How to Overcome Writer's Block

If you’re a writer, you’ve definitely experienced writer’s block. (And if you haven’t yet...it’s coming!) It occurs when your creative juices cease to flow, and you simply can’t produce any (good) writing. Writers suffer through this during certain stages of their writing career. It can feel like a never ending battle. And the more you fight it, the worse it gets. Don’t let this momentary setback discourage you from fulfilling your passion! There are ways to conquer this tough obstacle.  

In August of 2017, I finished writing my first novel. This novel is not currently published anywhere; there is still a lot of work that needs to be done, and writer’s block has unfortunately kept me from making those essential changes. Over the past few years, I have been very depressed and discouraged. I started believing that I wasn’t going to be able to fulfill my passion to be a published writer. 

However, earlier this year, I made a vow to myself. I knew it was going to take a while until an idea hit me for my novel or another story.  I told myself that until I get some creativity flowing, I need to keep writing. It doesn’t matter what you’re writing – just as long as you are writing. My teacher from high school encouraged us to write every single day. It could be about anything – how your day went, something that upset you, something that made you happy, or even something that has been worrying you lately. As a writer, it is important to make it a goal to write something every single day. It could be the worst thing you ever wrote, but you still put words to paper, and that’s all that matters. 

In January, The Just Girl Project helped me fulfill my dream of blog writing. They talked with me and let me be a part of their staff while I was in my last semester at my community college. This motivated me to find new ideas to discuss for the blog, and to try to write something once a week. It helped me gain attention from my peers that went to high school with me. They never knew about my desire to write until I started writing for The Just Girl Project. I knew that writing blogs would help me maintain my creative energy before jumping back into my novel. Again, it doesn’t matter what you’re writing – it just matters that you are writing something daily. 

However, if you are really struggling to write at the moment, there are other outlets to hone your creative energy. Reading a diverse range of content can spark new ideas in your mind. I recently bought a reading log because I have a lot of books sitting around my room that I want to read. I am making it a goal this summer to at least get through 5-7 books. The reading log will show when I started and finished each book. It will also record my favorite quotes and what I enjoyed about the novel altogether. Hopefully, I can use this log as inspiration to start writing new blogs and novels. Reading novels opens your mind to new ideas and expands your vocabulary. When you are ready to write again, you know more words than you ever did before. 

All in all, writer’s block can be very painful and frustrating. I allowed writer’s block to give me anxiety throughout the past couple years, but you don’t have to. If you are stuck in a writer’s block, please know that this time does not last forever. You will find creativity again and it will be better than it ever was before. Happy writing! 

Written by: Audre Arnett

Instagram: @infinityaudreee