What to Do When You Get Stuck: 13 Techniques to Combat Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is an inevitable part of the writing process, but it doesn’t need to be so frustrating and overwhelming. Everyone gets stuck sometimes. Instead of dreading writer’s block, embrace it. Not knowing where to go next is an opportunity to change directions, come up with new ideas, or rethink what you already have.
Feeling stuck doesn’t have to be the end of your writing project, and it doesn’t mean you need to wait for inspiration to strike. Here are 13 tips for what to do when you feel lost in your project. Pick out your favorites or try them all!
1. Go for a walk
It’s always good to get your body moving, especially when you’re struggling with an idea. Going for a walk is a simple way to change your environment and spark new ideas. It’s a nice reminder that there’s more to the writing process than just staring at a computer screen.
2. Go outside
Not everyone has the time or energy to go for a walk. Going outside for a few minutes can be helpful when you’re in need of a new idea or a break from staring at your screen or notebook. Plant yourself in the moment and list observations about what’s happening just outside your door.
3. Practice yoga
Yoga is another way to embrace movement and can be practiced almost anywhere, any time. Poses are meant to be held for several moments and inspire reflection. This is perfect for thinking through ideas or problems, whether they’re related to your writing or not. My personal favorite is tortoise pose.
4. Meditate
Meditating is a great way to get in touch with your inner emotions and thoughts. Writing is a personal process, and meditation serves as a technique for bridging the gap between emotions and language. It’s also a good way to give your mind the space it needs to come up with new ideas.
5. Write in a journal
Like meditation, journaling is another passage to your consciousness. Even if your entries are unrelated to your work-in-progress, this alternate form of writing can refresh your creative energy. I especially recommend journaling in pen, as this helps to turn off your inner-editor by eliminating the ability to delete or erase. Focus on what’s happening in your brain as you write and forget about grammar and syntax. Nobody’s going to read it but you, so don’t be afraid to get messy.
6. Ask yourself questions
Often when writers are stuck, it’s because we’re undecided about something such as a plot point, a character’s want or need, or a central theme. In order to track down what you’re missing, ask yourself questions about the fuzzy parts. Try phrasing the same question in different ways. Even if you don’t always have an answer, good questions will inspire thought about all the possible directions you can go.
7. Drink water
Staying hydrated is key! Water makes up approximately 75% of the brain, which means it’s required to think and write clearly. Also, a quick trip to the tap can serve as an easy way to move your body and give your mind a brief break.
8. Stretch
It’s not good to remain seated for long periods of time, so remember to move your body, even if it’s as simple as doing a few stretches. This is also important to prevent hand cramping and strain in other parts of your body, such as your neck.
9. Ask someone for their thoughts
There’s nothing wrong with asking for help! Sometimes, it takes an outside perspective to inspire a new direction or see something you, the writer, can’t. Writing is an inherently lonely task, and talking to others about what you’re working on is a great way to feel like you’re part of a community.
10. Spend time with friends or family
Spending time with friends or family is not only an opportunity to bounce ideas off of people you trust, but also a source of inspiration. Observe interactions, dialogue, and body language. What little details tell a lot?
11. Have a healthy snack
Food is fuel. Taking a break to eat a nutritious snack or meal will replenish your energy while also giving your mind a break.
12. Take a step back
Writing routines are important, but it’s possible that you won’t find the solution to your problem by continuing to throw yourself at it. Don’t beat yourself up over this. It’s okay to put your project on the back burner for a while and work on something else. When you return to it with fresh eyes, you might be surprised at what you can see.
13. Learn something new
Choosing to be a writer also means choosing to be a lifetime learner. Opening yourself up to new strategies, techniques, and guidelines by taking a workshop with an expert has the power to inspire in ways you might not expect. Whether you’re a new writer, a newly published author, or somewhere in between, Onion River Workshop has a class to help reignite or even redefine your creative spirit. Check out our current offerings here!
Of course, no writer is the same, so what works for Stephen King or Emily Henry might not work for you. The most important tip I have to offer is to take care of yourself and your needs the best you can. When the writer’s block hits, tune into your body, refresh your mind, and when you’re ready, return to your work-in-progress with vigor and open-mindedness. Good luck!
Piper Lightwood is from Anchorage, Alaska and is a senior English major attending UVM with minors in political science and reporting and documentary storytelling. She is an intern at Onion River Press and in her free time she enjoys reading and writing character-driven stories.
