Why Writer’s Block Happens—and How to Break Through It”

Writer’s block hits everyone—rookie or pro. I suspect I’m the worst for it. I’ve spent countless hours staring at a screen, willing the words to come. Starting is always the hardest part. I suspect I’m the worst when it comes to writer’s block. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve stared at the screen, willing the words to come. Getting started is the biggest challenge for a writer and though it might seem impossible eventually many of us get there.   Some of us however just seem to hit a wall and can’t get past it. Even when we manage to move past it, we often can’t remember how—at least not always.

To better understand how to overcome writer’s block it’s vital to ask why is starting so hard? There are so many reasons but these four probably feel more familiar. 

• Perfectionism: We always want that first sentence to be brilliant, and to flow from our minds to the page/screen with ease. We want that first paragraph to perfectly capture the story. Sadly, when it doesn’t happen we feel lost and frustrated. This pressure can be paralyzing especially if you’re on a deadline.
• Overwhelmed: If you look at the assignment or project you’re working on as a whole it can seem like a mammoth task. In many cases it is, whether it’s an e-book, or a White Paper. The entire task feels huge, and so you’re unsure where to begin.
• Lack of Clear Direction: No matter how well you know your content you can still find yourself stuck. I’ve found this to be the case so often. If you’re unsure of your work’s theme or the angle to take you’ll find it challenging to start.
• Distractions: Let’s face it; modern life offers a ton of diversions from jobs around the house, to the beckoning call of social media. Our world is full of distractions making it hard to settle into focused writing.

With so many barriers popping up to keep us from progress it’s a wonder we are so productive the rest of the time. Writer’s block comes to us when we least expect it and overcoming it can lead to frustration, even depression. However, once we understand the cause we can tackle the problem, Here are 5 ways to unblock the creative flow and start writing; 

Embrace the “Shitty First Draft”

If you try to get it perfect the first time then that inevitable wall will pop up like a jack in a box. You’ll either just be stuck for what to write or your self editor will kick in. Soon you’ll be hitting the delete button more than any other key. Just get something written down. You can use timed freewriting to help get into the flow. The trick is to write without stopping, don’t worry about spelling, grammar, or structure. The goal is to uncork your thoughts. 

Outline, Outline, Outline

Writing by hand is a great way to get started. I tend to hand-write my ‘shitty first draft’ but also scribble down my facts and ideas for each piece. A list of bullet points is a great way to capture your thoughts, integrate them with facts, and even helps with structure. I also use a form of mind mapping, putting the title or subject of my piece in the centre then branching out the various ideas. Together these give a clear visual connection of ideas. 

Break It Down

When you think of the assignment as a whole, as mentioned earlier, the size of the task feels huge. You can feel overwhelmed and unable to start. Break the assignment into small, manageable blocks. Instead of aiming to ‘write a chapter,’ start with writing a paragraph. Smaller tasks make the assignment manageable and you, the writer, less prone to writer’s block. 

Change Your Environment/Routine

If this sounds familiar it’s because it is the staple advice for any situation. I often prompt my team at work to take regular breaks, and even a walk outside when stressed. It’s one of the reasons why working from home is much more productive. For writing this is especially true. I’ve done some of my best work in coffee shops, train rides, even the midnight coach from London to Bristol. A change of scenery (a coffee shop, a different room) or a different time of day can spark new energy, and inspire the drive to write. This in turn enables the ideas and themes to simply flow.

Talk it Out

When I was working on an assignment for Open Democracy I struggled. There was the pressure of producing an article for a widely read international platform. I knew my subject matter inside out—after all, I’d immersed myself in the details. Yet I couldn’t get my words out leading to so much frustration. My wife turned out to be the best sounding board. I explained my thoughts and read out drafts, from which she offered valuable feedback.  Verbalising, whether it’s to a person, or an inanimate object can help you organise your thoughts and identify what’s most important to say.

When we understand the root cause of writer’s block, finding the flow becomes easier. It requires a shift in perspective, a time out, a sounding board, and embracing the imperfect draft. It’s vital to simply get something down on the page and then mold and chip away until you have your finished piece. 

So what are your thoughts on beating the dreaded writer’s block? Do you often struggle to get started? What are your solutions? Do you like the ones provided here? Let me know in the comments or on my social media channels at the top of this page.