How To Smash Through Writers Block in 6 Wicked Easy Steps

Ready to smash through that pesky writer's block?

Here are three wicked easy steps to help you get started. With a little bit of creativity and elbow grease, you'll be writing again in no time.

Let's get started.

Make a list of ideas before you start writing

When writer's block sets in, it can seem like an absolute hurdle to get over.

However, tackling writer's block is quite simple- the key is to make a list of ideas before you start writing. It's easy to get bogged down with writer's block when you don't have any ideas. Still, by taking a step back from the project and getting creative with problem-solving, there's no reason why writers need to feel stuck for long. Getting outside the box and compiling a list of new and exciting ideas on paper helps writers free their minds from writer's block and better understand their project. This can help tremendously when writers are facing pressure to produce work quickly.

Just get creative with it and make a list of ideas.

Pro tip: Use mind mapping tools to help you brainstorm and organize your ideas. And better yet, keep an ongoing journal of ideas to refer back to.

Write for a set amount of time each day, even if it's just a few sentences

Have you ever felt uninspired to write?

If yes, a great way to get started is to commit to writing daily for a set period. Even though it may feel daunting initially, and you may only be able to write a few sentences, it's still an essential step in developing your writing skills. A really useful method that many writers follow is called the Pomodoro Technique, where you work on one specific task for twenty-five minutes and then take a five-minute break. That focus provides a wonderful sense of accomplishment when you reflect on how much you've achieved before taking a break.

Writing even just a few sentences daily will give your words the workout they need as your skills and confidence develop.

So why not give it a try now and start seeing results—you might be surprised by just how easy it gets.

Pro tip: Use an actual timer to help keep track of your writing time and breaks. Don't wing it, and remember, if you can't measure it, you can't manage it!

Take breaks often to clear your head and come back with fresh ideas

Regular breaks to recharge and clear your head can be a magical experience.

Whenever you encounter a stumbling block or feel overwhelmed, take a few minutes to step away from whatever task you're working on and give your brain some time and space to recharge. This could mean going for a light jog around the block, reading that book that's been sitting on your nightstand for months, or just curling up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa. Improving your focus is all about doing things that help refresh your mind and recharge your creative energy - it makes problem-solving so much easier because you get back to whatever task you were working on with fresh eyes, new ideas, and maybe even an opportunity to see solutions that weren't available before.

Pro tip: It's important to remember that taking breaks isn't just about recharging your creativity and taking care of yourself. Make sure to get adequate sleep, eat well, and stay hydrated for optimal performance.

Write without thinking

Writing in free form, without overthinking, can be a great way to express your thoughts and creativity.

Free from the constraints of grammar and punctuation rules, from what the gurus say you should be doing, free writing allows you to explore different ideas or simply just put down whatever comes to mind. It doesn't have to be overly serious - jokes, puns, and silly phrases might even help to recombine random thoughts into something surprisingly inspiring.

You never know what interesting ideas you may come up with, so don't think; just do.

Pro tip: When doing a free-form style, use a pen and paper for this. And one more thing, set a timer for eight minutes, and do NOT lift your pen from the paper for the entire eight minutes.

Change up your routine – try writing at a different time of day or in a different format altogether (like an outline instead of a complete draft)

Writing can sometimes feel like a grueling chore, but mixing up your routine can be just the thing to get you and your creative juices flowing.

After all, the fluid nature of creativity means that the same approach won't always yield the same results. Why not try forgoing your typical early morning writing session for an upbeat buzzing after-work ritual? Or why not think outside the box (or page) and write an outline or skeleton of your work in place of a complete draft - you'd be surprised how practical this approach can be in boosting your overall productivity.

Change is healthy and often necessary, so don't be afraid to shake up your regular writing regimen now and then.

Pro tip: go to a coffee shop. Isn't that an image many folks have of writers? So do it. Try it once and see how the change feels and what kind of output you have.

And finally,

Give yourself permission to write badly

It's all too easy to become discouraged when you think your writing isn't good enough.

The truth is that it's OK if it's not perfect the first time—in fact, it's more than likely that it won't be. Instead of beating yourself up for not producing a masterpiece, try giving yourself permission to write badly. This doesn't mean that you should stop caring about quality; it simply means that you should give yourself a break and accept that your first attempt won't be perfect. Writing is an ongoing learning experience, and it takes time to improve.

So don't put too much pressure on yourself - take your time, practice often, and enjoy the journey.

Pro tip: If you're feeling stuck or blocked, set aside the work that's causing you trouble and start on something new. This will allow your subconscious to keep chipping away at the original problem until inspiration strikes.

The freelance writer crash course...

Sign up here to get your free freelance writer starter kit and learn how to earn money by writing...even if you've NEVER written before!