How to Push Past Writer’s Block

It is important to know how to write. But what happens when you don’t know what to write about?

What do you do when you cannot find the time to write? And not even for lack of time, but for sheer lack of word flow! How do you overcome the feeling of inadequacy, making you doubt your skill as a writer? How do you get past the dread that is referred to as ‘Writer’s block’?

Writer’s block is a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece. It is the condition of being unable to create a piece of written work because something in your mind prevents you from doing it.

It is important to first realise that writing is partly a state of the mind. You must lift the mental block in your mind to get on with your writing. Writer’s block happens to the best of us, so it is normal. However, you cannot keep having writer’s block. Else, how do you say you’re a writer without writing?

Here are some ways to tackle it:

Write as often as you can

Get to your desk and write, no matter what it takes. Set up a blog. Create content. Volunteer as a writer. Find activities to keep the writing and thinking channels open. Writing is just a daily job like any other, so keep at it.

Know your limits

As a writer, you need to discover your minimum and maximum daily output abilities and set corresponding daily targets. Knowing your maximum output ability is important because tiredness and burn-out are counterproductive. You need to be at your desk again tomorrow, remember?

Stick to a set time

There’s no such thing as a perfect time. As much as having a designated place to work is great, sometimes, you can write anywhere - on a bus, on the beach, while waiting for an order, at the dining table. Take notes, type in a device, build on drafts, write as you think, write as you know, write on the go, write it badly, JUST WRITE!

Writing, like taking a nap, can be done in ten-minute snatches, or say thirty minutes. Just as you reward yourself after any achievement, you can create a reward system to look forward to after hitting your writing goal. Write for thirty minutes, or two pages, or 500 words, then enjoy a favourite drink or watch a movie!

Build a solid routine

Build a solid routine. If you only write when you ‘feel creative’, you’re bound to get stuck in a rut. One of the best ways to push through is by following a regular schedule. Figure out the days and times that work best for you and squeeze in some writing. Whichever days and times you choose, be consistent and you’ll see genuine progress.

If you haven’t written for a while, then you must find a way of turning habitual non-writing into habitual writing. Just as the nervous, poor swimmer plucks up the courage to dip a toe in the water, you must force yourself into the water. What you must avoid, of course, is attempting a dive into a bucket of ice-cold water from a great height. You need to build up confidence, get into the habit, and keep it going.

And because we all need that extra push to dip our toes in the writing waters, Authors WIN Academy has prepared a 6-week course with access to seasoned coaches and published authors who will be with you every step of your writing journey. Our vision is to enable aspiring authors to beat writer’s block, write-it-now, and WIN. We look forward to welcoming you to the course.

Sign up here now!