The Writer’s Block Survival Guide

Getting stuck happens to every writer. Whether you’re staring at a blank page, rewriting the same sentence over and over, or avoiding your manuscript entirely, writer’s block can feel like an insurmountable wall. But the good news? There are ways to break through. This guide offers practical techniques and exercises to help you get unstuck and get back to writing.

1. Change Your Approach

Sometimes, the way you’re approaching your writing is the very thing holding you back. Shake things up by trying one of these:

Write Non-Linearly – If a particular scene isn’t coming together, skip it. Write the ending, a climactic confrontation, or even just a snippet of dialogue from later in the story. You can always come back to the tricky part later.
Flip the Perspective – Rewrite your last scene from another character’s point of view. Even if you don’t use it, this exercise can offer fresh insights.
Set a Small Goal – Challenge yourself to write just 200 words. That’s less than a full page, and once you start, you may find yourself wanting to continue.

2. Write Without Pressure

Pressure stifles creativity. If you feel blocked, try writing something unrelated to your main project:

Character Conversations – Write a conversation between two of your characters that has nothing to do with your current plot. Maybe they’re discussing their favourite childhood memories or arguing about a trivial issue. This can help you get back into their voices without the stress of advancing the story.
Stream of Consciousness – Set a timer for five minutes and write whatever comes to mind, no matter how nonsensical. Let your brain wander. Sometimes, the simple act of writing clears the way for new ideas.
Letter to Yourself – Write a letter as if your future self is giving you advice about your current struggles. What would future-you tell you about this block?

3. Step Away to Move Forward

Sometimes, writing isn’t the answer—at least not immediately. If the words won’t come, try shifting your focus to a different creative outlet:

Paint, Bake, or Play Music – Many successful writers swear by engaging in other creative activities when they hit a block. Creativity is like a river—when one area gets clogged, another can help clear the flow.
Take a Walk or a Shower – There’s a reason why the best ideas often come in the shower or while walking. Both activities relax the brain and allow subconscious problem-solving to take over.
Change Your Environment – If you always write in the same place, move somewhere different. Try a coffee shop, a park bench, or even just a different room in your home. New surroundings can spark fresh ideas.

4. Rethink Your Roadblocks

If you feel blocked, it may be a sign that something in your story isn’t working. Consider these possibilities:

Are You Bored? – If the scene you’re writing feels dull, maybe it is dull. Ask yourself: What would make this more exciting? More meaningful? More unexpected?
Do You Need More Conflict? – Lack of conflict often leads to stagnation. Can you introduce an obstacle, a misunderstanding, or a higher personal stake for your character?
Are You Overthinking It? – Sometimes, perfectionism is the culprit. Give yourself permission to write badly. You can always revise later.

5. Build a Writing Ritual

Writer’s block can sometimes be avoided by creating a consistent writing habit. Try:

Setting a Writing Time – Even if it’s just 15 minutes a day, having a dedicated time to write can train your brain to be ready.
Using the Pomodoro Technique – Write for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, then repeat. Short bursts of focused writing can be more effective than long, unstructured sessions.
Creating a Pre-Writing Routine – Listen to music, light a candle, or read a page of a book before you start. A small ritual signals to your brain that it’s time to write.

Final Thoughts

Writer’s block is frustrating, but it’s not permanent. The key is to keep moving forward—whether that means writing 200 words, switching up your approach, or stepping away to let your subconscious work through the problem. The words will come. Keep going.

Now, go write!