Writers Block Is Real, Here Are 6 Ways to Handle It

And why it’s even “a thing”

Writer’s block is a real thing. But there is no such thing as a doctor’s block. Or a singer’s block? There is no such thing as a lawyer’s block. I haven't heard of a firefighter’s block. Have you? Editor’s block is not a thing, editors just edit but writer’s block is a thing. Don’t let anybody tell you it’s just in your head.

Writer’s block is not made up. Other careers don't require as much creativity as writing does. Writing requires transparency and lots of self-reflection. Other careers don't. A doctor does not need to look into his past experience to save someone. A chef need not reflect on how much salt and pepper to add before he can make a delicious meal.

Writer’s block happens when an author loses the ability to write or produce new work due to an increase in stress levels and a decrease in creativity levels. This doesn’t happen because the writer is not committed to writing or because he doesn’t know how to write. It happens when a writer is having trouble coming up with new ideas.

It happens when words don't flow easily. It happens when a writer is stressed out or anxious about something, and that’s the truth. Fear causes writer's block so when I hear a writer say they have writer's block, all they are trying to say is that they are stressed out and stress blocks your creative juices.

Your writer's block begins when you fear your article will be rejected. It begins when you have feelings that nobody cares about what you write. It begins when you think you will never make a living from your writing. Whenever I think of these things, I don't feel like writing at all and my writer's block begins.

Barista’s Block Is Not A Thing

I haven't heard of doctors' block. Where a doctor freezes in the operating room because he suddenly forgot how to use or scalpel or how to perform a surgery. Your patient is going to die if you just stand there with your doctor's block.

Lawyers block is not a thing. Where a lawyer in the courtroom forgets everything he's learned before and doesn't know how to defend his client. Your client paid you to defend him and his life depends on you, Mr. Lawyer.

I never heard of a singer’s block. I never heard of a singer who forgot how to sing on a stage. She might forget the lyrics to a song, but she can still create beautiful tunes.

Firefighter’s block? Where a firefighter rushes to the scene of a fire and freezes with a case of the firefighters block preventing him from doing his job and putting out that fire. They don't just stand there and watch a building burn to the ground.

What about mommy’s block? Or daddy’s block? Where a parent wakes up and loses their ability to parent a child. “Hey baby, mommy is having a case of mommy’s block today so I don't know how to mother you today.” Your kid will look at you like what wrong with you? You better get up and make me something to eat.

Barista block is not a thing. You know when you need your morning coffee, you got to have it and the barista better not tell you she's having barista’s block today.

But writer’s block is a real thing and if you are an author, a journalist, or a blogger, you know this is not even a laughing matter.

You Have Writer's Block Because of Fear

Writer’s block is triggered by several things. Some people believe that writer’s block happens because a writer just doesn't know what to write about. When a writer can't find the right words, but that’s not always the case.

When a writer can’t write, there is a stressor present. There is something at the back of your mind preventing you from being creative.

When you are sad or angry about something, you can't think straight to get anything on paper. Your feelings block your words from flowing easily but this shouldn't block your ability to write, you can write about the thing making you upset. That should come easily because you are already feeling the things you are writing. The cure to writer’s block is to write. When you are too stressed out to write, write about the things stressing you out

The cause of writer’s block is fear. Fear of not being good enough. Fear of rejection. Fear of failure. Impostor syndrome, who am I to be giving anybody advice? Anxiety. I can't pull this off. Nobody reads my work. That kind of thinking blocks your creativity, thus causing your writer's block.

Stress causes writer’s block so when a writer says they have writer's block, I ask them what is causing them stress and there is always a stressor there.

This does not mean that doctors, lawyers, and baristas never experience stress. They do, but their work does not require the creativity required of writers. When you don't know what to write, write about your writer’s block.

Writing is a creative endeavor. And stress can block a writer's creative juices. Stress stops your creativity from flowing easily. If you have writer's block, you are not alone, and dealing with your stress is the first step to curing your writer's block.

Cure Your Writer's Block

1. Take a break

When you have writer’s block, give yourself a break. Take some days off if you got too much going on in your life. Allow yourself to sit in your funk for a couple of hours or days. Return when you miss writing. And you will if you are passionate about writing.

2. Do something else

Do anything other than writing. Take a nap. Go wash the dishes and take care of the laundry that is piling up. Go get some sunlight and talk a walk around the neighborhood. Wash your hair. Watch your favorite TV show. You will return rejuvenated with lots of brilliant ideas.

3. Read other people’s work

Writing and reading go hand in hand. You can't enjoy writing without enjoying reading. To make yourself productive while waiting for your writer's block to pass, read other people's work. This will spark your own creativity and give you ideas for your next topic.

4. Change your environment

Get out of the house for a little while. Go hang out at the park. Go sit by the river and enjoy the sound of the water. Get outside and listen to the birds. Go get some groceries or sit out on the porch and meditate.

5. Spend time with your favorite person

Call your best buddy. You know the creative friend that is so full of ideas. Talk with them. Tell them you have the writer's block and it's a real thing. Let them know what's on your mind. You never know, they might just say the thing you need to hear to get your creative juices flowing again. The cure to writer’s block is to write.

6. Keep a pocket notepad close by

How can you have writer's block when your draft section is full of topics you want to write about? You can't have writer's block when your notepad is filled with interesting topics to write about. Do you know when these topics come to you? When you are washing the dishes. When you are taking a shower. When you are falling asleep and when you are driving in silence. Keeping a notepad close ensures you forget none of those brilliant ideas.

Conclusion

Don't tell yourself that writer's block is just a myth. It's not. It is real for writers because writing is creative and your creativity can be blocked by stress and fear. So the next time you have writer's block, deal with the actual problem, fear.

The moment you deal with your fears, you say bye to your writer's block and if you constantly work on your fears, then writer's block will be a thing of the past.

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