How to Overcome Writer’s Block

Finding inspiration for writing can be tough any day of the week, but it’s especially difficult if you have taken some time off around the holidays and are now trying to get back into your work routine. If you still find yourself thinking about lazy days filled with Christmas cookies, mulled wine and sleeping in, here are a few things you can try. 

Get (back) into a routine

The first step in overcoming writer’s block is sitting down to work. Pick a time each day and commit to that time. Having a quiet and comfortable space, a hot (or cold) cup of your preferred beverage and the right tools at hand also helps. For example, former-lawyer-turned-writer John Grisham was still working full time when he began writing his first book, so he was disciplined about being at his desk “with the first cup of coffee, a legal pad and write the first word at 5:30” five days a week before starting his regular job. “These little rituals,” he says, “were silly and brutal, but very important.” And you don’t have to stop there; you can find several websites — like Insider’s 10 steps — that can help build a great morning routine to improve your productivity and happiness.

Shake things up

New years mean new beginnings. So, if you do have a routine that isn’t working, it may be time to shake things up a bit. Don’t be afraid to try new things using all your senses: Perhaps listening to something unusual — even white noise, if that helps, or tasting something unique, or getting physically out of your work zone to go to a new coffee shop, your local library or — weather permitting — the great outdoors for a change of scenery. No matter your environment, it’s important to make it a place you want to be. If you have a dedicated office, you may try to declutter, get a plant or fresh flowers, perhaps a picture or a quote you find inspiring. You can also find a wide variety of advice online to optimize your workspace — like these 6 tips from Business News Daily — that can range from quick and easy to worthy of an HGTV show.

Try a productivity timer

Different experts on different continents may call it different things, but the idea is the same: If you find yourself overwhelmed by a task, struggling with concentration or routinely procrastinating, it may help to set a timer and strive to focus in 25-, 30- or 45-minute intervals. Set the timer on your phone or download a productivity timer from your app store, then rigorously avoid any distractions such as emails, calls or snacks and power through your task for the allotted time. Once the timer goes off, you can take a much-deserved break — then start all over again. For example, 25-minute work sprints are the core of the Pomodoro Technique, which suggests taking five-minute breaks after each sprint and a longer, 15- or 30-minute break after every four sprints. (What it doesn’t specify is that adding a reward like tea, coffee or gummy bears at the end of a sprint can also be highly motivational.)

Look for inspiration

Sometimes it helps to take a step back and try not to focus on your task for a while. The quick and easy solution is always to watch TV — or a movie — while the more fun but possibly more costly is going to a shop such as a bookstore, bakery, gift shop or home goods store — whatever your cup of tea may be. An interesting option in between is people watching, meeting a friend for a relaxed chat or perhaps striking up a conversation with a stranger. And the most time-consuming way to look for inspiration is to read. Even if you’re not an avid reader, reading poetry, a short essay, an article or a blog before you sit down to write may just do the trick. There are also quite a few lists of inspiring books for writers online, such as this top 10 list by The Creative Life. 

There are many, many more brilliant tips, books and techniques out there. If you’re not in the mood for listening to music, going to the coffee shop or redecorating, just return to the tried-and-true methods of taking a break or a nap, making a list of your ideas or perhaps searching for some creative writing prompts. (And there’s always caffeine.) Then stare out the window and try to free write until you get into the right rhythm. Here is to finding what works best for your writing in 2023!