Writer’s block—it’s something every writer faces at some point. But what if I told you that writer’s block isn’t quite what we think it is?
Before I started writing seriously, I used to think it was a myth—a boogeyman of sorts. How could a professional writer, someone who has dedicated their life to this craft, suddenly run out of words? How could they not know what to say? It didn’t make sense to me.
But after years of sitting at my desk, putting in the hours, and wrestling with the creative process, I’ve come to a realization: I still don’t fully believe in writer’s block. At least, not in the way most people describe it.
The way I see it, writer’s block is just a label we’ve placed on a universal experience—resistance. It’s the same challenge faced by anyone in any profession. Attorneys don’t always feel inspired to write legal briefs. Grocery store workers don’t always feel excited to stock shelves. Every job has its tough days, and writing is no different. We just call our struggle writer’s block.
So what do we do when we hit that wall? How do we push through? I’ve found two key strategies that have helped me keep writing, even when the words don’t come easily.
Strategy #1: Push Through
There’s a time to step away from a project, but sometimes, the best solution is to sit there and fight through it.
I’ve had days where I’ve been writing consistently for months, and suddenly, I hit a chapter that feels impossible. I stare at the screen, stuck. In those moments, I force myself to type something—anything. It might be totally irrelevant. I’ll literally type: This sentence has nothing to do with my book. A bird is chirping outside. I wonder what I’ll have for lunch.
Sounds ridiculous, right? But there’s a reason for it.
Often, writer’s block is just perfectionism in disguise. You hesitate, thinking, That sentence isn’t good enough. That metaphor isn’t right. The words aren’t flowing the way I want them to. And suddenly, you’re frozen.
But here’s the truth: perfectionism kills progress. You don’t need perfect words right now. You just need words. That’s why I type nonsense—to remind myself that this is a rough draft. That’s why they call it a rough draft.
If you’re stuck, don’t walk away. Don’t open Netflix. Don’t wait for inspiration to strike. Instead, stay in the chair and write something. The movement will get your brain working, and before you know it, you’ll be back in the flow.
Strategy #2: Step Away
Now, what if the problem isn’t that you’re stuck in a scene, but that you have no idea where your book should go? Maybe you’re questioning the entire project. Maybe you don’t know what your next book should be. This isn’t a momentary stall—it’s a bigger creative block.
In this case, the answer isn’t to push through. It’s to do the opposite: step away.
When I’ve felt creatively drained, I’ve found that the best remedy is to stop writing for a bit. Read books. Watch movies. Go outside. Spend time with friends. Do anything but sit at your desk, stressing about the fact that you’re not writing.
Because here’s what happens: your brain never truly turns off. Even when you’re not actively thinking about your book, your subconscious is still working on it. And then—when you least expect it—an idea will strike. You’ll be in the grocery store, hear a conversation, see something random, and suddenly think, That’s it! You rush home, sit down, and the words come pouring out.
That breakthrough didn’t happen because you forced it. It happened because you gave yourself space to breathe.
The Theme: Grace & Permission
So what’s the common thread between these two strategies? Grace. Permission.
Perfectionism is the enemy of progress. There’s no such thing as a perfect book. Writing isn’t math—it’s art. There’s no formula that guarantees perfection. Beauty is subjective. Art is personal. So stop putting pressure on yourself to write the perfect sentence every time.
Instead, when writer’s block hits, do one of two things:
- Give yourself permission to write badly. Just type. Just move forward. Just get something on the page.
- Give yourself permission to walk away. Trust that inspiration will return in time.
You will get through this. You’re a writer. You’re a creative. And the words will come.
If you have any questions about writing, publishing, or overcoming creative hurdles, feel free to share them. I’d love to continue the conversation and offer more insights to help you on your writing journey.
If you have any questions about writing, publishing, or selling your book, shoot me a note via email at [email protected]. And remember: The shortest way to a bestselling book is having a bestselling plan.
