Writer’s Block Isn’t An Enemy – It’s A Signal
Actually, look, nobody really knows what writer’s block is. Even science is still confused. It could mean anything. The reason is that people and their experiences are infinitely different. Maybe my writer’s block stems from the fact that I am hungover and yours is that Mercury is in retrograde.
While, yes, it could be a signal that you’re burnt, spent, or chemically imbalanced, it could also be that Nature, the Universe, People – it’s as much chaos as it is a system and not everything happens for a reason.
Beyond humans being basically electric water balloons filled with blood, when you add in the fact that creativity itself seems to come from the infinite source of energy and consciousness beyond space and time, well that adds complexity and mystery to the conversation.
This is why the objective isn’t just to “power through.” The real challenge is to listen, understand, and respond in a way that re-activates movement.
There’s a lot of one-size-fits-all and over-confident advice out there (a la ‘stay positive’) about writer’s block. I’ll be neither. Below is my wisest analysis and practical, effective techniques I’ve actually used and you can actually use too.
What Is Writer’s Block Though?
We’ve all had it. And when it happens we think of the Asimov’s and Balzac’s that were somehow performing at hyper-peak output everyday, then you think to yourself, ‘Well, fuck you anyway Balzac.’
At its core, writer’s block is the experience of being unable to write even when you want to, are supposed to, or need to. But labeling it as “block” oversimplifies what’s often a layered creative, emotional, and biological issue.
While it is mysterious, more often than not, it’s a signal. It might mean:
- You’re overwhelmed.
- You’re distracted.
- You’ve lost interest or connection to your topic.
- You lack clarity.
- You’re depressed.
- You haven’t done enough research or prep.
- You don’t know what you’re trying to say.
- You lack the craft tools or knowledge to channel your thoughts.
- You’re a perfectionist.
When it happens, it’s important first to take breath and observe the thing. Name it if you’d like. Give it form so you can poke at it. Sit with. Confront it. Stare right into its soulless gray eyes.
But this may never produce an answer about where this particular instance of writer’s block came from. That’s okay. The important thing is to make it familiar through indifferent acknowledgement and respect. Don’t let this be a stranger, especially because this will not be its last visit.
Practical Strategies to Reboot Your Writing
One thing that isn’t often discussed is the fact that writing isn’t simply an action or behavior. The craft of writing is its own universe. And guess what the universe is mostly? Nothingness. This means NOT writing is a big part of writing. We now understand that we live in a quantum world of duality where one thing can be two things at once.
Think of it like this: When someone goes to the gym their biology doesn’t evolve as they run or push or pull. The growth happens at rest. Growth requires space. And when our space is constantly filled with output in terms of not just writing, but thoughts, hopes, emotions, sound, things – all the stuff that fills up our life, there becomes less room for other things.
In a recent David Lynch documentary he talks about this concept that stuck with me: that art requires leisure time.
I think most creatives can relate with the quiet time we need to channel energy and ‘download’ or contemplate. It feels like those times when driving and catching yourself like, ‘oh shit, where was I for the last 3 minutes cause I was not here – don’t even remember looking at the road.’
My personal theory is that the more ‘normal’ you are (aka have kids, bills, jobs, laundry, make your own food, etc) the more your space is filled. Look, we only have so many creative and mental calories allocated by biology each day. And EVERYTHING costs calories. What I’m saying is that most of the time, writer’s block can be overcome by creating space. Creativity is fuel. But it needs a barrel to fill. An empty one. So, what I’ve found are some techniques that open up more space – the kind of space that says, ‘Hey you Creative Juice! Come on in here. I have cookies. Get in my barrel and let’s roll.’
Walk Like the Dickens
Dickens was famously an avid walker – to prove it you can read this long academic and historical analysis of his passion for walking. But, there are many other creatives for whom walking is a crucial part of their process. So go for a walk – like a real one – and perhaps try a path less trodden.
Invoke the Muse
I got this one from Steven Pressfield. I figure Homer did it so I should at least give it a shot. I twisted this original text into my own variation while keeping the fundamental nuts and bolts:
Invocation
O Divine Poesy,
Goddess-daughter of Zeus,
Sustain for me
This song of the various-minded man,
Who after he had plundered
The innermost citadel of hallowed Troy
Was made to stray grievously
About the coasts of men,
The sport of their customs good or bad,
While his heart
Through all the seafaring
Ached in an agony to redeem himself
And bring his company safe home.
Vain hope – for them!
For his fellows he strove in vain,
Their own witlessness cast them away;
The fools,
To destroy for meat
The oxen of the most exalted sun!
