What’s writer’s block? How long will writer’s block last? How do you overcome it?

If you’re a creative (a writer, musician, painter, or artist), you’ve probably experienced writer’s block at least once. But for those who the creative-block-fairy hasn’t visited, here’s a quick recap.

In essence, writer’s block is a psychological inhibition that prevents people from completing what they are working on. It is when you can’t finish or start the task at hand, which is most of the time writing. 

Sometimes writers are stuck there for a few hours, sometimes a few days. One New York Times writer stuck it out for 30 years without being able to write anything. So why does this affliction happen to us?

Why does writer’s block happen?

A lot of writers are driven away from writing by fear. They’re afraid of being judged and criticized for their ideas, fearful of being rejected by publication houses and job offers. Others find it hard not to criticize their own work, tearing it apart at the seams.

Then there is the reason that holds everyone from creating: perfectionism. 

It’s okay to want to write brilliantly, but your piece isn’t going to come out perfectly from the get-go. Have patience with your craft.

So many famous writers have been through writer’s block, some even quitting after experiencing it for so long. But, there’s no need to take extreme measures yet. Let us give you some inspiration to write again!

How do I get over my writer’s block?

There are several ways to get over your writer’s block; some creative options are:

• Write down an outline before writing.
• Cleaning up your creative space.
• Freewriting in a journal: just write down whatever comes to mind.
• Changing your environment (go to nearby coffee shops!)
• Give your mind a break and try another medium.
• Spend time with someone you find interesting.
• Read a book that has bad reviews; let it inspire better writing.

And if nothing works, what do I do?

Sometimes even the most creative outlooks aren’t enough, so if you’re:

1. Lacking in ideas:

Write down ten terrible ideas for your project, let go of the fear that your thoughts are all bad. Then write down five more terrible ideas, ask your friend for three more bad ideas. Realize that everyone has godawful ideas, but we all have brilliant ones waiting for us to write them.

Look for songs, books, any medium with a storyline or a nice touch to it. Get inspired from the material in front of you, rewrite a known story, whatever gets you writing.

2. Overthinking about other people’s opinions of your craft:

Hold off on reality’s constructs and expectations: write somewhere no one will ever read. You could write about not writing and describe your feelings of shame if anyone were to read your writings. Let your imagination go.

Expressing yourself is a big part of writing; no one gets to take that away from you. Remember not to care too much about your writings getting rejected or unliked by others. Even Stephen King got rejected before publishers recognized his genius.

3. Missing the motivation to write:

We know. Motivation isn’t always available nor is the energy to write after a long day of work. 

But if this is your calling, if you can’t imagine a life without it, you need to reassess your priorities and build your routine around it instead of adding it as another task to be checked off.

Stop making excuses for why you can’t write and start doing it already.

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There is no shame in not writing for a while, and sometimes we’re just waiting for inspiration to hit. 

The most crucial part of getting over your writer’s block is learning to be okay in the discomfort and uncertainty. You’ll eventually get back to reading when you feel ready!

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