One of the difficulties of being a writer is that there are a ton of words bumbling around in your mind, and you just don’t know how to get them out in a way that makes sense.

The misconception is that most people think of writer’s block as not know what to write.  But it’s actually because you have too much to write.  Overcoming writer’s block isn’t about figuring out what to put down, it’s organizing those thoughts and words into something that makes sense and ultimately leads to the goal of what you’re trying to do with your writing.

My Steps to Overcoming Writer’s Block

You can overcome that block, but it’s going to take a little insight into your own style, personality, and what you need or want to get done.  I can share my methods, but ultimately you have to figure out what works for you.

Give Yourself a Deadline

Remember back when you were in school and you had an essay due?  Long before I knew I would be a writer, I absolutely dreaded those papers.  I’d neglect them, push them away, and wait until the last minute.  In the end, they didn’t take very long, and really, this blog post is probably longer than most of them.  But that deadline forced me to come to terms with my writer’s block and get the thing done.

Get Off Your Ass

Sometimes the writer’s block is simply because we’re trying too hard.  I know I’ve stared at a blank screen for far longer than I care to admit, and had I just moved around a little, I would have had the inspiration that I needed to get going.  Get away from the computer and tackle a different project (something that lets your mind wander and you’ll figure out the perfect opening sentence).  Washing dishes, doing laundry, yard work, and tidying up are great ways to get something done, while you’re figuring out how to write.

“Steal” Someone Else’s Words

I don’t mean plagiarize here.  There are two ways to do this.  First, you can find a quote or another book or story that talks about what you want to do.  Use that quote, or summarize the other person’s work (give them credit, writer’s love credit).  Then, spin it into your own words.  The other way to do it is to literally copy exactly what they have to say.  Word for word, act like they’re your words.  Soon, your creativity will take over and a tangent will develop.  Go back and delete the copied stuff, and run with your own.

Make an Outline

Often, it’s a matter of organization that needs tackled.  Most of my blog posts start out as a jumbled mess of words in my head, and I have to organize them to ensure it’s all told clearly.  Like this post, I had my opening and my closing, and I needed to outline the rest of it.  Once it’s all there, it’s simply a matter of filling in the details and providing the structure necessary.

Talk it Out

Ideas get clearer when you voice them.  You can talk this over with a friend, lay out your ideas and thoughts and they can provide feedback.  It’s a great way to get real time advice to see if you’re on the right track.  This day and age we have a lot of tools that can help with writing.  It’s no longer just dictation, but now you can use AI to help you with your words – you tell the story, and the program gets rid of the um’s, but’s, and awkward filler stuff that shouldn’t be written but sneaks into our everyday speech.

Grab a Bite to Eat

It’s hard to work out on an empty stomach.  You wouldn’t go for a hike in the mountains without eating.  So, why try to tackle a brain intensive job without food in your belly?  Greasy fatty fast “food” isn’t going to cut it either.  You need something that will spike that blood sugar, but then maintain it.  A little caffeine for an immediate boost, some proteins for sustainability, and some whole grains for long-term.  Fats, yeah that demonized food that isn’t actually that bad for you, act like brain lubricants.  Perhaps a little butter in your coffee tomorrow (it’s actually quite delicious)?

Just Start Writing

And now for my most hated hOw To OvErCoMe WrItErS bLoCk tip – just write!  No shit, sherlock.  If I could just write I would be writing.  But there is an iota, a smidgeon, a teensy bit of truth to this.  And it might not be what you think.  Don’t just write what you are trying to write.  Write what you WANT to write.  Dive into something else completely and get the fingers moving on the keyboard.  Soon you’ll get a sliver of inspiration and redirect that back to what you were trying to tackle in the first place.

Need Some Additional Help?

Often the writer’s block isn’t something you can just will your way through.  Sometimes you need a bit more help to give you that nudge and help you turn the words in your head into a book in your hand.

Let’s talk about it.  I have an author coaching program that can help you overcome writer’s block and guide you through the entire process of writing your next (or first) full-length book.

My calendar is below, just find a time that works for you for a no-obligation, no pushy sales, chat to see if there’s a way I can help you finish writing your book.