6 Things to Do to Bust Out of Writer's Block
If there's one thing I’ve learned as a writer, it’s that inspiration doesn’t always show up when you need it. I’ve had moments where the words pour out like they’ve been waiting for me all along, and other times… Well, I’m sitting at my desk, staring at the screen, wondering if I’ve forgotten how to write altogether. When that happens, I could easily let the frustration take over. Instead, I’ve found my own little rituals to shake off the mental block and get back in the zone.
Some of them are odd (and yes, possibly concerning to my doctors), but they help me dive back into my creative flow. These aren’t your typical “drink water and go for a walk” solutions—these are my personal, sometimes chaotic, ways to bring the spark back when it feels lost. So, if you're stuck in a creative rut like I’ve been many times before, maybe one of these methods will work for you, too.
Blast the Music (Way Too Loud)
I’m talking eardrum-rattling loud. Honestly, my doctors should be concerned about the volume levels I expose myself to with my earbuds. There’s something about letting a song take over your entire mind that silences the clutter and clears your thought process. It forces me to stop overthinking and just feel the rhythm. Plus, the right beat can set the mood for whatever story I’m about to write. Whether it’s a lighthearted, upbeat track or a depressing ballad about unrequited love, the music always seems to unlock something in me.
Energizing with Caffeine (Zero Sugar Monster, If You Please)
When I hit a creative wall, caffeine becomes my best friend. There’s something almost ritualistic about cracking open a cold can of zero-sugar Monster. The moment I take that first sip, I can feel a rush of energy coursing through me, like a jolt of electricity sparking my brain back to life. It’s as if the sweet, fizzy flavor wakes up my senses and chases away the fog that often clouds my creativity.
Find Meaning in the Small Things
Ever notice how a broken pencil on the floor suddenly feels symbolic when you’re in need of inspiration? I start looking at the world around me as if everything is a piece of the puzzle. What story does that stranger’s chipped nail polish tell? Or the slightly wilted flower sticking out of a neighbor’s trash can—what did it represent in its prime, and what led it to this fate? Each seemingly insignificant detail holds the potential for a narrative waiting to unfold. Even the forgotten coffee cup left on a bench could remind me of someone’s busy morning or a rushed goodbye. Inspiration is everywhere—you just have to notice it.
People-Watching: My Favorite Pastime
I love watching people go about their lives and imagining the stories they’re living. It might sound strange, but sitting in a boba shop or the library and creating scenarios for strangers helps me break through the block. I ask myself who they are, where they’re going, what they’re thinking, and before I know it, I’m crafting characters out of real-life moments. Sure, they can get pretty silly from time to time but, the more elaborate the backstory, the better. It’s like writing without the pressure—just pure observation, creativity, and imagination.
Take a Walk Down Memory Lane (AKA Old Photos)
When I’m stuck, I flip through old photos. There’s something about revisiting past moments—whether joyful or painful—that brings out emotions I can translate into my writing. I relive the feelings behind each picture, and those memories often fuel new ideas. Even blurry concert pics or awkward high school selfies can bring back the essence of a moment I thought I’d forgotten, and that’s where the magic happens.
Nap It Out
Sometimes, the best thing to do is to stop trying. When the words just won’t come, I’ve learned to give myself permission to take a nap. Sleep has a way of clearing out the mental clutter, and more often than not, I wake up with fresh ideas or at least a renewed energy to tackle the project again. There’s truth in the old saying “sleep on it”—sometimes, your brain just needs a break to reset.
In the unpredictable journey of writing, overcoming creative blocks is part of the process. I’ve learned that when inspiration doesn’t come easily, it’s not a sign of failure but an invitation to explore different avenues of thought. Whether it’s cranking up the music, sipping on a fizzy drink, or finding stories in the everyday, these rituals remind me that creativity is not just about the end result; it’s about the exploration and discovery along the way. So, the next time you find yourself staring at a blank page, remember that inspiration can be reignited in the most unexpected ways. Embrace the chaos, lean into your unique methods, and let the spark of creativity guide you back to the words waiting to be written. After all, the beauty of being a writer lies not just in the stories we tell, but in the myriad of ways we find to tell them.
