How to Beat Writer's Block
Hey freelance writers: Let's talk about writer's block.
I know, I know. You don't want to say it out loud. It's like "Voldemort" or actors saying "Macbeth" out loud (that's why they call it "The Scottish Play"). But, like the common cold, writer's block is out there ... and odds are, it's going to get every freelance writer at some point.
The Terror of Writer's Block
You've probably had it happen to you at one time or another. You're sitting at your desk, a cup of coffee or cold beverage nearby, ready to start writing, knocking off those assignments, and adding some zeroes to the bank account. The words are ready to go ... but somehow, someway, they just won't come out. The blank page remains there, looking at you, taunting you.
Then the terror starts. "Oh no," you think. "How long will this last? Will I get paralyzed by writer's block? Is my writing career over? Am I going to have to find a whole new line of work?"
It's a feeling very specific to freelance writers, that mixture of terror and dread that comes with writer's block. However, don't fret. Writer's block isn't permanent. There are plenty of strategies you can employ to get over it and get back on the writing wagon. Let's go through some of them here!
5 Strategies to Get Over Writer's Block
So, how can freelance writers get over writer's block? Here are five ways to do it.
1. Take a Break
Taking time to yourself is ALWAYS a great idea, and in this specific situation, it can be an excellent cure for writer's block. Take a few deep breaths. Take a walk in nature. If you have a reliable meditation application or yoga practice, take some time and do a reset. Hop in your car and go for a drive, even if it's just to the convenience store for a soda or two.
2. Write About Something Else
It might be the subject that's blocking you up. Do some experimenting to find out if it's just what you need to write about that's putting you in the box. Remember the incredible story about the Coen brothers: When they got stuck while writing the movie "Miller's Crossing," they instead wrote a movie about someone with writer's block. That movie is "Barton Fink," one of their finest works. Odds are, you probably have another assignment or two coming up OR your own type of creative writing project in a drawer somewhere. Try to shift your focus a little, and see if that prompts anything.
3. Change Your Environment
Every writer runs the risk of letting their environment get to them. If you're one of the many writers that do their work in the same place every day (a desk, a couch, etc.), try to switch things up. Go to a coffee shop (rules and regulations pending, of course), try a different part of your home, or move to a professional environment (like a rented workspace) for the day to get your brain working. You might be surprised what breaks the dam open.
4. Defeat the Blank Page
The blank page is the most intimidating thing in the world for a writer. It's full of promise and potential, of course, but it's also extremely scary — there's no one else who can fill it in! It's all on you, after all. So, fill that blank page in with something. Put in a bit of writing that inspires you. Put in a quote that you like. Hey, even just smash your fingers on the keyboard and fill the blank screen with absolute nonsense. After that, you can say that you started writing something, even if you technically have written nothing toward the actual assignment. That might help!
5. Use AI Writing Tools
Incorporating AI writing tools can occasionally help break the creative gridlock. Various AI assistants can generate prompts, suggest sentences, or even complete paragraphs for you. Of course, you'll want to maintain your unique voice and edit AI-generated content, but it's a useful starting point to overcome writer's block. It can spark new ideas or simply provide a gentle nudge to get your creative juices flowing.
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6. Engage in Physical Exercise
Physical activity can help clear your mind and boost your energy levels. Go for a run, hit the gym, or do a brief workout session. Exercise releases endorphins that can improve your mood and stimulate your brain, making it easier to overcome writer's block. Plus, you'll feel refreshed and ready to tackle your writing once you're done.
7. Set Realistic Writing Goals
Sometimes, the pressure of a looming deadline or an overly ambitious goal can contribute to writer's block. Break your writing tasks into smaller, manageable chunks. Set realistic daily or hourly word count goals, and reward yourself for reaching each milestone. This approach can help alleviate stress and make the writing process feel more achievable.
8. Connect with Fellow Writers
Talking to other writers can provide valuable insights and encouragement. Join a writing group or attend a virtual workshop. Share your struggles with writer's block and listen to how others have dealt with it. You might find a new approach or simply gain comfort from knowing you're not alone.
9. Embrace Imperfection
Remember that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect. In fact, it's okay if it's terrible! The beauty of writing is in the editing process. Just start writing anything that comes to mind, even if it seems nonsensical or irrelevant. The act of getting words down on the page can often lead to a breakthrough. You can always revise and polish later, but the most important thing is to get started.
With these additional strategies, you'll be better equipped to conquer writer's block and continue thriving in your freelance writing career. Happy writing!
10. Remind Yourself That You're Awesome
Freelance writers, remind yourself that that's exactly what you are. You're a writer. That's a powerful thing. A lot of people want to say that they're writers. Very few of them actually are. You've gotten paid to put words down on paper (or the internet). That's exceedingly rare. You're valuable, smart, intelligent, and an excellent writer. Keep saying that to yourself. Peruse through a few assignments that got you kudos or that made you proud. Then, sit down and realize that "this too shall pass."
Now, start writing!
Getting Started With Scripted
If you're one of the many freelance writers who have gone through writer's block (and come out on the other side), or even if you're one of the lucky ones to avoid it over the years, it's time to join Scripted! Scripted boasts the best community for writers on the web, with excellent rates, wonderful topics to write about, and much more.
