If you are experiencing writer’s block, keep this in mind: You’re not alone. Writer’s block happens to almost everyone.
Break Through Writer’s Block
Here are 18 ways to unblock yourself and put your creativity back to work:
1. Call It “Incubation”
The term, “writer’s block” isn’t completely accurate because it implies that the problem has been imposed upon you—it’s something you have.
Instead, I prefer the term, “incubation” because that’s something you do. Incubation reflects the truth–that even if you’re struggling, you’re actively involved in the creative process.
2. Write Something Unusual
One of my clients, a spy novelist, takes creative breaks by writing children’s stories for his own kids—low pressure, doesn’t take too long, and is a refreshing change of pace.
3. Write Under A Pseudonym
Decide that you’ll write and send out the project that’s vexing you under an assumed name.
Take some time to decide on what your name will be, and include it as your byline. This technique has worked for Richard Bachman, Mark Twain, John LeCarre, and more.
4. Get in the H2O
It worked for Archimedes–it can work for you.
5. Repetitive Physical Activity
- Clean the kitchen
- Do laundry
- Sweep the floor
- Wash the car by hand
By the time you get a flash of insight, something will be clean.
6. Creative Physical Activity
- Cook or bake something you don’t ordinarily make.
- Build something with your hands, e.g., a model airplane, a new desk.
- Knit, sew, paint, collage.
“Incubation” is what occurs to me when I see those scenes where a guy is making one of those boats in a bottle. It’s supposed to indicate someone who plans methodically, but I always think, “I bet that guy is stuck in Act II.”
7. Travel
I’ve read that when Steven Spielberg gets stuck on a movie, he takes a long drive in his car. Composer Steve Reich rides around on the NY subway. One of my favorite things to do is to be a tourist in my own town, drive around, and explore new neighborhoods.
8. Take A Long Walk
There’s something special about walking that allows your attention to wander in a valuable way.
9. Organize Your Books
The act of coming into contact with lots of other ideas and sorting them can trigger an insight.
10. Go On A Media Binge
Instead of your scheduled writing time, watch movies and TV, read books and magazines, and let enthusiasm be your only guide.
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