A Simple Way to Handle Writer’s Block and Get Writing Done

During times of poor creativity, or writer's block, even composing a decent phrase can feel like an enormous task. As frustrating as it is, writer's block can prevent us from putting our ideas and words onto paper, whether we're attempting creative writing, academic assignments, articles, or any other type of content creation. Many people experience it as if there were an invisible wall blocking their vision, making it hard to perceive the proper form and progression of phrases and ideas.

Fear is a common cause of writer's block. We worry that no one will read our work, that we won't have enough ideas, that we won't be competent writers, and that they will read it all. A fear of failing is at the root of the problem.

This stumbling barrier, according to researchers, isn't just a lack of vocabulary; it's a complicated interplay of anxiety, perfection, and neurological safeguards. While some people experience a brief stalemate, others may find that writer's block follows them around for months, if not years. In the early stages of a stressful event, such as a fear of failing, the brain's mechanisms redirect energy away from the cerebral cortex and toward the limbic system. In complex cognitive tasks like writing—where we decide, build, visualize, and check for logical flow—the cortex is responsible. In contrast, the limbic system is responsible for emotional regulation and the activation of behaviors that provide a sense of safety. The brain goes into "fight or flight" mode when we're stressed, which causes us to either avoid writing altogether or write very quickly so that we can get it done.

Because of the buildup and worsening of stress, the brain is deprived of the cognitive component essential for writing, and ideas simply do not flow. Since the brain can only process emotional signals, feelings rather than rational considerations now govern creative output. Anger and frustration lead to snap judgments about the content and, eventually, no writing at all. Having a large number of well-developed, organized ideas that are well-structured into good outlines is, thus, the cure for writer's block.

The Reasons I Don't Worry About Time Constraints or Writer's Block

In addition to running my online art store at hareideart.com and penning articles for three different blogs, I dabble in digital painting:

- hareideart.com/blog, - Blogspot.hareideart, - minkonequilter.

I also market my online store and my artwork on social media, and I sell my pieces on six other online galleries that need to be maintained.

In addition, I invest in stocks and work on writing books. I have now decided to try writing on Vocal.media and other media. Despite all this, I don’t feel stressed. I enjoy myself. Thanks to my wonderful wife, who also contributes greatly, daily tasks get done without stress.

The Key to This Balance Lies in How I Structure My Time

The key is to be focused and systematic when I plan and organize. Then I can be creative and consistent in a separate work period.

For planning and structuring, I use an app called Notion, which gives me an overview of all my projects. When I enter the creative phase, I often use my mobile phone or Apple Watch. I’ll tell you more about this a little later.

I continuously collect ideas for articles and blog posts and always have my phone on hand — whether I’m watching TV, in the store, or just on the go. My list of ideas has already become long, and it grows a little each day. I’ve grouped the ideas into three or four main themes that I’m focusing on right now. Sometimes, several ideas merge to create entirely new topics.

Between gathering new ideas, I also take the time to develop existing ones. I add new content, explore different angles, and work to give each idea a clear direction — all of this in Notion. When an idea is ready for the next step, I create a detailed outline for the article. For this, I often use ChatGPT to help organize my thoughts.

This process has probably saved me from writer’s block multiple times, even though I am still considered a beginner in writing, at least on this platform.

The Writing Process

Every Sunday, I try to write two to three articles, which I then adapt for Vocal.media. With ideas and content prepared throughout the week, the writing process becomes simpler. This gives me a structured rhythm in my work and ensures that I can publish consistently, hopefully, without feeling overwhelmed. I also try to read 8–10 articles on the platforms I’m registered on.

I have written a number of blog posts for my online store. The posts are in Norwegian, but they also serve as a content reserve as they can be revised and translated into English.

My Three Books on Are: - Masterpieces and Mindfulness, - Portraits in Your Hands, - Jobbinngangen

My Work Method

How Do I Find Time for All This?

Some people might ask how I find time for all of this. Well, as a retiree, I have time, and when you enjoy spending time on these activities, they become a priority. We all have the same amount of time available — it’s simply about using the time you need.

A woman once said to me, “Oh, I wish I could exercise more because I know I need it, but I just don’t have the time. My time is all used up.” I replied, “You’ll never manage to exercise more! Unfortunately, you never will. If you use your time on other things, you’ll never find time to exercise! It’s as simple as that!”

I make good use of my time by writing by dictating when I'm in settings that don't lend themselves to writing. While I'm out for a walk, exercising, doing house or garden chores, or waiting in the car for my wife to run errands, I dictate text messages.

So, I take notes as I go along and have a rough draught ready for editing when I return home.

The strategy is based on dictating into my phone. I don't need to sit down at a computer to swiftly record my ideas when I speak the text. Because of this, I am able to engage in my writing projects regardless of my location, even while I am in the company of others. With the help of my earphones, I can dictate my thoughts as naturally as if I were having a phone conversation.

A speech-to-text app is what I use to transcribe audio recordings. Transcribing audio files into text is a breeze with these tools. When I transfer text to ChatGPT, it offers suggestions for improvements, organizes the content, and shapes it into a better draft. I use it to refine my work. Afterwards, I personalize the proposed phrases by adjusting them.

I usually use an outline that ChatGPT has produced or make a quick outline before I begin recording on my phone. To help me structure my thoughts into a manageable format, I made my own prompt in ChatGPT. While narrating the text, I am able to keep on course thanks to this plan. This format also lets me cut to the chase while I refine and expand the material as required.

In a nutshell, this approach allows me the liberty and convenience to tend to my creative endeavor whenever and wherever I like. I am able to produce high-quality content in less time by integrating voice recording, speech-to-text technologies, and so edit the text afterwards.

Hi

Have you written an article in here you can recommend for me? Are you thinking about starting your writing project this year?

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