How to quickly overcome writer’s block when facing a looming deadline
Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash
Every freelance writer deals with writer’s block. It’s part of the creative terrain.
Sometimes your creative well has simply run dry. Ideas are scarce. And your brain is struggling to string words together in a single line.
The first thing to remember—you are not alone if you’ve hit writer’s block.
The second thing to remember—you can make choices that will help you overcome your writer’s block.
Here are 10 ideas to help you overcome writer’s block quickly and efficiently.
Step 1: Go for a walk—right now.
I want you to get up right now, and go for a walk. Yes, now.
Here are your walking rules:
Don’t bring your phone or anything that could distract you.
Do bring a pen and a small pad of paper for jotting down stray ideas.
Pick a walking route you know well.
Walk outside for at least 15-30 minutes.
(If it’s bucketing down with rain, then take an umbrella. No excuses, writer.)
When you’ve hit a writing block, you need to get unstuck.
And your brain probably needs a break from churning around in circles.
Walking helps pump blood to your brain. It’s a habitual activity, one that lets our creative brains roam free.
Go for a walk. If ideas pop into your head, write them down in your notebook.
But otherwise, just stroll around your neighbourhood. Let your mind wander.
Don’t try to solve the mystery of what’s blocking your writing rhythm.
Just breathe in fresh air. Maybe count how many red items you can spot on your walk.
Your deadline can wait 15 minutes. Move your body to move your mind.
Once you’ve cycled the block, see if new ideas and connections have emerged. You might be surprised at what your brain comes up with.
If you’re still hitting writer’s block though, move on to the next tactic.
Step 2: Grab a pen and paper, and do a brain dump.
Next, try dumping the contents of your brain onto paper. Metaphorically, of course.
Stick to pen and paper for this tactic. If you usually write on a computer, keep your screen off. Leave your phone in another room.
Here’s how to brain-dump:
Grab a sheet of paper, and write down anything in your brain. And I mean anything.
Write down the to-dos that are weighing on you.
Write down any regrets that are swirling around your head.
Write down any frustrations you have.
Write down what you need to buy from the grocery store.
Write down anything that’s cluttering up your brain space.
The goal is to get errant thoughts out of your head.
To clear a path in your brain to get back in the writing saddle.
Now, return to your writing. Do you feel a bit more clear on which direction to take with your narrative?
If no, onto the next tactic!
Step 3: Remember why you are writing this story.
When I hit writer’s block, there’s usually a root cause. There’s something deeper that’s keeping me from writing effectively.
I might feel terrified that my client won’t like what I’m writing.
I may feel overwhelmed by everything I need to do.
I might feel stuck in some other part of my life.
I may feel like an imposter who doesn’t know what I’m writing about.
I might feel anxious that my writing is basic and uncreative.
There’s likely a root cause as to why you’ve hit writer’s block.
That’s okay. These feelings are part of being human.
The goal isn’t to get rid of these feelings. Tough—and sometimes painful—feelings are guiding lights for us.
When we’re feeling scared, it often means that we are about to do something that matters.
When I feel nervous or anxious or stuck, I tell myself:
I am not alone. Other writers struggle with the same feelings, including the writers I most admire and respect.
My writing is important. And it matters to me that I finish what I start.
When you’ve hit writer’s block, remind yourself:
Why am I writing this story?
What is the deeper purpose of this story?
For me, when I write, I’m hoping my words will be read. I’m hoping my words will inspire and educate and maybe touch someone’s heart.
When we have a strong enough intention or purpose, it helps us recommit to finding our way forward.
“Any human who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.” - Friedrich Nietzche
One of the reasons why you might have hit writer’s block? You don’t know why you’re telling this story.
Every piece of writing has the opportunity to tell a story. If you’re a freelance writer and your assignment feels uninspiring, dig deeper.
What could be the underlying theme that pulls your writing together?
Sometimes, I write about nonfiction topics that, on the surface, seem lifeless. Economics. The Progressive Era. Weather patterns.
I firmly believe that every topic—and every human—is interesting. If we’re willing to dig a little deeper.
I write nonfiction books for schools. When I write, my surface-level purpose is to help young students expand their knowledge around a topic.
My deeper purpose is to inspire young readers to think about a topic critically—and feel energized to do their own research.
This purpose keeps me writing every time.
Hold onto the purpose of why you’re writing your story. It may just be the catapult you need to overcome writer’s block.
Step 4: Use these 3 words to get clear on the heart of your story.
Feel. Know. Do.
These three words will help reshape your story—and hopefully, sidestep writer’s block.
Alexandra Franzen came up with this powerful process for writing a better story. She reminds writers to ask three questions to get clear on their intention behind a story or narrative.
3 Questions for Clarity:
How do I want my reader to FEEL?
What do I want my reader to KNOW?
What do I want my reader to DO?
If you’re feeling stuck, writer—come back to these questions. This will also help you solidify your story’s purpose.
Write down your answers. (I’ll wait.)
Have some clarity on what to write next? Great! Keep writing, writer. But if you’re still feeling stuck in murky writing waters, let’s head to the next tactic.
Step 5: Start at a different part.
I’m tragic at introductions. I almost never write in chronological order.
If writer’s block is hounding you still, start at a different part of your story.
Write the conclusion. Write the middle line of a paragraph. Write a list of words you want to use in the third chapter.
Just get words on a page.
Those words can take on different shapes later. But get your page marked up now.
Step 6: Give yourself permission to write terribly.
“I'm writing a first draft and reminding myself that I'm simply shovelling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.”
