5 Unique Tips To Help Avoid Writer’s Block

Whether it is an essay for school, or a book that you're writing. Every writer goes through writer's block. Here are some unique tips to avoid hitting that wall

Conor Hanlon

lifestyle · 6 min

Everyone becomes a writer at some point during their lifetime. It truly doesn't matter for what the reason is, whether it's writing a paper for school, a report for your job, or a book you want to publish. You are a writer in some capacity.

With that said, being a writer isn't always the easiest thing to do. Trying to finish before a deadline, researching topics for papers, trying to balance multiple characters and what to do with them. A lot goes into being a writer, a lot more than people initially think. However, there is one devil within the field of writing that everyone dances with... and that is Writer's Block.

Cartoon about writer's block. *Image Source*

The worst part about writer's block is that there are multiple forms to it, not just one, which means everyone encounters it. It can take the shape of struggling with how to move forward in an essay, or it can be having a tough time restructuring a sentence that could make or break your report to your boss.

Well, that's what I'm here for, right? As someone who wants to be a career writer, I know a thing or two about writer's block and how to avoid it.

Here are five unique tips to help avoid writer's block in any situation.

1. Go And Do Something Non-Writing

Sometimes the best thing that you can do while stuck in the depths of writer's block is to step away for a little while. Take a break, eat a snack, go for a run and get the blood pumping. It truly does not matter what you choose to do, but being away from your piece might benefit you.

There truly are many different ways to do something "non-writing," as I titled this portion. It's up to you and whatever you're comfortable or allowed to do. If you're at work, then maybe take your lunch break and go for a stroll through the city to your favorite deli. Writing an essay while stuck in your room? Go play some video games or do some reading.

The possibilities of what you can do are endless, just pick one and choose the one you think will help you the most.

2. Close Down Internet Browsers

Ah yes. The Internet, what a blessing and a curse in some cases. In this scenario, it falls underneath the curse category. With so many different resources, streaming services, and social media, there are plenty of ways to get lost in the vast plethora of material that is the Internet.

With all of these different ways to access and use the Internet, people are bound to get distracted when they are trying to accomplish something, whether it's work, schoolwork, or just trying to write an email. There are plenty of extensions to Google that can prevent you from getting distracted.

Extensions like Freedom, a site blocker, will prevent you from exploring the Internet to keep you focused. Another extension called Ommwriter creates a natural environment that makes it seem as if you were alone, therefore creating an easier process from thought to paper. There is also an app called Cold Turkey.

I have recently discovered this app through social media and have discovered that this app literally locks everything else on your laptop or computer until you reach your writing goal. The app's name is Cold Turkey and can be downloaded from their website. It certainly sounds like a good way to get rid of your writer's block if you can't surf the web.

3. Go And Talk To A Friend

There is no shame in asking for help from a friend when in a bad case of writer's block. This spot can also be correlated with doing something non-writing, but I think it deserves a spot of its own. Talking to a friend can help take your mind off what you're stuck on while trying to accomplish your work.

Go get something to eat with them, grab some coffee at Starbucks. Sit and talk with them for a while to try and forget about what was keeping you stuck. Being away from the situation and coming back can really help cure the block in your mind.

Another way to use your friend is to ask them for help. A set of two eyes is better than one set, after all. They might even be able to offer some much-needed perspective that you might have been missing while facing your writer's block.

Take whatever help that you can get because writer's block can sure be a pain.

4. Drown Out The Noise

Try to eliminate any excess noise while writing. Eliminate the outside distractions that could take your focus off of your writing. Writer's block is a very tricky thing to deal with, and if you truly lock in and focus on your work, then you might be able to break through that mental wall faster.

Put some noise-canceling headphones on or lock your office door while your family is home. Bothersome and unnecessary distractions might leave you frustrated and could further increase the writer's block. Sometimes a little bit of intense thought and focus is all you really need in order to breakthrough.

5. Write Something Else

The final entry on the list seems a bit redundant, but it does have its purpose. Now, before you start thinking, "How am I supposed to write when I'm in the middle of writer's block?" Or "Yeah, as if it's that simple." Well, yes, the answer is that simple. Write something else! Again, whether it's a work report or an essay for school, there are most likely multiple parts to it, right?

For example, if you're stuck on how to proceed with your first body paragraph in an essay, go work on the other two. Go make touch-ups to your introduction, proofread for grammatical mistakes. The options are endless for schoolwork.

The same applies to work reports and things of that nature. Go work on another part of the report if you're stuck. It applies the same principle as going out to meet with a friend. Stepping away from something for a short while and going back to it can certainly help whisk the writer's block away.

