Proven Strategies for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Have you ever gotten stuck when you’re trying to work on a story? Sometimes you can’t think of anything. Sometimes you have so many ideas that you feel paralyzed with indecision. Writer’s block is a real problem, but like Cindy points out in the following video, it’s just a temporary one.

We hope you enjoy hearing strategies for avoiding writer’s block from some of our more productive students.

STRATEGIES FROM BENSON SHUM:

Take a break and come back to it in a day or two with fresh eyes.
Take a walk to get away from your screen.
Bounce ideas off your critique group.

Strategy from Bonnie Kelso:

Identify the source of your anxiety and make peace with it.

Strategy from Kristi Bartholomew:

Set the mood when you write with music, candles, or a scent.

Strategy from Celeste Turner:

Take a break by listening to picture book readings by some of your favorite authors on YouTube.

Strategies from Carole Meyer-Rieth:

Give yourself a chance to brainstorm or be inspired or interested by something.
Think about what makes you laugh.

Strategies from Ken Lamug:

Change your environment by going to the park or the library or even another room in your house.
Listen to new music. Sing along!
Rest. (And make sure you’re not feeling guilty about resting.)

Strategies from Cindy Ritsko:

Change your environment. She likes to climb trees.
Change your mind.
Join a critique group!

We hope this helps! Thanks for reading!

Myrna Foster

Myrna Foster writes and edits content for Storyteller Academy and the WriteRiders Newsletter for SCBWI Nevada. She has spent a lot of time teaching and coaching children, including five years as a preschool teacher. She's also worked as a journalist, and Highlights High Five has published six of her poems.

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