How to Fight Writer’s Block

From a professional ghostwriter (who cannot afford to suffer from creative block)

“Writer’s block” is a curse that comes for us all eventually. You could spend one day feeling the most productive you’ve ever felt, then the next as if every single word has fallen out of your head. Trust me, I’ve been there.

As a freelance ghostwriter, I need to maintain a high level of creative output every day. I cannot afford to get writer’s block. If I don’t write, I don’t get paid. Over the last few years, I’ve really learned a lot about battling this curse, so I’m going to talk you through my tried-and-true techniques to fight the demons.

What is writer’s block?

The first step to understanding writer’s block is that it doesn’t actually exist. Well… it does, but not in the way most people think.

Writer’s block is often described as a time when writers are absolutely empty of ideas; they cannot create—head empty, no thoughts.

In reality, there are multiple reasons why writers can feel stuck with their writing, making them experience this “block”. Some of them include:

The pursuit of perfection – every single thing they write needs to be perfect, so they don’t write at all.
A lack of motivation – writing is hard! It’s supposed to be hard! It’s exhausting and time-consuming! You want to write, but for whatever reason, jumping into it feels difficult (I’m looking at a lot of your ADHD folks here).
A lack of inspiration – you’re waiting for that idea to appear out of thin air.
Doubt – is this idea even good enough?

The first step is to determine which specific breed of block you’re experiencing. Really sit with yourself and ask exactly why you aren’t writing.

I have some techniques to tackle every type of block.

The Pursuit of Perfection

Write in Comic Sans

Do yourself a favour and change the font on your writing software. Comic Sans is a personal favourite. Change it to something silly, something ridiculous, something imperfect. It’s a small step, but I find it incredibly useful. When I change the font, suddenly I’m looking at something unserious. It takes the stress off. It’s already imperfect, so why would I worry about my writing being perfect?

Turn off auto-correct

I turn off auto-correct and I hide any indication that I’ve made any errors/typos. Previously, I would see a squiggly red line, sigh, and immediately fix it. Now, I am unburdened by the reminders of my imperfections.

Do not edit as you go

This one is slightly related to number two. But free yourself from the need to edit as you go. You should only edit when you’ve finished your first draft. Remember: the first draft is supposed to be bad. So why edit as you go? Once the word is on the page, leave it. Progress over perfection. Keep the momentum moving forward.

A Lack of Motivation

Schedule writing time

Put the time in your calendar, as if you’re going to a meeting. This time is non-negotiable. Even if you just sit there for the entire time and stare at the wall, you’ve shown up to write, that’s the first step.

Minimum word counts

Set yourself a minimum word count that isn’t intimidating. Even if you only write ten words in a session, that’s better than nothing. If you write ten words, you might even accidentally keep going and write twenty… maybe fifty… maybe one hundred… maybe five hundred… You get the idea. Give yourself an easily executed goal.

Routine

I cannot stress how important routines are. It also helps to have a system where you can record your “streak”. There are lots of habit tracking apps that can help you do this, or you can create your own on Google Sheets, or even a physical calendar.

A Lack of Inspiration

Go for a walk and have a conversation with yourself

Take yourself away from your screen and go touch some grass. Then, either in your head or audibly, explain the plot of your story to someone who doesn’t know anything about your book. Go through the characters, the plot, the setting, everything. Then, play both parts of the conversation. Interrogate yourself, ask yourself questions, pretend.

You could talk it through with another person, but I find it useful to interrogate myself. I know my story better than anyone, after all. Truly give yourself the time to think deeply about your story and justify everything in it. Have an open mind. The imaginary person you’re “talking” to should be very pushy and kind of obnoxious.

Take a break and read a really good book

Don’t just read it; study it, put yourself in the author’s shoes.

Force inspiration

Really figure out what the stumbling point in your story is. Why has your momentum stopped at this very specific point? Can you not figure out where to take the next scene? Maybe you don’t know how to fix a plot hole? Or perhaps you feel like something is missing?

Rather than waiting for inspiration to randomly pop into your head, you need to sit down and problem-solve. Get a piece of paper and write the issue at the top of it. Then, write a list of as many solutions to that specific problem as you can. They don’t need to be good ideas, but just keep coming up with solutions. Eventually, this may lead you down some interesting avenues. For example:

“PLOT HOLE: MY CHARACTER DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO DRIVE, BUT THEY NEED TO TRAVEL FAR AWAY TO CONTINUE THE STORY. HOW DO THEY GET THERE?

Get a bus. They have to save us money and go alone. Chaos ensues.
They hitchhike.
They walk through the night.
They get a lift from a friend.”

Just keep writing ideas down.

Doubt

Fight back against the demon in your head

What are you doubting? Are you doubting whether your story is good? Are you doubting your skills as a writer? Are you doubting whether it’s all worth the effort?

That little voice in your head doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Talk back to those voices, question them, don’t trust them, fight back.

You’re writing a story; of course it’s good. Writing is challenging; of course you’re a good writer. It’s a story that deserves to be told; of course it’s worth the effort.

Reply to your inner demon with radiant and radical optimism.

Do it doubtful

What’s stopping you from continuing with writing, even if you feel doubtful and stressed? Both can exist at the same time.

Talk through your idea with someone else

Writing isn’t always a solo venture. If you’re unsure about your idea, just talk to someone. Even if it’s just to air out your struggles and get the thoughts out of your head. You would be amazed at how helpful it is to just… talk.

A bonus option that covers all types of writers block:

I can help!

Whether you need someone to refine your outline, brainstorm ideas with, or you’re looking for someone to keep you accountable— I can do that.

Send me a message and we can chat. I can promise that whatever genre of writing block you’re struggling with, it can be overcome.

One final message:

Writer’s block can sometimes feel like a chronic nightmare. But I want to assure you that there is always a way around it. It always gets better.

Your story deserves to be told and enjoyed. Don’t give up.