Many writers have different techniques to help rid themselves of writer's block, but if you keep on writing, you will be able to move past it quicker.

There are so many different tools, tricks, and tips available to you when you get stuck during the process of writing. Sometimes the most obvious and simple thing will do the trick, like just writing, while something like doing something non-writing might not work.

It depends upon the writer and how their mind works. Like how every person you met is different, that inherently means that every writer is going to be different. Within the field of writing, writer's block is quite the problem everyone is going to encounter at some point in time, most likely more than once.

It's, unfortunately, an inevitable step that every writer needs to know how to overcome, and these tips can help you towards the path that helps you overcome the obstacle that is writer's block.

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Jenna_Smiles 3 years ago

These tips have helped me with my thesis writing. Thanks for sharing!

WyattFoster 3 years ago

Early morning writing sessions are my most productive.

HenryAllen 3 years ago

Does anyone else feel more creative at certain times of day?

Elaine-Cobb 3 years ago

The article should have mentioned how caffeine affects writing flow.

OConnell_Observations 3 years ago

Having an accountability partner has helped me overcome writer's block.

AlainaH 3 years ago

I think the best tip here is about doing something else entirely.

ZaharaJ 3 years ago

Writing backwards from the conclusion sometimes helps me get unstuck.

DarkCodeX 3 years ago

The article makes writing sound harder than it needs to be.

Zoe 3 years ago

I find brainstorming with mind maps helps when I'm stuck.

Mackenzie 3 years ago

These tips are helpful but sometimes you just have to push through it.

Alice_Sunflower 3 years ago

The non-writing activity suggestion is great. I do household chores when stuck.

Ramona_Dreamy 3 years ago

Having a writing routine helps prevent writer's block in the first place.

Fawn_Rose 3 years ago

I use different strategies depending on what kind of writing I'm doing.

Dionne_Discussion 3 years ago

The article should have addressed emotional blocks too, not just mental ones.

Douthat_Dossier 3 years ago

Working in different locations helps me. Coffee shops are my favorite writing spots.

Benjamin-Frost 3 years ago

Sometimes I pretend I'm writing an email to a friend. Makes the words flow more naturally.

Fienberg_Feature 3 years ago

The article could have mentioned the role of proper nutrition in maintaining creativity.

Vibe-With_Nature_17 3 years ago

I find that setting a timer for 15 minutes and forcing myself to write anything helps.

BrandonBuilds 3 years ago

These tips work well for me except the noise cancellation one. I need some ambient sound.

Priscilla_Gleam 3 years ago

I think the key is catching writer's block early before it becomes overwhelming.

Reasoner_Report 3 years ago

Yes! Classical music is my go-to for breaking through writer's block.

GlowMode-On_17 3 years ago

Music without lyrics helps me focus when I'm writing. Anyone else?

HealthyBodyHappySoul 3 years ago

I use the Pomodoro Technique alongside these tips. Works wonders for my productivity.

FearlessAndFree 3 years ago

The tip about talking to friends works well if they're also writers who understand the struggle.

CharlotteX 3 years ago

I've found that changing the font or text color sometimes helps me see my writing differently.

Believe-Achieve_555 3 years ago

Writing prompts have been really helpful for me when I'm stuck.

Marina-Kirk 3 years ago

The article mentions multiple forms of writer's block but doesn't really explain them all.

Evelyn_Clark 3 years ago

I agree with doing something non-writing related. Gardening always helps clear my mind.

Mark_2003 3 years ago

Sometimes my best ideas come when I'm doing something completely unrelated to writing.

HarperRobinson 3 years ago

I schedule specific research time separate from writing time. Helps me stay focused on one task.

GratefulAndGrounded 3 years ago

The tip about closing browsers is great, but what about when you need to research?

RetroGamerX 3 years ago

I find that switching from typing to handwriting can help break through blocks.

Faith-Manning 3 years ago

Sometimes I write gibberish just to keep my fingers moving. Eventually, real content emerges.

Jillian-Hunt 3 years ago

The article should have mentioned the importance of regular writing practice.

Evelyn_Love99 3 years ago

I've noticed my writer's block often comes from fear of criticism rather than lack of ideas.

GraysonHenderson 3 years ago

They actually work well for technical writing too. I use them when writing software documentation.

Grace_Light 3 years ago

These tips are great for creative writing, but what about technical writing?

Hunter 3 years ago

Me too! I often write my introduction last now. It works much better.

Maxine_Luxe 3 years ago

I struggle most with introductions. Once I get past that, the rest usually flows.

