7 Reasons Why You're Experiencing Writer's Block

No matter how good a writer you are, there are periods when you open a document, stare at a blank page, and cannot write. The words just will not come to you. Whether you are a journalist, screenwriter, novelist, etc., we all have experienced writer's block at some point in our journey.

However, more seasoned writers seem to work through writer’s block.

Why is that?

Because these writers understand that writer's block is not a natural or actual occurrence, but rather the blockage is due to a specific reason.

Before we get into that, first, you must understand what writer’s block is:  

What Is Writer's Block?

In short, writer's block refers to the inability to move forward in your work.

Writer's block takes many forms - you have a manuscript collecting dust because you cannot advance the scene you are working on or are unable to produce creative work. For others, it could mean that you have noticed a significant difference in the speed you typically write.

For instance, if you once knocked out 2,000 words a day but now can only get out 200 words.

Writer's block not only affects how productive you are with producing your creative works, but it can also profoundly affect your passion.

It is essential to understand that writer’s block isn’t tangible, and in fact, it is not something that medically happens.

Writer’s block is simply a creative blockage brought on by need. There is something externally wrong that is affecting your ability to think clearly.

To put it in perspective, consider Maslow's hierarchy of needs, shown below:

As you can see, each aspect of a person's physical and mental well-being can significantly impact how they can exist in the world. For instance, if you do not drink water or eat food, inevitably, you will die.

The same is true for the creative process.

If there is some need you are not getting, you can expect that your creative output will die.

Here are some of the specific reasons you might have writer’s block:

You are Distracted

Are you reading this on a mobile phone?

What about while at work?

Distractions are everywhere!

With the rise of smartphones and everything becoming more integrated with the internet, it is hard not to find something more entertaining than your manuscript. With social media sites, like YouTube, also working like slot machines, it is even more likely that you can get caught into the rabbit hole of social media.

To fix this, turn off your phone!

If you need to be accessible, I recommend placing your phone face-down while working. This tiny little trick can help you get over the urge to scroll through your social media feed instead of writing.

You Are Hungry

Hunger, thirst, and other basic needs must be immediately addressed, so it stands to reason that you won't be able to write if you are hungry or thirsty.

If you are anything like me, it will also make you cranky.

Or hangry, as the cool kids call it.

To fix this, try to have a meal an hour or two before you start to write. Stay away from heavy, carb-filled foods that can make you sleepy and unfocused.

Keep water, coffee, or the drink of your choice by your computer and a small snack.

Your Environment

One of my favorite places to work is a busy café; however, if I'm writing instead of editing a video or working on graphic design, I cannot use a café.

There is too much noise and activity going on for me to focus. The same can be true if the room is too hot or cold. I need a quiet space, free of distractions, that is cool but not cold to get any writing done.

To fix this, try out different environments!

Your desired location may be different from those around you, so choose what works best for you.

You Have Burn Out  

This is not the same as writer's block, but rather you are emotionally exhausted.

Writing takes a lot of emotional energy, and sometimes this can get all used up. It is important to gauge when you are tired of looking at the computer screen or seeing the world how your characters do versus getting writer's block from one of the other items on this list.

To fix this, step away from your manuscript!

Sometimes it is okay to take a few days off and then look at the piece with a fresh set of eyes like a job. You may even find something you never noticed before since this can also be helpful when editing a manuscript.

You Are Overwhelmed Mentally

Sometimes we are not mentally in the right place, which is okay. Despite my decades of writing experience, there are times when I want to write, but I just cannot.

Even if you do not struggle with a mental hangup, you can still have racing thoughts brought on by life's stresses.

To fix this, find someone that can help you unpack your mental and emotional struggles. You can seek out a therapist or a loved one.

Also consider changing up the way you plan out your novel. It may be that you are spending too much time in the structure phase, or you may find that you work better if you have the whole book mapped out.

Too Much Perfectionism

I used to have the worst time with perfectionism, but I have gotten increasingly better. This comes from trying to make your story completely perfect the first time. You write something, then delete it, write it again, delete it, repeat.

Keep writing and remind yourself that all stories start with a first draft to fix this. You write the manuscript and then edit it until it's finished.

Fear

This is closely related.

Those same thoughts occur but are geared towards the writing.

Stray thoughts like:

• Has this been done before?

• Is this good enough?

• Are these characters too perfect/not good enough?

• Should I even keep writing this story?

All the above bounce around your head until you decide you will shelf writing for the day.

Then it happens again. And again.

To fix this, you must keep writing.

You can get better at writing by enrolling in courses; you can find a way to structure your novel (such as using a character perspective chart or using a tension and time graph or getting help through a peer.

No matter what, you need to keep going. That is the primary cure for writer’s block!

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