6 Practices to Overcome Writer's Block
“I want to write, but I don’t know what to write about.”
I’ve heard people say this more times than Pikachu says its own name (“Peekah!”).
There’s levels to it too…
Not knowing what to write about applies both in the moment and the big picture.
By “in the moment,” I mean sitting down to write and drawing a blank. This is what people traditionally think of as writer’s block.
But there’s also the big picture version of this. When someone wants to write a book, for example, but they have no idea what the next themes/chapters are going to be — so they procrastinate (and their idea gets abandoned in the astral graveyard of unfinished books).
In both cases — the micro and macro — there are some go-to practices that will help you move through any form of writer’s block.
Before we get into the list, here’s a quick plug for my Divine Write course. It’ll help you write a book in 90 days. Check it out here (registration ends 2/11/2024).
6 Practices to Overcome Writer's Block
1) Outline
Outlining is the best way to structure any long-form writing.
When you outline, you give yourself a clear framework to follow. This makes it so that you never have to worry about what you’re going to write next. The next important topic — or even the next point — is there for you in the outline.
Now you don’t have to get crazy with this and outline every detail like a maniac. You can use your outline as a prompt, then flow from there. Your outline shouldn’t limit you, but guide you to a cohesive flow.
The best outlines are simple too. Just have a document with bullet points. That’s all you need. And as you get more ideas, you can add, change and refine your outline.
Outlining is crucial for books (especially your first book). When you have a good outline, a book becomes SO MUCH easier to write.
2) Walking outside
Never underestimate the power of walking outside.
Just 20 minutes of walking can change your whole day.
It will…
Uplift your mood
Reset your focus
Make you a lightning rod for new ideas
Help you get new insights and solve problems
If you’re ever stuck, go for a walk outside.
3) Write every idea down
I’m crazy with this (in a good way). Plus, I’m in good company.
So many great writers, artists and inventors would take long walks and write every idea that came to them.
Why is this important? Because it works.
When you write something down, it doesn’t just help you remember it. Writing also signals to your mind, “Hey, this thing is important.”
On top of that, instead of wasting mental bandwidth trying to memorize and remember things, you free up your mind to be creative.
If you make a habit out of writing ideas down, soon enough you’ll have a database of ideas to refer to. This is incredibly helpful for writing anything.
4) Write in focused blocks of time
In order to write anything significant, you need to commit, and commit regularly.
The BEST way to do this is simple:
Set a timer for 20-60 minutes
Just write until the time is up (don’t do anything else)
For this focused block of time, don’t do anything else except write. No checking your phone, email, etc. Distractions will kill your momentum and sabotage your writing progress.
If you commit to focused blocks of writing time, you’ll write more in 30 minutes than you would in a few hours of distracted writing.
5) Free-write
The best way to overcome your inner critic is to practice free-writing.
Just write your stream of consciousness. Literally narrate your thoughts in the form of writing.
I promise you — if you do this for just five minutes every day — you’ll never be 100% stuck again.
Free-writing helps you transcend your fears, doubts and resistance, and get into a flow state with your writing.
After some practice, this ability to “just let it flow” will leak into all writing you do, so that you flow on topic instead of just writing the randomness of your stream of consciousness.
6) Feel/sense into the essence of your book
If you’re writing a book, it’s important to feel and sense into its essence.
It’s a literal being — an idea — that you’re birthing into the world.
The more you can acquaint yourself with the energy of your book, the more motivation you’ll have to write and finish it.
This has to do with your WHY. When you know the deeper reason WHY you’re writing the book, nothing can stop you. Your WHY will fuel you through any challenges and any self-sabotage you have.
Here’s the kind of conviction you get when you visualize and befriend the essence of your book... “I’m a steward of a creation that can change people’s lives, and nothing will stop me from delivering it.”
Want to build this energy? Check out the links below.
3 Ways I Can Help You
Inner game of book writing masterclass - Free masterclass to help you overcome self-sabotage and write your book.
Divine Write - A proven system to write your book in 90 days (register by 2/11).
Soul Writer Mastermind - For pioneers who want to master the art, business and spirituality of writing.
Much love,
Stephen Parato