How Do You Overcome Writer's Block?
Struggling with writer's block can be a daunting challenge, but fear not, we've gathered wisdom from the minds of company founders and an editor to guide you through. From embracing imperfect writing to reflecting on the cause of the block, discover four invaluable tips to unlock your creative flow.
- Embrace Imperfect Writing
- Change Your Environment
- Try Free Writing Sessions
- Reflect on the Cause of Block
Embrace Imperfect Writing
Write something intentionally bad. When you're stuck, give yourself permission to write the worst piece of garbage you can think of. Use clichés, awkward metaphors, and sentences that make absolutely no sense. Have fun with it. The goal isn't to create something publishable; it's to remove the pressure to produce something great.
By aiming to write badly, you alleviate the fear of imperfection that can sometimes fuel writer's block. Free your mind to play with words and experiment without judgment. When you do, often, the real inspiration you're waiting for will sneak up on you, and suddenly, the words start flowing again.
Change Your Environment
When I hit writer's block, I step away from the screen and change my environment. It's amazing what a short walk or even shifting to a different spot can do. My advice? Don't force the words; instead, give your mind some space to breathe. Also, try writing something completely unrelated, like a random thought or a journal entry. This can help loosen up your creativity. Remember, writer's block is just a temporary hurdle. Sometimes, letting go of the pressure to write perfectly is all you need to get the words flowing again.
Try Free Writing Sessions
Here is one thing all writers who cannot write due to a block can do: try free writing. This process includes the use of timers set anywhere between 10 to 20 minutes, where one writes without pause, editing, or caring about grammar and spelling issues.
The idea behind this is that it allows you an opportunity to let your ideas flow freely without any form of criticism and produce words regardless of their quality.
When I couldn't get through a paragraph in my writing, free writing was the answer. It's a means to clear out mental clutter, explore new concepts, or merely vent frustrations that may be preventing creative thoughts from flowing.
Normally, I begin with just 10 minutes so that the words start rolling along. Some are total gibberish, while others reveal hidden treasures for development as brilliant ideas.
The most amazing thing about free writing is that it doesn't have to produce anything that is fit for publishing. It serves as a personal activity aimed at enabling you to rediscover your writing process again.
As time went by, I found myself more easily able to dive into my structured work after engaging in regular free-writing sessions since I became less afraid of an empty page.
Therefore, having writer's block is a situation where you can take your favorite stationery, seek serenity, set a timer, and begin to put down your thoughts. You could be taken aback by what happens in the course of thought wandering, so let it go.
Reflect on the Cause of Block
Writer's block is usually just a manifestation of our personal brand of perfectionism.
If you want to overcome writer's block, you first need to get to the root of the 'why' - and not only does that look different for everyone, but it can also look different depending on the situation.
Try journaling or reflecting on it. What is it about this particular piece of writing that's causing you to struggle to get words down on paper? Are you overcomplicating the copywriting process as a whole? Are you striving for perfection, instead of just getting a first draft written? Are you stressing over whether or not the words 'sound like you' or your client (i.e., voice)? Are you worried that you're going to sound too 'salesy'?
Once you know your personal reasons for the writer's block, it becomes a lot easier to identify the steps to take to overcome it.
