20 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block and Boosting Your Creativity

As a writer, blogger, journalist, copywriter, or novelist, there will be instances where you’re just staring at your computer screen, trying hard to come up with new ideas, but nothing’s coming to you. This phenomenon is known as writer’s block, and it can be frustrating and demotivating. However, the good news is that you can overcome writer’s block through some simple techniques and tricks.

Here are 20 helpful tips for boosting your creativity, overcoming writer’s block, and getting the writing done:

1. Don’t start with a blank page.
Starting with a blank page is scary and intimidating, and it can worsen your writer’s block. Instead, write a quick outline, jot down a few notes, or write down a great quote you were planning to use. This will give you a starting point and take away the fear of the blank page.

2. Read more widely.
One of the best ways to get inspired and overcome writer’s block is to read more. Create an RSS dashboard of top bloggers in your niche, sign up for a SmartBrief or two, or get a Google Alert on some of your keywords. Read more newspapers, magazines, and books to expand your knowledge and get new ideas.

3. Write what you feel like writing.
If you have a particular idea or topic that’s itching to be written about, then start with that. The more you write what you’re inspired to write, the easier it will be to beat writer’s block.

4. Start anywhere.
Many writers get stuck because they’re obsessed with writing the first line of a piece first. Forget about that and start with whatever’s coming naturally to you. If you know how it will end, write that now. If it has bullet points, go ahead and write those first; the rest will eventually flow.

5. Use your lifeline.
Call a friend and tell them about the topic you’re trying to write. In every conversation, you will naturally mention the most interesting points first. When you hang up, your piece is outlined and ready to go.

6. Don’t edit while you write.
When you’re writing, let those creative juices flow without interrupting the flow by editing. You can always go back to edit after you’ve finished the writing.

7. Create an ‘idiot’s outline.’
If you have a lot of research, interviews, and other material to organize, go through all your resources and list each source. Then, next to the source, write the most important point or two they make. Now you have a rough outline, and all you need to do is place the points in a logical order.

8. Write without notes or quotes.
If you feel that your notes and quotes are inhibiting your creativity, put them aside and write the story. Don’t stop to look up factoids or exact quotes; leave blanks or notes to check details as you go. At the end, go back and fact-check.

9. Write something else.
If you’re stuck on a particular piece, write anything else, such as a shopping list or a letter to a friend. Once the fingers are moving, you’ll find it easier to get back to the writing you were stuck on.

10. Review your past writing.
Whenever you are intimidated by a writing assignment, go through your writing portfolio and read through your previous work. This reminds you that you are a strong writer and you can do this.

11. Free associate.
Write random thoughts about your topic and sort through them for lines you want in your piece.

12. Do a mind map.
Visualize your topic’s ideas and how they relate to each other. This will give you ideas for your current post and for related future posts.

13. Set a timer.
Use the Pomodoro technique and set a timer for 25 minutes. You have to work on your assignment until the timer goes off, and you can’t do anything else. That’ll get boring fast, and you’ll start to write.

14. Create a deadline.
The problem with our own writing is that no “boss” is standing over us insisting we get the writing done by a specific time. So create a deadline calendar of when your posts must be completed. Then, allow no recreation time until the deadline is met.

15. Reduce noise.
Avoid writing in environments with extra stimuli, such as a TV or radio in the background.

16. Turn off the Internet.
Disable social media or Internet access until you’ve finished writing. This will keep you focused on writing and avoid distractions.

17. Try a writing prompt.
If you’re struggling to get the creative juices flowing, try a writing exercise with prompts available on sites such as Creative Copy Challenge.

18. Do more research.
Sometimes, you might be stuck because you don’t know enough about your topic. In that case, do more research, and then return to writing.

19. Change your location.
Move to another place to write, whether it’s your deck, a coffee shop, a friend’s back bedroom, or a co-working office space. Changing your location can boost creativity and bring new ideas.

20. Take a break.
Take some time off from writing to do other activities such as taking a walk, taking a bath, or even doing a headstand. This will help you recharge and start fresh when you return to writing.

Conclusion

Writer’s block can happen to anyone, but it doesn’t have to stop you from being productive and creative. These 20 tips are just some of the many ways you can overcome it and write on cue. Which other techniques do you use to overcome writer’s block? Leave a comment and add to the list.