Banishing The Blank Page: How To Write Through Writer's Block
Ah, writer’s block. That dreaded villain of the creative process any writer — new or famous — has had to battle against. But fear not, fellow wordsmiths! If you’re sitting in front of a blank page wondering what’s going on with your brain, read these tips to break through the blockage and get those words flowing:
1. Embrace the power of procrastination (but just for a while)
Wait, what? Yes, you heard that right. Sometimes, the best way to fight writer’s block is to simply embrace it for a bit. Give yourself permission to NOT write and forget about that blank page by watching a funny video, taking a walk, or catching up with friends over a coffee. The key here is to step away, let your brain wander, and let the pressure dissolve for a while. And who knows, you may just come across some newer, better inspiration.
2. Unleash your inner child
Remember when you were a child and you didn’t overthink every word you wrote? You just let your imagination run wild. Channel that energy. Take out your notebook (or open a blank document) and just start writing. Anything. Everything. It doesn’t matter if it’s nonsense. Write about the life of a dancing banana or a time-traveling dog on a quest for socks. If that is a struggle then search online for writing prompts and flash fiction groups; there are great communities of like-minded writers out there. The goal here is not to create perfection but to get your creative muscles warmed up, because sometimes we get stuck because we want everything to be perfect. Give yourself permission to write badly. The beauty of bad writing is that it’s like a warm-up before the real magic happens. As you get words on the page, you’ll feel the tension release, and suddenly, you’ll be writing the good stuff without even realising it.
3. Switch up your writing environment
A change of scenery can work wonders. Maybe the chair you’ve been sitting in is giving you negative vibes (that, or it's just too comfortable and lulling you into a nap). Try moving to a different spot such as a café, the park, or even a different room in your house. A new environment can bring a fresh perspective, and with that comes inspiration. And why not add some music to the mix? Turn on some beats and let the rhythm of the music carry you into your writing.
4. Play with different angles
If you’re stuck on one character, why not try playing with one of your other characters? The waiter that serves the morning coffee to your protagonist, what’s his story? The absent sister to the antagonist, what’s up with that? Or, when in doubt, ask yourself the magical “What if?” questions. What if your protagonist suddenly fell ill? What if the best friend betrayed your protagonist? This method taps into your subconscious creativity and pushes you to explore unusual paths. Sometimes all it takes is one “What if” to transform your story in ways you never expected—and who knows, it might even inspire something totally unexpected.
5. Write in bursts
Like training for running, short sprints build up the heart rate to run farther towards finishing that marathon. Set a timer for five minutes, and commit to writing non-stop. The catch? No self-editing, no criticising, no stopping. This is about letting your brain run free. Five minutes might seem short, but you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish when there’s no pressure. Plus, once you attune to this habit, it will become easier to keep going!
Finally, remember that you are not alone in this fight and the block is just a detour rather than an end. The key is persistence. You might need to step back or change up some things, but if you keep pushing forward, even through frustration, the block will crumble.
You’ve got this!