Wherefore the sun-god blotted out
The day of their return.
Make the tale live for us
In all its many bearings,
O Muse.
Chemicals
Coffee. Booze. Psilocybin. THC. Nicotine. For me, that’s the order of operations.
Ritual
Get one. Out on my balcony, I burn sage, palo santo, or copal on top of a bronze dish with a relief of Athena and Pegasus. I get out my notecards and pen and slug some coffee or water. I try to clear out resistance and vow to be a messenger of the Muse – yes I actually do this. Choose your own adventure.
Get Physical
Stretch – pigeon stretch or child’s pose is usually good for me. Do something that expands your body or unlocks blockages of energy – I know you’ve been sitting all day, don’t tell me you haven’t. Physical movement is one of the most natural and primitive actions we can take. It can really help detach yourself from your mind to give your mind some… ? Anyone?
You guessed it.
Space.
Copy
This might be the most appropriate one since it gets you writing. Pick a book, doesn’t matter which one. Pick a chapter. Also doesn’t matter which one. Get a writing utensil. Doesn’t matter which one. Get access to a piece of paper or any writable surface. Write by hand. Don’t overthink this – just do it.
Stop Being a Writer
Do literally anything else that forces you to not think of writing. If you must think of writing – go help another writer – online or the analog way – in person. Coaching has been one of the most soul enriching experiences I’ve ever had. Even if it’s just a comment in a Reddit thread or forum. If you really can’t bear any distance between you and your manuscript do some logistics like revisions or organizing your notes – they are a mess.
Do Nothing
Do literally nothing. Don’t even meditate – although meditation is a good fallback. Lay down. OR sit. Doesn’t matter where. And make no effort to make or stop thoughts. Make no effort at all. This one may be the most difficult, but remember, ‘Doing nothing often leads to the very best of something’ – Winnie the Pooh
Read
^
If All This Fails
While I think this is a pretty comprehensive list, every human is infinitely different. There may not be prescription here for you. Trust yourself. Trust that somewhere in you is the answer – but it may surprise you. It may be uncomfortable.
And, if you’re still struggling, stay with it. Let it hang. Keep inspecting it. But, know that nothing is WRONG! You might hate it, but it is normal, common, and temporary.
Stuck vs Lost vs Blocked
There’s a fine line between stuck and blocked and lost. As a writer it’s easy to jump into the drama deep end and hit bottom. But, maybe, just maybe it isn’t writer’s block at all. You’re stuck. Just a little flat tire. Or, maybe it’s your map. It’s easy to get lost in complexity. Consider that it may be one of these more benign diagnoses.
If so, 2 simple, straightforward, entertaining, and inspiring books have airlifted me out of the weeds:
- Zen in the Art of Writing – Ray Bradbury
- Do the Work – Steven Pressfield
Truths to Hold Onto
- You’re allowed to take breaks. Rest is part of the creative process and critical for growth.
- You don’t have to earn the right to write. You are a writer because you write – not because you publish or go viral.
- It’s normal to doubt yourself. Every writer feels it. You’re not alone.
- Progress counts, even when it’s invisible. Thinking, processing, gazing – it’s not writing but it is part of Writing.
- Breakthroughs often come after long stretches of fog.
You’re Not Broken. You’re Mutating.
Like a caterpillar in a cocoon. If you’re stuck in the middle of writer’s block right now, you’re not failing. You’re growing. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is sit with the discomfort long enough to understand it. Writing is hard. But not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s hard because it’s art. You’ve got this. Take a breath. Take a step. Then take another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is writer’s block, really?
Writer’s block is the experience of being unable to write even when you want or need to. It’s often a signal—not a problem in itself—pointing to emotional, mental, or creative challenges.
How do I know if I’m blocked, stuck, or just lost?
Feeling blocked often comes with frustration and pressure. Being stuck might just mean you need a small nudge. Feeling lost often means you need to zoom out and recheck your map, your direction, or your goals.
What are some effective ways to overcome writer’s block?
Try movement, rest, ritual, copying, or even doing nothing. Sometimes the best way to get unstuck is to create space or interrupt your mental loop with physical action or a new sensory input.
Is it okay to take a break when I feel blocked?
Absolutely. Taking a break is part of the writing process. Many creative breakthroughs happen during rest, silence, or moments of detachment from the work.
What if nothing works?
Every writer is different. If none of the usual approaches work, trust yourself to keep experimenting. There’s no right way—just your way. You’re not broken. You’re in progress.
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