Filling a blank page is a daunting task. We all face that challenge, when our mind goes blank and we feel as if our thoughts, inspirations and ideas aren’t flowing to our brain. Or when we feel that our words aren’t translating on the paper as we want it to. This universal experience is called “writer block”. This fear can be broken down to 5 major components that hinder our capabilities to express ourselves artistically. Here are the different types of insecurities / mental hurdles that lower our writing productivity:

• “My draft is missing something”- Overthinking 
• “I don’t have a good idea yet”- Lack of Inspiration 
• “I will do it tomorrow”- Procrastination 
• “It is not good enough” – Perfectionist Mindset 
• “My environment isn’t allowing me to focus”- Separation 

But, fear not as there are proven strategies to overcome writer’s block and unlock your creativity to its fullest potential.

{Wondering how to get started with your book? Check out our post ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Writing a Novel’}

Here are some effective techniques to help you get over writer’s block and unlock your creativity:

Overcome Overthinking

Overthinking is the process of self-doubt that makes every writer second guess their abilities and skills. It is the mentality that their draft is always missing something crucial. 

A few tried a tested strategies is:

• Write now, Think/ Edit Later: Give yourself the permission to write a messy first draft. As first drafts are meant to be imperfect. Rather than focusing or worrying about starving for perfection. Try to get all your ideas on paper and avoid self-editing as you proceed. A great way to limit paranoia is by making mind-maps and flowcharts. It will not only make your points organized but will also give your clarity in the direction you want your writing to take.

John Steinbeck, Pulitzer Prize winner and Nobel laureate says “Write freely and as rapidly as possible and throw the whole thing on paper,”. His writing process  aligns with the principle of separating the drafting and editing stages. To ensure the creative momentum isn’t disturbed, he doesn’t  edit the same day as he writes. Rather looks at this work the next day with a fresh perspective and begins his day by editing & refining the previous day’s written work. This allows Steinbeck’s steady creative output  , without  the pressure or inclination of self-criticism negatively impacting it. 

Seeking Inspiration

Feeling demotivated and unsure what to write is a valid concern. Sometimes the eureka moment is what we need to get our creative horses running once again. Here are a few ways you can find that spark: 

• Reading Widely: Drawing inspiration from earlier works by esteemed authors will definitely give you something new to think about. But, reading outside your comfort zone will allow you to think differently and explore avenues you didn’t consider before. Jumping into different genres, styles or even literature from various countries can broaden your perspective. 

• Advice from a fellow reader/author: Proofreading by a friend, colleague, family member etc will help you look at your writing from another point of view. With constructive criticism and the right advice your writing trajectory will flourish once again. 

HWR offers a First Draft Club that is a writers community dedicated to supporting each other in the initial stages of writing. Joining such a community can provide valuable insights, feedback, and motivation. Get out of your writer’s block by joining the First Draft Club. 

• Referring to acclaimed authors and understanding and appalling their tactics can ease out your discomfort. Books such as “On writing well” by William Zinsser “On writing: A memoir of craft” by Stephan King or “The Writing life” by Annie Dillard can act as a literary guide and aid you throughout your journey. 

{Do you find thinking ‘am too old to start on my first book now?’ It is never too late! Here’s a list of ‘Authors who debuted late in life‘.}

Anti-Procrastination!

We tend to procrastinate by putting our current  goals and tasks on tomorrow. As much as writing can be mood dependent, it should be treated like every other hobby and be given clear goals, and timelines to allow utmost productivity. 

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” — Mark Twain

• Pomodoro Timer: is a time-management tool that helps prevent burnout by having 25 minutes of productive work met with 5 mins of break. This technique of studying allows continuous effective writing without any disturbance , delay and even exhaustion. 

• Building a Writing Routine: Even 45 mins a day is a significant commitment overtime. Consistency is key in creating  substantial work over time . But, maintaining regularity is necessary in maintaining the progress. No matter the duration, writing should be treated as any other hobby, that regular dedication and practice inorder to show results. Over time, the habit of allotting a certain duration from your day to your next writing endeavor will make writing continuously less of a challenge and more of a routine. 

Combating Perfectionism

As writers we want our next work to be perfect, which often leads to a creative paralysis. But it is important to remember writing is a journey; it is about improvement and progress and not about the destination that lies in the final creation. It is essential to cultivate a growth mindset , because sometimes the best stories emerge when we accept our imperfections and give ourselves the liberty to explore , make mistakes and learn from them. 

“If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.” — Margaret Atwood

• Changing outlook : “Writer’s block is only a failure of the ego.” – Norman Mailer.  Writer’s block is the result of pressure caused by our desire of perfection and validation. So, instead of focusing on writing for your editor or professor or agency, rather think about writing to yourself and to your readers. By shifting the narrative from external judgment to personal expression, is when as a writer you can feel truly liberated. Writer’s block is only a failure of ego because you have to set aside your worth from your work and be open to criticism and self reflection in order to grow. 

{Looking for some help to improve your writing? Here’s a list of ’12 Best Books on Writing’.}

Fixing the writing workspace

Sometimes, what you write or how you write isn’t the problem, it’s where you write that causes disturbance in the literary process.The environment where you write adds to your inspiration and motivation. A cluttered workspace can be demotivating, to uplift yourself,  your writing environment should be organized and tailored to your needs. Maybe sitting next to an open window, or a wall with inspirational quotes with a comfortable chair is all that you require. Instead of your mind, your neck might be the thing needing some rest. So, here’s what to do that will rejuvenate you physically and mentally. 

• Change of Scenery: A change in environment like going to a cafe, park or library instead of your desk can give you a fresh new perspective while breaking the monotony of your work. Experiment with different locations and see what is the right fit for you. 

• Himalayan Writing Retreat, located in village Satkhol, near Nainital is a peaceful and serene retreat amidst nature that offers a unique and inspiring setting for writers. Writing enthusiasts from all around the world can be part of this experience and take a hiatus from their fast-paced lives.  Therefore, you should also consider exploring such specialized writing retreats or local spots that align with your preferences. Sometimes, a change of scenery can ignite creativity and infuse a renewed energy into your writing process.

• Tech Cleanse: Going old-school with a typewriter or pen-n-paper, might make your creative juices flow. Disconnecting from technology and having meditational walks, connecting with new people and gaining new experiences can enrich your writing more nuanced. 

In conclusion , as JK Rowling said  “The wonderful thing about writing is that there is always a blank page waiting.The terrifying thing about writing is that there is always a blank page waiting.”. A blank page holds a promise as well as uncertainty. The awaited blank page is both a canvas for creativity, but is also daunting because it has the potential of not living up to your set potential.  My favorite saying by Charles Bukowski “is “Writing about a writer’s block is better than not writing at all.” So, here I am taking his advice and writing about writer’s blogs in this blog post instead of completing the heap of my stuck-writing assignments. But, I believe, the only way to get out of a writing block is to write your way out of it. So don’t succumb to the hurdles rather take these obstacles like stepping stones to expand your literary artistic horizons!

{Are you a writer or an author? Do you know the difference? Read our post ‘The Difference between Writer and Author’ to find out more.}