Writer's Block: Meaning, Causes & How to Overcome It

Writing can be challenging for a research paper, an examination, or a thesis. It might seem impossible when you combine full-time work with the pressures of modern life. If you have faced a Writer’s block, what is the trick to overcome it? Sit at your computer and write. If you wait until you are inspired, you will never get started. Fortunately, some solutions can make things simpler for you. Doable! Here are some suggestions on how to overcome writer’s block.

What is a Writer’s Block?

Writer’s block meaning is the psychological barrier that makes writing appear unachievable. It is the sensation that your head is a never-ending black hole, that you will never have a good thought again. Sometimes, thinking you could write even one meaningful line may make you feel foolish. Although every writer’s journey to overcome writer’s block is unique, many resources are available to support them.

Also Read: How to Write A Research Proposal

The Four Causes of Writer’s Block:-

Writer’s block is caused by self-doubt. Jerome Singer and Michael Barrios, two Yale scholars, examined a group of “blocked” professional authors in various genres throughout the 1970s, including poetry and screenplay. Following several months, the researchers identified four primary causes of writer’s block:

Apathy – These authors battled to rediscover their creative spark because they felt bound by the “rules” of writing.
Anger – These authors were frequently egotistical and would become upset if their work was overlooked.
Fear and anxiety – These authors were concerned about their shortcomings.
Criticism—These writers were afraid to write anything because they did not want their work to be judged against the works of others.

(If you need guidance related to writer’s block, Schedule a FREE consultation and get your queries answered. CLICK HERE to Schedule.)

How to Overcome Writer’s Block:-

Read – You might draw inspiration from your favorite authors’ works if you read a lot. Try reading a book before writing, even if you do not always read.

Take a rest – Take a break and return to your job a few days, weeks, or months later with a new perspective.

Determine Your Most Creative Times—To prevent writer’s block, Consider the time of day most conducive to creativity. Consider when you are most productive during the day. Many find that creative work is best done in the early morning when everything is calm, and there are fewer emails to read. Only try to write in the morning if you are a morning person. Some may find late evening more suitable for work, so they can continue late into the night if needed.

Improve Your Workspace – Try organizing things, decluttering, or displaying a photograph of something that motivates you. Do take into account the noise and temperature as well. Writing will be more difficult and almost impossible if you are comfortable and focused.

Move Ahead – Compose brief paragraphs for the article, report, or writing assignment without considering their placement and sentence construction. Write without going back to correct spelling and grammatical errors. That can be done later. The most crucial thing is never to give up. Several issues are handled in the process. Steer clear of really challenging regions. The first draft may constantly be revised, so take advantage of this flexibility and start writing, then return to it.

Steer clear of distractions – While writing, consider disconnecting from digital distractions by shutting off your internet and smartphone. Cleaning your desk might help you concentrate and be more tranquil by removing distractions from your workspace. To arrange time for writing, use time-blocking. Allocate periods of at least three consecutive hours on your schedule for writing. Request your family and acquaintances respect the time you have allocated to writing.

Do something else – Step away from your workstation. Take a stroll; the garden can be a good inspiration! Activities like tidying up, washing, cleaning, and walking a pet dog. Real-life occurrences and observations may inspire your work; therefore, keeping your idea box filled is essential. (Also, If you are looking for what to research, check out my book, ‘A Guide to a Topic Selection Journey for First-time Researchers: ZEROING IN ON A RESEARCH TOPIC‘)

Writing Activities to Help Break Through Writer’s Block:

Pomodoro technique:

Choose the topic you want to write about. This might be an article, an assignment, an essay, a section of your project, a dissertation or thesis proposal, or a book. Start on a blank page to help spark an idea and set the timer. Write thoughts that come to your mind. It may be words, phrases, sentences, or a paragraph. As soon as the 25-minute timer goes off, take a five-minute break. Continue by setting the timer for the next 25 minutes, and write further instead of reviewing what has been written. Do not stop writing. During a five-minute rest, repeat these three procedures, paying close attention to the time.

The 30-minute challenge:

After 30 minutes, set a timer and record your day’s activities in writing. Note the things that distracted you when you ran out of time—thoughts, sounds, interruptions. Look at methods for removing those distractions from your writing process on a selective basis.

Do you get distracted by your computer, for instance, when writing? You may use a pencil and pad and go all analog. A day later, try the same 30-minute task again, this time employing the methods you learned to eliminate the distractions you identified the day before. Continue doing this until you have located the perfect place and time for writing.

Pretending to talk to a friend technique:

Authors must focus more on the writing framework when creating an article or essay. To get beyond this, try acting like you are at a Café talking to a friend, and you need to explain the story you are working on to them. In what way would you explain it to them? If faking does not work, try writing someone else an email or text message. If any of the material appears helpful, add it to your manuscript.

Also Check: What is Research Process

If you still need help getting out of writer’s block, you can always ask me for 1-on-1 help. CLICK HERE to book a 30-minute session with a research coach. Whether it’s research guidance or overcoming creative hurdles, don’t worry about the charges; I usually offer the first session as complimentary.

Happy Writing!