Unlocking Creativity: 10 tips on how to Overcome Writer's Block

Facing writer’s block can feel like an insurmountable hurdle, one that looms larger the more we fixate on it. Despite our best intentions, sitting down to write often leads to nothing but a blank screen and mounting frustration. Even the most seasoned writers encounter it, so don’t let it stop you in your tracks. Fortunately, there are strategies to navigate through these creative roadblocks and maintain productivity - without resorting to AI (Artificial Intelligence) script writing tools or throwing the project in the bin. 

In this guide, we will explore tips and tricks that I have used to overcome writer’s block, helping you to finish your script, novel, or essay. While not every suggestion may resonate with every writer, there is bound to be something here that may just be worth trying. 

1. Take a line for a walk.

Renowned Bauhaus artists Paul Klee once said “A line is a dot that went for a walk. A drawing is simply a line going for a walk.” Embrace this notion by allowing your characters to embark on a journey outside of the narrative. Where do they go? Whom do they encounter? What do they get up to? This does not need to align with the trajectory of your storyline; instead, let them become an exploration through the world you have created. By immersing yourself in your character’s perspective - seeing what they see, feeling what they feel - you will cultivate a deeper understanding that may help your character overcome the particular sticking point when you weave them back into your storyline. 

2. Don’t get it right, get it written. 

It’s easy to become fixated on crafting a masterpiece, but remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day. As James Thurber wisely put it, “Don’t get it right, get it written.” What you pen today may not resemble the final manuscript, but it is the starting point for inspiration to flourish. You might churn out five pages of utter drivel, yet buried within could be a gem waiting to be unearthed. When you start revising your work, you have the opportunity to refine or discard the extraneous bits. Always bear in mind: writing five mediocre pages trumps writing none at all. Do not be paralysed by perfectionism.  

3. Make writing a Habit. 

Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way” offers an abundance of insights into nurturing creativity, but one gem that particularly resonated with me was the practice of ‘Morning Pages.’ Setting aside time each day to jot down a stream of consciousness across three pages proved not only the beginning of a writing routine but also served as a form of therapy for me! Writing blog posts, reviews, and silly little poems all help me to better myself as a writer and keeps me writing. In fact, the act of writing this very article on how to overcome writer’s block serves as an example of my habitual writing. Consistency is key; sporadic bursts of writing will not stave off writer’s block as effectively as establishing a regular writing habit.  

4. Create a writing environment.  

Roald Dahl famously found solace and inspiration in his shed at the bottom of the garden, sitting in his favourite chair, he would write. While this setup may not suit everyone, the importance of creating or discovering an environment conducive to productivity cannot be overstated. Working amidst distractions like television, phones, pets, or other people can disrupt progress. Personally, I have found that my bedroom is reserved for relaxation, the living room for socialising, and even my office fails to inspire me. However, when I settle at my dining room table, I notice a marked increase in productivity. Who knows? Perhaps wrapping myself in a blanket on a cozy chair in the shed soul be the key to writing the next Matilda!  

You may also want to think about what you are writing with. I often write using my laptop, which is connected to the internet, which is both a powerful tool and the puppet master of my procrastination. Which brings me on to… 

5. Try writing out of your comfort zone.  

When I find myself stuck in my writing process, I often switch up my tools. While I primarily use my laptop, sometimes grabbing a notebook or scrap of paper forces me to approach things from a different angle. Additionally, consider whether the issue lies in the medium itself. If your message doesn’t quite align with the style you are working in, don’t hesitate to switch it up. For instance, if you are struggling with a poem, try writing it as a short story first. Once your ideas are down on paper, you can always convert it later. This approach circles back to the earlier point: Don’t get it right, get it written. If a monologue for a play is not hitting the mark, consider rewriting it as a poem, a conversation, or even a short story. Exploring different formats can uncover hidden nuances that may inform revisions when you return to the script. 

6. Take a break. 

If you find yourself trying various writing strategies with no success, it is likely that you are experiencing burnout. One effective method for combating this is the Pomodoro Technique. The premise is simple: work productively for 25-minutes, then reward yourself with a short break. However, don’t underestimate the power of these breaks - they can often provide the inspiration you need. Take a stroll to clear your mind, chat with a friend, tackle some household chores, or simply brew yourself a fresh cup of coffee. By exposing your brain to new stimuli during these breaks, you may find yourself rejuvenated and ready to tackle your writing challenges with renewed energy.  

7. Move on.  

If you find yourself utterly stuck, with words refusing to materialise no matter how hard you try, it is okay to acknowledge that you have hit a wall. If you are certain that you will not be able to finish a section today, don’t force it. Instead accept the situation and move on. Jot down a note on the page indicating that it requires revisiting and shift your focus to the next section. Sometimes, upon returning to it later, you may discover that the paragraph was not necessary after all, or fresh ideas may come to you in the interim. Trust your instincts and allow yourself the flexibility to revisit and revise as needed.  

8. Try some writing games. 

Jumpstarting your writing can be as simple as embracing free writing. Set a 10-minute timer on your phone and let your thoughts flow freely onto the page. Do not fret over spelling or punctuation- just allow your ideas to pour out, Feel liberated in the process. To add some zest to your free writing session, consider turning on your music and using the lyrics as prompts for inspiration. Another creative exercise is crafting a found poem: gather lines of text from various sources such as books, news articles, and songs, then weave them together to form a short narrative. Experiment with different writing warm-ups and techniques to find what ignites your creativity and gets you in the writing groove.  

9. Share your work with other writers. 

The writing community extends far and wide, offering abundant opportunities for support and collaboration. Whether it is through online forums like Facebook groups or in-person writing groups, writers from all corners of the globe are willing to lend a helping hand. Remember, you are never alone in your creative journey - there is always a like-minded individual ready to assist. But remember to extend the gratitude back to someone who may need your help.  

If sharing your work with strangers feels like a sweat inducing night terror, consider inviting a friend for a drink and engaging in a casual brainstorm and tackle any sticking points together. You would be surprised how helpful your none-creative friends who work in accounting can be when you have exhausted all your own ideas.  

10 Get elemental.  

As mentioned earlier, sometimes a stroll through the park can work wonders for your creative process. Not only does exercise help to get the blood flowing in your brain, but the endless stimuli around you can also spark inspiration. Sitting in a confined artificially lit room without much fresh air hardly fosters productivity. Instead, allow your senses to roam free - take in the scent of freshly cut grass, listen to the distant barks of dogs, feel the texture of a rough wooden bench, and saver the taste of a Flake 99. The world outside is vast and rich with experiences, so immerse yourself in the world in which your characters live. 

Remember that it is perfectly normal to encounter setbacks. If your initial draft resembled a GCSE English Literature essay, fixating on the symbolism of red curtains to convey a character’s profound anger, fear not! We have all been there, and none of us are particularly proud of it. The key is to review your work, make necessary edits, and eventually transform it into something you are eager to share with the world. Often, writer’s block is not a result of an inability to write or a lack of direction in the story; rather, we create these obstacles ourselves by setting impossibly high standards. Your primary objective is to produce that first draft - then you can tackle the challenge of overcoming Editor’s Block. Keep writing and don’t let setbacks deter you from your creative journey!