20 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block

Some days it’s pretty easy to beat writer’s block—identify the kink in the line, fix it and move on. Other times it’s not so easy to face the curse of the blinking cursor. Fortunately, there are ways to beat writer’s block and get your project back on track.

Most of us have been there, trying to bust down the wall that keeps our writing on one side and our dreams on the other. But what happens when we get stuck and we’re on a deadline? We can’t twiddle our thumbs and wait for inspiration to strike. Instead, we have to take action to beat writer’s block once and for all!

Here are 20 surefire ways to beat writer’s block! Ready?

1. Work on a different project. Spin a different plate and give your subconscious a chance to work out the issues.
2. Go to a bookstore and read back cover copies. While you’re there, pick up a few books just because new books are cool.
3. Listen to a new podcast or a Ted Talk.
4. Make a list of 5 ways to kill your hero.
5. Speak and record your words instead of typing them.
6. Change your venue. It’s boring to write in the same place all the time. Give your brain a field trip.
7. Eavesdrop on a conversation and make it a story.
8. Create a scrapbook page of your book.
9. Talk about your story or project with someone you trust.
10. Skip to a different part of the project, like the proposal or synopsis. (Writing a synopsis is scary. Yeah, scare the block away.)
11. Listen to a country song and write the story it came from.
12. Read outside your genre.
13. Exercise. A little O2 to the brain is always helpful.
14. Write what happens to your heroine after the story ends.
15. Journal about your book. Go wild, because it’s a great way to talk about your project to yourself.
16. Write on paper instead of using the computer.
17. Establish a different daily routine. If your life’s in a rut, your writing will be too.
18. Read your favorite author for inspiration.
19. Give yourself permission to write 200 words and stop. Everyone can write 200 words, no excuses.
20. Take a nap. No matter what happens with your writing, naps just feel good.

There you have it, folks! My 20 best ideas to beat writer’s block. What works for you?

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