Green_Gazette 4 years ago

The article is right about writer's block taking different forms. It's not always about not knowing what to write.

AmandaTaylor 4 years ago

I find that reading similar content to what I'm trying to write often sparks ideas.

GenesisY 4 years ago

Has anyone tried dictation software? Sometimes speaking instead of typing helps me overcome blocks.

Lindsey_Daydream 4 years ago

What works for me is creating an detailed outline before I start writing.

Grounded-And_Glowing_99 4 years ago

I actually write better under pressure. Deadlines force me to push through the block.

Eliza-Nash 4 years ago

The article should have mentioned the importance of getting enough sleep. Tired writing is blocked writing.

JosephBennett 4 years ago

I've found that setting small, achievable goals helps prevent writer's block in the first place.

SustainableSoul 4 years ago

Definitely! The more stressed I am about a deadline, the harder it becomes to write.

Yglesias_Yarns 4 years ago

Anyone else feel like writer's block gets worse when you're under pressure?

HarmonyAndHappiness 4 years ago

These tips are helpful but I think the real key is finding what works best for you personally.

Olivia-Kate 4 years ago

Sometimes I find that changing my writing environment helps break through the block.

Littleton_Lines 4 years ago

Writing something else works great until you realize you've procrastinated on the original task too long!

Mitchell_Media 4 years ago

The tip about eliminating noise doesn't work for everyone. I need some background noise to focus.

ShadowSage 4 years ago

I've started keeping a journal of ideas. When I get stuck, I browse through it for inspiration.

Cassidy_Dunn 4 years ago

The article makes a good point about everyone being a writer in some capacity. We all need these strategies.

EvelynRodriguez 4 years ago

Yes! Absolutely. When I'm writing about something I love, the words just flow naturally.

Carmen99 4 years ago

Anyone else notice they get writer's block more often when working on topics they're not passionate about?

Avery99 4 years ago

I wish the article had addressed how to handle writer's block during timed writing situations like exams.

Francesca_Skies 4 years ago

Freedom is another great app mentioned in the article. It's helped me stay off social media while writing.

ChristianDiaz 4 years ago

My best writing comes after I've stepped away and done something completely different.

Thiessen_Thoughts 4 years ago

Exercise really does help. The endorphins seem to kick my creativity into gear.

EvanRussell 4 years ago

I'm surprised there's no mention of freewriting exercises. Those always help me break through blocks.

Cheerful-Spirit_28 4 years ago

The friend suggestion works well for me. Just explaining my stuck point to someone often helps me figure it out.

SophiaJ_23 4 years ago

I find it interesting that the article doesn't mention meditation. It's been super helpful for my creative process.

VenusJ 4 years ago

That's a bit harsh. Writer's block is very real and can affect anyone, even experienced writers.

Alex_Walker 4 years ago

Sometimes I feel like writer's block is just an excuse for poor time management.

PixelRevolution 4 years ago

Speaking from experience, the Ommwriter tool mentioned in the article is great for minimizing distractions.

HolisticEats 4 years ago

The tip about doing non-writing activities reminds me of how Einstein would play violin when stuck on physics problems.

GoalGetterMindset 4 years ago

I actually prefer working on one section at a time. Jumping around makes me lose my train of thought.

DreamChaser 4 years ago

My problem isn't just writer's block, it's perfectionism. I get stuck trying to make every sentence perfect.

Energized-Being_101 4 years ago

I've tried Cold Turkey and it's amazing! Really helps me stay focused when deadlines are looming.

ChristinaVibes 4 years ago

Going to strongly disagree about noise cancellation. I actually write better with background noise and music.

AnnabelleH 4 years ago

As someone who writes technical documentation, I can say these tips work for all types of writing, not just creative stuff.

Kristof_Chronicles 4 years ago

The suggestion about writing something else is spot on. I often jump between different sections when I hit a wall.

Fatima_Griffin 4 years ago

When I'm stuck, I usually go for a walk. Getting fresh air really helps clear my mind and the ideas start flowing again.

Michael-Patrick 4 years ago

I've found that talking to friends actually makes my writer's block worse. They tend to give suggestions that don't match my vision.

Valerie_Twilight 4 years ago

These are good suggestions but I disagree about closing internet browsers. Sometimes research while writing helps spark new ideas.

BlairRichardson 4 years ago

The Cold Turkey app sounds interesting. Has anyone here actually tried it? I'm curious about how effective it really is.

JadeXO 4 years ago

I love how practical these tips are. Taking breaks has always worked wonders for me when I get stuck.