CREATIVE WRITING: BREAK WRITER'S BLOCK

Let go of being stuck

The term itself dates back to the 1940s, coined by psychiatrist Edmund Bergler, who believed it stemmed from unconscious creative conflicts. For most of us, writer’s block feels much simpler: an overwhelming inability to start or continue writing. It’s that frustrating moment when the words won’t come, the ideas feel distant. Some say it’s procrastination, others blame perfectionism. Whatever the cause, it can feel like a wall.

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Every writer, from amateurs to bestselling authors, experiences it. And it’s temporary. Writer’s block isn’t the end of your creativity, it’s a sign that your process needs a reset.

1. Remembering instead of overthinking

Instead of staring at the blank page and willing ideas into existence, take a moment to jot down memories. Think about a place, a moment, or a person.

Write about it freely. Don’t worry about whether it fits your story or project. Memories are powerful because they’re personal, layered with emotions, and often rich with sensory details. You don’t have to write them exactly as they happened. Twist them, reshape them, or place them in a completely different setting. The act of reimagining what you already know can create something deeply original.

Try this: Write about a childhood memory but set it in a completely different time or place. How does the meaning change?

2. Find or think of a writing challenge

Sometimes the problem isn’t a lack of ideas. It’s that the possibilities feel endless, which can make it hard to know where to begin. Writing challenges or prompts are a great way to narrow your focus and get words flowing without the pressure of inventing something perfect from scratch.

Writing prompts are short, creative ideas or scenarios designed to spark your imagination. They could be anything from a weird situation (“A stranger hands you a locked box and runs away”) to a visual image (“Describe a sunset as seen from a rooftop in the rain”). You can find prompts online, in writing books, or even create your own by combining random elements.

Here are a few simple ways to challenge yourself:

1. Time-limited writing:

   • Set a timer for 10 minutes. Write non-stop, even if it’s nonsense. This removes the pressure of perfection and helps you focus on simply getting words on the page.

2. Random word prompts:

   • Pick three random words like tree, betrayal, thunderstorm and write a short story or scene that includes them. This kind of exercise forces your brain to make unexpected connections.

3. Single-constraint challenges:

   • Write a scene using only dialogue.

   • Write a paragraph where every sentence begins with the same letter.

   • Describe an emotion like sadness or anger without using the word itself.

4. Character exploration prompts:

   • Write about your main character’s first memory.

   • Imagine what they would do if they won the lottery. Or lost everything in a day.

5. Situational prompts:

   • “Your protagonist finds a note that says, ‘I’m sorry. It had to be done.’”

   • “A stranger offers your character a dangerous deal. What is it?”

3. Write keywords and build around them

When the idea of writing full sentences feels overwhelming, strip it down to the basics. Start with single words or short bullet points that reflect the core of what you want to explore.

Write down the most vivid or intriguing words that come to mind. These could be emotions (fear, longing), places (stormy beach, deserted house), or moments (a missed train, a stolen glance).

Once you have a list, start asking questions:

• What connects these words?

• What kind of narrative do they suggest?

• Which word feels like the heart of the story?

Arrange the words or points in a loose structure. Beginning, middle, and end. This isn’t a formal outline, but a foundation you can build on. This method breaks storytelling into manageable pieces. Instead of building a full narrative from scratch, you’re gathering fragments that naturally form a bigger picture. It also removes the pressure to write well immediately. You’re just outlining thoughts, not drafting yet.

4. Get inspired

Writer’s block can often mean your creative well is running dry. Instead of sitting in frustration, step away and absorb inspiration.

Look for stories in unexpected places. Watch a documentary about a topic you know nothing about. Listen to music with lyrics that feel like poetry. Take a walk through a neighborhood you’ve never explored before. The goal isn’t to force an idea but to open yourself up to new perspectives.

After getting inspired, write a one-paragraph reflection on how it made you feel. Did it spark curiosity, sadness, or wonder? Use that emotion as a starting point.

5. Edit something you already wrote

You don’t have to start with a blank page. Go back to a piece of writing you’ve already worked on. Read through it and make a few edits. As you refine, you’ll often find yourself re-engaging with the story, and new ideas will start to flow.

Editing gets your brain working without the same pressure as starting from scratch. You might even stumble upon a line or idea that sparks an entirely new direction for your story.

6. Make writing a habit

The truth is, writer’s block happens to everyone, even seasoned writers. The difference is that experienced writers know how to move through it.

Building a regular writing habit helps you learn what it takes to get over the block. Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. It’s unreliable. The more you show up, the less intimidating writing becomes. With time, you’ll start to recognize the patterns and rhythms that help you overcome blocks faster. Thanks for reading :)