- Shannon Hale
Many writers get stuck in wanting to write a perfect first draft. Myself included.
The idea is not to be perfect with a first draft. The idea is to get your first draft done and ready for editing.
Just get sand in the sandbox.
When I’m working on a nonfiction book, I spend most of my time writing a first draft. But I spend almost just as much time editing.
My first drafts are, frankly, a bit tragic. And that’s okay.
There are few writers out there that write smooth prose right from the get-go. Drafts undergo many revisions.
Give yourself permission to just get the bare bones of your writing down.
What facts do you need to convey in this piece of writing?
Write them down in a simple, monotone writer’s voice.
Struggling to even write complete sentences?
Write down your thoughts in bullet points. You can add periods in later.
Write terribly. You have full permission to do so.
Step 7: Return to your outline.
A note to all nonfiction writers—you don’t need an outline to write. But it helps immensely.
If you wrote an outline before you started the writing process, return to it now.
Go over your main bullet points. Are they included in your article or narrative?
If you didn’t create an outline, try writing one now if writer’s block is still in your way.
Read your outline and recall:
What are the main points I wanted to write about?
Write each point out in bullet style.
Aim to write at least five points for inspiration.
How am I getting the reader from a problem to a solution?
Most stories or articles start with a problem and end with transformation.
Write out bullet points describing how you’ll get readers through this step-by-step journey.
How can I surprise my reader?
What fun facts can you share? Write down five.
List them out as bullet points and see if there’s an order you can put them in.
Step 8: Set a timer for two hours and commit to only writing.
When we hit writer’s block, we tend to use every tool in our procrastination arsenal. For me, I go down a YouTube black hole.
Combat this desire to procrastinate by committing to writing for two hours.
Write. That is all you’re allowed to do for these two hours.
Here’s your pathway for this tactic:
Grab a timer. Preferably an old-school one and one that’s not on your phone.
Pick a playlist of instrumental music.
Research shows it’s less distracting to write to music with no lyrics. Try it.
Are you a fan of piano tunes? This playlist is my favourite.
Turn your timer to the two-hour mark.
Sit at your desk and do nothing but write.
No scrolling through social media.
No browsing news sites.
No research on random websites.
(Log out of this article, too.)
When we feel stressed, that’s when we are most likely to swerve toward distractions.
You are in a time crunch with a looming deadline. It’s time to stay focused, writer. You got this.
Here’s how I stay focused in my writing zone:
Use an internet blocker. I like Cold Turkey.
Put your phone in another room. Make sure it’s out of sight.
Close your office door. Or put on headphones. Just make it clear you’re not available for chats.
If you still find nothing in you to write, just sit there.
Let your hands linger on a keyboard. Look at your paper outline again, and revisit the questions listed earlier.
Just sit. And write. Nothing else for two hours.
Let your writer’s block stare you in the face. And you’ll find a way around it.
Step 9: If you’re still stuck, go somewhere new to write.
If you’re still hitting a wall with writer’s block after the previous tactics, it’s time to change up your environment.
Think of places where you will have:
No access to the internet (unless you absolutely need it for research).
Access to interesting sights and sounds and scents.
A diner is a fun spot. Coffee shops sometimes are handy. Libraries give you quiet solitude.
Find somewhere new to write. Somewhere that will open your imagination to new ideas and opinions.
Finally, commit to yourself to writing down words when you get to the new spot.
Fill your sandbox with sand. You got this, writer.
Your long-term creative strategy:
Take care of yourself, writer.
You’re past your writing deadline now. The weight of stress is finally off your shoulders.
Now, here’s something to consider: how do you take care of yourself as a writer?
I firmly believe that we are more creatively energized when we take care of ourselves. Writer’s block is less likely to show its face when we're feeling focused and energized.
For me, helpful self-care starts with a foundation of three things:
Exercise
Sleep
Nutrition
I know, these are the least fun of the self-care strategies. But daily exercise, enough sleep, and healthy nutrition will have the biggest impact on how you feel day to day.
If I’m feeling creatively depleted, I ask myself 3 questions:
How can I move my body today?
Quick idea: Go for a walk at my midday break.
Quick idea: Do a mini-round of office yoga.
Long-term strategy: Go for a short jog every day when I wake up in the morning.
How can I get enough sleep today?
Quick idea: Take a half-hour nap in the afternoon.
Quick idea: Go to bed an hour earlier than usual.
Long-term strategy: Have a consistent sleep schedule (waking up and going to bed the same time every day).
How can I eat a healthy meal today?
Quick idea: Order a meal from my favourite salad shop.
Quick idea: End work an hour early to make a proper dinner.
Long-term strategy: Order weekly meal kits from a local business.
I can only speak from my experience. But I know I am creatively energized when I move every day, get enough sleep, and eat healthy meals.
I think the best exercise plan looks different for everyone. Same with sleep and nutrition. But it’s worth figuring out the best strategies for you.
If you’re a freelance writer who runs into writer’s block often, consider if your movement, sleep, and nutrition needs are getting met. Try experimenting with small steps to taking care of yourself.
You’re worth the care, writer.
Final note: Your words matter.
Writer’s block sometimes shows up when we think our words don’t need to get on a page.
Let me assure you—your words matter. Your insights matter.
Share them with the world, writer.
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Oh hey there, I’m Monika!
(she/her) I’m a big fan of compassionate creativity, intentional living, and freshly-popped popcorn. I hope one or more of these strategies to overcome writer’s block have helped you get your words on a page.
If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email. I love to hear from fellow writers!
