How to Overcome Writer’s Block When Nothing Works

If you’re a writer, you’ve most likely faced that scary blank page that stares back at you. You want to write, but the words just won’t come. You sit, you sigh, you scroll through your phone, you stare at the ceiling—still nothing. That, dear writer, is what we call writer’s block. And if you’re here, it probably means that nothing you’ve tried so far has worked. So, let’s keep things simple and go step-by-step through what you can actually do when you feel stuck.

1. Take the Pressure Off

One big reason we hit writer’s block is because we put too much pressure on ourselves. Maybe you want your story to be perfect, or you think everything you write has to sound smart and deep. But writing doesn’t always have to be great—it just needs to exist.

Try this: Open a blank page and tell yourself, “No one will read this.” Write freely, like you’re just talking to yourself. Let it be messy. Let it be silly. Just write.

2. Write Something Else

Sometimes you can’t write your current project because your brain is bored or tired. Switching to something new can shake things up.

Try this: Write a poem, a letter to a friend, a grocery list from your character’s perspective, or a random short story. It doesn’t matter what it is—just write anything.

3. Use Prompts

Writing prompts are magical when your brain feels empty. They give you a small idea to start with, which takes away the pressure of coming up with something from scratch.

Try this: Google "daily writing prompts" or make your own. For example:

• "Your character finds a mysterious note in their pocket."

• "Describe a day in the life of a tree."

4. Set a Timer, Not a Goal

Instead of saying, "I will write 1000 words today," try saying, "I will write for 10 minutes." Time feels easier than word counts. And once you start, you might end up writing more than you thought.

Try this: Use a timer or a Pomodoro app. Write for 10 minutes. Take a break. Then maybe do another round.

5. Change Where You Write

Sometimes the place you write in becomes part of the block. You sit at your desk and your brain says, "Oh no, not this again."

Try this: Move to a different room. Go outside. Sit in a cafe. Even changing your chair can sometimes do the trick.

6. Talk It Out

Talking about your story can be just as helpful as writing it. When you explain your story to someone else, you might find new ideas or solutions without even trying.

Try this: Call a friend or talk to yourself out loud (yes, really). Start by saying, “So here’s what my story is about...” and see where it takes you.

7. Re-read Something You Love

Going back to a book or poem you love can remind you why you started writing in the first place.

Try this: Take 20 minutes to re-read your favourite chapter from a book or a poem that inspires you. Let that feeling of awe pull you back into your writing energy.

8. Take a Break (Seriously)

Sometimes, writer’s block is your mind telling you it needs rest. And that’s okay. Writing is important, but so is living.

Try this: Go for a walk. Watch a movie. Bake something. Take a nap. Rest is productive, too.

9. Write About the Block

Sounds funny, but it works. If you can’t write your story, write about how annoying it is that you can’t write. Get all the frustration out.

Try this: Start with, "I have nothing to say but I’m writing this anyway." See what happens.

10. Remember: It Happens to Everyone

Every writer, even the famous ones, has faced writer’s block. It doesn’t mean you’re not a good writer. It just means you’re human.

Try this: Be kind to yourself. You’re doing your best, and that’s enough. Writing is a journey with ups and downs. Keep showing up, even if it’s just a few words at a time.

In Conclusion

Writer’s block can feel like the end of the world when you’re in it, but it’s really just a pause. It’s okay to take that pause. The words will come back—they always do.

Just remember: you don’t have to write perfectly, you just have to write. And even when nothing seems to work, trying something different might lead you back to the joy of writing.

So take a deep breath, open a blank page, and start somewhere. Even this sentence could be the beginning of something beautiful.

✨ Keep writing. We believe in you.