The expression writer's block was coined and popularized by American psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler in the 1940s.
You are not alone, all writers struggle with it, from journalists to novelists.
Writer’s block is defined as a temporary failure to put words on paper. The blank screen or white expanse of paper can feel like a sucking void, writers can develop depression or stop writing altogether when writer's block hits hard. It can affect every writer, if only for a few minutes or even a day or two, but it becomes a real problem when the writer is not achieving targets and/or when they feel incapable of completing a piece of work.
Writer’s block is often caused by a lack of inspiration or being unsure of the path forward.
Sometimes it is brought on by disinterest in the subject, or stress, distraction.
Overcoming writer’s block can be a slow, subjective process that is dependant on each writer’s needs and individual motivation. But success is usually linked to overcoming self-doubt and finding inspiration. Here you will find some writing tips and tricks to get your creative juices flowing again.
Top Tips
Just keep typing - Hacking away at the keyboard seems pointless but it can be a help to see words appearing on the screen.
Run or exercise.
Change from the screen to paper or vice versa.
Ask for help.
Put aside the work and write something new.
Confer with other writers.
Go out with friends.
Read or listen to music.
Go to sites that specialise in character or story development.
Have a break and a coffee.
Change your writing environment, go to a coffee shop or a different room.
Remove distractions.
Clean or garden.
Write a letter or diary.
Take a shower or a long bath.
Ask unusual questions about your work. (What would my character do if he saw a ghost or if aliens landed?)
Anything you can do to clear up your mind and de-stress, eventually given the chance the creative juices will start flowing again and your writers block will be a distant memory.
Good luck.