Avoiding Writer’s Block: Creative Exercises to Keep the Words Flowing

If you write, then you will also inevitably encounter writer’s block, that moment in which writing doesn't come so easily or even seems impossible. Read on for ways in which to deal with this phenomenon. Keep this list handy, and learn even more by visiting us at The Pajama Writer so that you are prepared when you encounter a blank page and no way to fill it out.

Complex Causes: What's Behind Writer's Block?

Psychologists view writer's block as a complex phenomenon stemming from physiological, motivational, and cognitive factors. Understanding each factor will help you to strategize the fix. 

Physiological factors

Writer's block is frequently triggered by stress, overwhelming emotions, and illness, hamstringing a person's mind. 

Motivational factors

Fear of criticism, too much pressure to perform, and anxiety in the form of procrastination may also contribute to writer's block. 

Cognitive factors

If you are a perfectionist, you may be at risk for writer's block. Poor planning can also interfere with the writing process. 

Behavioral factors

Some writing habits work in the short run, but in the long run, lead to writer's block. 

Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block 

Proven writing strategies are your go-to when your normal flow for creativity and inspiration isn’t enough. Not surprisingly, there are proven strategies for jumpstarting the writing process, no matter the writer or the project. In fact, these strategies are so good, you may even find yourself adopting them when writer's block isn't dogging you. Add these tips to your "best writing practices” and more.

Freewriting 

Conceived by college composition guru Peter Elbow, freewriting should be your first step when experiencing writer's block. To freewrite, set a timer for a short interval, such as three minutes, and use that three minutes to write without concern for grammar or structure. This writing strategy is more or less like an adventure in the stream of consciousness. Freewriting simply means to get words down on the page. By avoiding your inner editor, it is thought, you can stimulate your innate creativity.

Outlining

The opposite of freewriting, outlining challenges you to consider a specific writing task and to create a formal outline for the work. The advantage to an outline is that it gets you thinking critically and productively about a writing assignment, without requiring you to complete the whole thing. Will you use a simple outline with headings and bullet points, or would a sentence outline work better for you? The choice is yours; what's important is to get in outlining mode.

Goal setting

Now that you have completed your freewriting exercise or even some outlining, return to your formal writing task and break that task into manageable chunks. Organize those chunks in a variety of ways. Should you start with what's due first, or with what's most familiar to you? How about prioritizing your writing based on length or word count? Can you break a longer writing assignment into pieces using the headings from your outline? However you set your goals, make them attainable. You can even set a timer here and challenge yourself to write for 15 or 30 minutes on your topic. You'll be surprised at what you accomplish with a concrete, more manageable goal.

Cognitive restructuring

When you think about a writing task, are you sending yourself enough positive messages? Or are you burdened with self-criticism instead? It's true that we sometimes need to step away from our emotional investment in our own work and play "editor" to ourselves, but that's never a good place to start. When beginning a writing assignment, be your own biggest fan. Post notes of encouragement in your personal writing space; use a screen saver on your device that greets you with positivity; practice self-talk that gets you excited about you. You'll be glad that you did.

Optimizing writing rituals

Writing rituals are powerful critters. Everyone's got one or two, including you. Is your ritual still working, or is it time for a change? Examine your writing ritual and retool it if needed. Your ritual may be as simple as a favorite writing space or time of day. Your ritual may be food or drink-oriented (a delicious snack, a cup of steaming herbal tea, junk food) or unrelated to food or drink in any way. Maybe you have a cherished garment, such as a cozy sweater or pair of slippers, that gets you in the head space to write. Whatever your ritual looks like, sit with that and consider its innate power to help you create your best work. 

Additional Suggestions 

Consider this list and take from it what you will, adding items to the pro tips detailed above.

Schedule yourself

Some professional writers recommend establishing a consistent writing schedule. It is possible that training your brain this way will help you maximize creativity and productivity. The pros swear by it.

Seek out other writers

Connect with other writers out there for feedback and encouragement. Collaboration has worked for centuries. Famous authors met and discussed their work well before the days of the internet, creating lasting friendships. The internet makes it easier than ever to establish a writing community in email, synchronous meetings, or by trusted resources such as The Pajama Writer where professional coaching and consultation are just a click away. 

Mix it up

• Breaks. Step away from the writing project and engage in other activities to recharge with breaks. 

• Topic changes. Change the topic to reinvigorate your sensibilities. 

• Practice acceptance. Accept flawed writing as you go; you can polish your work later. 

• Write through it. Continue to write even when you are bored, frustrated, or writing below your usual standard. Similar to an athlete training through a difficult workout, much momentum may be built this way. 

Concluding Thoughts 

Writer's block comes with the territory. If you write, it's certain you will find yourself blocked at some point. The experience doesn't have to last long or be intimidating. Now that you have these pro insights at your fingertips, you'll know what to do when the time comes. 

And for more insights, support, and guidance, you’ll find all the downloadable tutorials, templates, and writing tips to start earning with your words of wisdom.