece of writing. Whether there is a narrative arc or a news story to be told, there is always an outline to be made.

Any writer can be blocked by a lack of planning. As much as writing is a stream of creative expression, it’s also a practice in construction.

Think of your outline as the foundation and wall studs of a house. Your writing is the drywall, paint, and siding.

But that’s not to say your outline has to be overly complicated, it doesn’t even have to stay the same.

When you’re blocked it might be time to refine, or create, your outline.

Use writer’s block to flesh out your ideas. Take a step away from the pressure of creating solid prose, and return to the basis of the piece.

Write it away

Now, this may seem counterintuitive but stay with me.

Writing is a method of conveying an idea or telling a story.

Furthermore, it is a tool used by writers, and its uses don’t end at its value in delivering information.

Writing is also a great way to generate ideas, expand on ideas, or “write through a block”.

There are two methods that are great for making your way through writer’s block that I have used and will highlight.

Dear Mother,

The first method I use was gained while reading Draft No. 4. In it, McPhee describes a situation when a student of his was plagued with writer’s block and could not break through.

McPhee suggested writing a letter to your mother. Begin by telling her how awful writer’s block is. How you are beginning to doubt yourself and cannot imagine going on.

Then, tell her a little about what you’re writing. Some basic facts, or what the latest part is about.

Continue doing that until you have given her a good overview of the current state of the piece.

Next, tell her some of your ideas for where it is going. Just the basics, nothing fancy and just conversational.

When you’re done, as McPhee says, delete the “Dear Mother” and the self-doubt. What you are left with is the end of one section and the seed of another.

Write about anything else

This is a trick taught to me by an English professor.

A lot of ideas happen in the background of life. While you’re driving or exercising, basically whenever you have a current project out of your mind.

You can promote this same type of thinking when you are in the midst of writer’s block. Avoiding writing altogether may feel unproductive. Instead, write about whatever you want.

Write in a journal about your day, or how you’re feeling. Write about your surroundings in as much detail as possible, including all the senses.

The point is, write about anything other than the piece. Eventually, you will get a nugget of an idea, or maybe even a breakthrough in the narrative of a story.

Don’t avoid it

If there is a single certainty in writing, it is writer’s block. But it is not the monster that has to end a piece or career.

Instead, it is an opportunity to explore other proactive avenues and advance your piece of writing.

Whether you choose to read, research, or write during your slow periods, the best way to work around writer’s block is to be creative and work through it.

It could be the chance you needed to come up with your next great idea.

What do you do when you are having writer’s block?

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