How to Beat Writer’s Block in One Step

Writer’s block sucks. Whether you’re writing a book, a blog, a news article, or a school paper, nothing’s worse than staring at a black screen without an idea as to what to write. You want to write something- you need to write something, anything down. But either you don’t know what to write, or you’re convinced that everything you want to write is going to be complete and utter garbage. The end result is getting a whole lot of nothing done, which only makes you feel awful and unproductive.

Having been writing for many years long before I ever started freelancing, it’s taken me a long time to figure out how to beat writer’s block. But I eventually realized how to do so in an easy way that anyone can try. Here it is:

Just write anyway.

You might believe that the above statement is stupid. How can you write when you have writer’s block? Shouldn’t you go for a walk, read a book or find literally any other distraction to take your mind off your work?

Well, no. You need to sit down and write your ass off anyway. Those gimmicks are merely excuses to just not write. In other words, they’re excuses for not working. If you’re as serious about writing as you say you are, then procrastination is something you need to avoid at all costs. Stop making excuses to not write- no matter how bad your writer’s block is.

By writing more, you’ll be able to create some sort of consistency. Writing on a regular basis helps you to get better, and that’s also important. Not only are you getting your work done, but you’re also getting better at it in the process. Writer’s block knocks away that consistency, making it harder to write regularly. While this is something that will take quite some time to establish, it is achievable- so do it!

Keep in mind that writer’s block is normal- it’s to be expected. The reason behind it may vary- anxiety, laziness, or just plain insecurity. Nothing is literally blocking you from writing (unless your laptop was stolen or you lost all of your work), so why not write anyways? Remember- you can always- read, always– hit Delete after the fact. No words you type on a laptop are ever set in stone. By remembering this, you’re taking away whatever’s really holding you back. You’re more likely to write, which is exactly what you want.

Just to be clear- this is by no means a call to write when you really shouldn’t. If your writer’s block is due to mental illness, or if your mind is just in a bad place. This could be due to a death in the family, a loved one being ill, or something else that’s similar. If your health is being negatively affected, don’t force yourself to write. Your health comes first!

But to those who have writer’s block due to feeling insecure or nervous about what to write next, it’s time to get back to work! As I’ve said before- sit down, go to your laptop and write away. Believe me- you’ll thank yourself later for this crucial decision.

xo,

Elizabeth