Overcoming Writer’s Block: Strategies That Actually Work

Writer’s block—it’s the one thing every writer dreads. Whether you’re staring at a blank page, struggling to finish a chapter, or feeling completely uninspired, writer’s block can be frustrating and demotivating. But don’t worry, you’re not alone! Every writer, from bestselling authors to first-time storytellers, experiences it at some point. The good news? There are ways to break through and get those words flowing again.

Here are some tried-and-tested strategies to help you conquer writer’s block and reignite your creativity.

1. Change Your Writing Routine

Sometimes, a simple shift in your routine can make all the difference. If you always write in the same place at the same time, your brain might have associated that environment with feeling stuck. Try:

Writing at a different time of day
Moving to a new location (a café, park, or co-working space)
Changing your writing tools (switch from typing to handwriting or vice versa)

A small change can shake things up and help your creativity flow again.

2. Set a Timer and Free Write

One of the most effective ways to break through writer’s block is to stop overthinking. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes and write whatever comes to mind—without worrying about grammar, structure, or making sense. The goal is to silence your inner critic and let your thoughts flow freely. You might be surprised at the gems you uncover!

3. Step Away and Recharge

If you’ve been staring at the screen for hours with no progress, forcing yourself to write might not help. Instead, take a break and do something that refreshes your mind:

Go for a walk
Listen to music
Read a book
Meditate or do yoga
Engage in a creative activity like painting or doodling

Sometimes, stepping away gives your brain the space it needs to find new ideas.

4. Revisit Your "Why"

Why did you start writing this piece in the first place? What message are you trying to share? Reminding yourself of your passion and purpose can reignite your motivation. If you’re stuck, try journalling about why this story matters to you or what you hope your readers will take away from it.

5. Write a Different Scene

Who says you have to write in order? If you’re struggling with a particular section, skip ahead and work on a part that excites you. Writing a scene out of order can help you regain momentum and make it easier to go back and fill in the gaps later.

6. Use Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are a fantastic way to shake up your creativity and spark new ideas. Try using:

Random word or phrase generators
"What if?" scenarios (e.g., "What if my character woke up in a different time period?")
Sensory prompts (describe a scene using only smell, taste, or touch)

Sometimes, stepping outside your current project and writing something unrelated can unlock inspiration.

7. Talk It Out

Explaining your story or idea to a friend, writing coach, or even a voice recorder can help you work through mental blocks. Talking out loud forces you to organise your thoughts in a different way and might reveal solutions you hadn’t considered before.

8. Accept the Imperfect First Draft

Perfectionism is a common cause of writer’s block. If you’re constantly editing as you go, you might never get past the first page. Give yourself permission to write a “messy” first draft. You can always refine and polish later—getting the words down is the most important part.

9. Create a Writing Ritual

Developing a pre-writing ritual can help signal to your brain that it’s time to focus. Your ritual might include:

Making a cup of tea or coffee
Playing a specific playlist
Lighting a candle
Doing a five-minute free write before diving in

Over time, these small actions can train your brain to switch into writing mode more easily.

10. Set Small, Achievable Goals

Instead of aiming to write an entire chapter in one sitting, set a smaller, more manageable goal. This could be:

Writing 200 words
Completing one paragraph
Writing for just 10 minutes

Small wins build momentum and make the process feel less overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

Writer’s block is frustrating, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. By experimenting with different strategies, you’ll find what works best for you. The key is to keep showing up, even when the words don’t come easily. Writing is a journey and every writer—no matter how experienced—faces creative roadblocks from time to time.

Remember, the most important thing is to keep going. Your words matter, and your story deserves to be told.

Need support to push past writer’s block and bring your book to life? Join the Morpheus Writing Group or connect with us for expert guidance. Email us at hello@morpheuspublishing.com.au to take the next step in your writing journey!