8 Tips to Help You Beat Writers Block

Do you call yourself a writer? I get serious imposter syndrom around that word. I always thought the title had to do with getting published or being recognized. In reality, a “writer” is “someone who writes.” You don’t have to be well-known or even good at it to be a writer.

“I’m a writer, and writers write,” I tell myself as I throw my phone where I can’t reach it and pry open my laptop. I used to dream of writing projects like blog posts and books until I finally realized I’m the one who can assign myself those projects and got started.

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What happens when you don’t feel like writing anymore? Do you find yourself suddenly resenting the writer-life wishing to do anything else? I like to pretend the term “writers block” doesn’t exist, but it’s become the only way I can describe the last few weeks. I blame it on the season, pregnancy hormones, lack of sleep and so much more, but whatever the cause, I haven’t wanted to write.

I filled many google docs whining about how I didn’t want to be at my computer trying to write, so today I’m creating something productive instead! I hope you’ll be encouraged by my list of 8 things to do when you don’t want to write. Did I miss any of your go-tos? Be sure to let me know in a the comments!

1. Decide Whether or Not you Need to Write

Do you need to get out of the slump? Or do you need to step back, listen to your body and give yourself a break? How urgent is the project you’re working on? Do you need to move some deadlines around or loosen up your self-made schedule?

Especially as women, I believe it’s important to listen to our bodies and follow the natural fluctuation of hormones. A few years ago, I learned about cycle syncing for the first time. This means tracking your menstrual cycle and choosing tasks according to which phase you are in. I’m excited to give it a go and see how it impacts my productivity and creativity. (I haven’t been able to try it because I’ve been pregnant for what feels like 3 years straight!)

Although I have no menstrual cycle to sync up with, I’ve noticed a shift towards the end of each pregnancy. I’m in my thrid trimester now, and the urge to close my laptop and spend time with my family is stronger than ever. The desire for more naps, a slower pace and less social plans is strong. Even though I’m tempted to shame myself for being “unproductive,” I believe preparing for another child is a sacred and special time and these feelings need to be honoured with a slower pace and gentle goals.

2. Pray About Your Writing

No matter how tired and lazy and discouraged you feel, no matter what lies you believe about your writing and the message God put on your heart, you can muster up a few words to say to your saviour. I want prayer to be my first response on the days of doubt. Sometimes these end up being my most whiny, embarrassing prayers. I would hate for any human to overhear! But your Savior already knows how you feel and you can bring Him into everything, even writer’s block.

I like to pray over my passion, my energy, and ask for wisdom as I decide how to proceed and determine whether or not I need to push through the writer's block.

Steal this prayer:

Lord, I don’t want to write today. I have nothing exciting or engaging to share. Please direct my steps. Show me what faithfulness looks like in this season and how I can pursue you. If I sit down to write, please give me the words. Let me influence people for your kingdom. Give me wisdom when it is time to stay silent and press more deeply into private intimacy with you. Go before me.

Amen

3. Write Something Fun

Let go of your contact calendar whether it’s a list in your head or a hefty spreadsheet telling you what to write next. Let go of feelings that you've already failed if you've gotten behind on your plan.

Is there a different topic on your heart today? Is there something completely unrelated to your plan that you want to write about? Do it. Even if you write words you know will never see the light of day, write. Write to remember why you started pursuing this craft in the first place. Write without a plan. Let yourself clear out the cobwebs and see if you still enjoy writing.

Like I said, I'm nesting, curling up on the couch and getting ready to welcome our third baby in a few months. I didn't have plans to write about preparing for postpartum but that was the topic that finally got me excited again!

4. Write Something Bad on Purpose

Imagine the worst possible version of what you need to write. What would you write if you wanted it to be received poorly? What would you say if you ditched your filter and stopped worrying about offening people? Write that. You might catch yourself feeling inspired enough to fix the nonsense with something real!

5. Stop Consuming Content and Remove Distractions

Delete social media from your phone. It doesn’t have to be forever, just take a break. Start with a 24-hour experiment. You may be shocked to discover how often you try to click into the apps that are no longer there. You may be surprised at how much free time you suddenly have and how freely your thoughts flow again.

If I start my day by consuming, I always have trouble creating. This even applies to reading fiction books. If I let my brain be lazy and take in other people’s thoughts, I have a harder time coming up with original ideas or feeling clarity around my current projects.

Try a 24 hour social media fast (or take a break from another go-to distraction) and journal about how it feels.

6. Write for 10 Minutes

You can do anything for just 10 minutes. And on the days you’re really struggling, you can do anything for 5 minutes. I use a visual timer for my writing, and it has helped more than I expected. No matter how uninspired I’m feeling, I can write bad words for at least 10 minutes, and watching the minutes tick by is very satisfying. I often stop after 10 minutes, but some days I write in 10-minute incriments with 5-minute reading breaks in between.

I have this timer from amazon in both blue and green. (amazon.ca | amazon.com)

7. Craft a Blog Post with Voice to Text

I started using voice to text for my writing when I needed to manage huge waves of inspiration that left me writing faster than I could type. Though my problem has been the opposite lately, voice-to-text has been a helpful way to trick my brain into thinking I’m not *actually* writing which helps me relax and still get work done.

If the words aren’t flowing when you sit down at your computer, try switching up your method. Try speaking your words right into a google doc or recording a voice note to later transcribe. If all else fails, pull out a dusty notebook and pen to see if going old fashioned helps.

8. Bribe Yourself to Write

If all else fails, line up a few chocolates on your desk and eat one for every 10-minute block you spend writing. Snacks, a reading break, the movie you’ve been dying to watch, pick something that makes you happy and force yourself to get some writing done.

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How do you fix writer’s block?

The only way to fix writer’s block is by writing. Writing forces your brain to face your fears and realize you do have something to say. If you stop trying to write the perfect words and just pick some, I know you will begin to feel better.

I hope these suggestions help inspire you today! Now, stop reading about writer’s block, and go write words. Terrible, mediocre, fantastic, no matter how the words turn out, eat the reward chocolate and move on.

Did I miss any of your favourite strategies? Let me know in the comments.