5 Tips to Overcome Writer’s Block

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As a freelance content writer, writer’s block is a part of life for me. Every writer deals with writer’s block at some point, from freelance writers to best-selling authors.

It’s completely normal – but it can get to you, especially if you’re trying to work through a problem or you just can’t quite seem to focus. Let’s take a look at how to overcome writer’s block!

What is writer’s block?

Writer’s block is defined by Oxford Languages as the condition of being unable to think of what to write, or how to proceed with a writing project.

It might be that you’re finding it hard to get started with your writing project, or you might be stuck on exactly how to motivate yourself to keep writing.

There are lots of reasons for writer’s block. You might be worried about failing, you might not feel inspired or you might be experiencing burn-out.

For me, writer’s block tends to stop me from working on my passion projects. Although I sometimes need to get out of a funk when it comes to writing for clients, it’s always harder to stay focused on writing just for fun.

However, there are a few key tactics to overcome writer’s block and get back into your creative flow…

Tips to overcome writer’s block

There are lots of ways to overcome writer’s block, including:

1. Accept it
2. Brainstorm ideas
3. Try out something different
4. Get some distance!
5. Remove distractions

Let’s take a closer look…

1. Accept it

First of all, you need to accept your writer’s block! Writer’s block is a part of the writing process. You shouldn’t beat yourself up about it. Instead, accept that you’re struggling – and understand that it will pass.

Although there are a few ways to battle writer’s block, sometimes it’s just a case of accepting that the storm will pass.

In some situations, it might help to understand where your writer’s block is coming from. Are you having self-doubt about your writing skills? Are you experiencing burn-out? Is there a specific problem you’re trying to crack?

Once you’ve identified the root of your writer’s block, you might realise that there’s a solution, such as taking time off or trying something different.

2. Brainstorm ideas

Brainstorming ideas is a great way to get out of a writing funk. Go back to basics and try planning out some of your content, instead of forcing yourself to write.

If you’re struggling to build a character in your novel, for example, you could create a mindmap of ideas. Or you could look at the bigger picture, considering how your character fits into the rest of your book.

When writing isn’t working for you, switch into planning mode to give your brain something different to think about, which leads me to my next point…

3. Try out something different

If you’re finding it hard to get into your current writing project or piece of work, why not try something else?

I recently wrote an article for The Linguist Magazine – and it really helped me practice and expand my writing skills. It challenged me to try out a different form of writing – and I really enjoyed it!

If I’m struggling with a piece, I might turn to my fiction writing to get into my creative flow, for example. It gives my brain a break from whatever’s not working for me.

For more creative ideas, check out my blog post: 24 Fun Writing Activities For Writers in 2024

4. Get some distance

Similar to trying out something different, getting distance from your writing can help you overcome writer’s block.

Although sometimes you can reach a breakthrough by persevering, sometimes you just need to take a step back from your writing to gain a bit of perspective.

There are a few ways to get some distance, such as:

• Try out a physical activity, such as going for a run or walk
• Walk away from your desk
• Speak to someone – you could bounce ideas with that person, too
• Read a book
• Do something else creative, like painting or singing

If you’re looking for inspiration – or you’ve got a creative block – try getting some distance before you give up completely!

5. Remove distractions

Sometimes writer’s block is about a specific problem within your writing, and sometimes it’s just because you can’t stay focused. If you’re finding it hard to concentrate on your work, try removing distractions.

I know how easy it is to start browsing on the internet or scrolling through your phone when you hit a creative wall. However, removing or reducing your distractions can get you back into your flow.

As a freelance writer, I do a lot of my work from home – and there are lots of distractions there! Put your phone away, write by hand to avoid internet temptation or get out of the house to do your work.

Just changing up what you’re doing might be enough to overcome writer’s block and get started on your project.

How do you overcome writer’s block? Do you have tips to overcome writer’s block? What do you do to battle writer’s block?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments 🙂

Happy reading x