Have you ever stared at the blank pages of your book or screenplay unable to proceed, no clue on what to write or where to start? You are not alone. Welcome to the world of writers.

“Unfortunately, many people suffer from BPS—Blank Page Syndrome. Let’s face it: starting to write is scary. Seeing the cursor blinking at you on that bright white screen, realizing that you now have to come up with three or ten or twenty pages of text all on your own—it’s enough to give anyone a major case of writer’s block!”—Stefanie Weisman

Writers block is a mental hang up that can impede your ability to write or create for days, weeks and sometimes when left unchecked, even months.

It is an overwhelming feeling of being stuck in the writing process without the ability to move forward and write anything new.

Overcoming writers block at the end of the day, is about conquering self-doubt, anxiety and fear.

5 WAYS TO OVERCOME WRITERS BLOCK

1. POMODORO TECHNIQUE

Research says people are most productive in 25-minute blocks. Pick a section to work on, set a 25 minute timer, write and don’t let yourself be interrupted or distracted by anything (toilet, coffee, social media, etc).

Do this until the 25 mins is up, then take a 5 minute break. Rinse and repeat 4 times, then take a longer break, like 15 – 30 mins.

2. WRITE SOMETHING ELSE

Sometimes it helps to take your mind off your current project and work on something else. Don’t worry — you will come back to it, but taking some time away to write something else can leave you feeling refreshed and inspired for your other work!

3. READ! READ!! READ!!!

Leisure reading for inspiration and as a distraction is a reliable way to thaw that writers block. It could either be your favorite author or someone new, but when you take in the words of another writer, at some point it challenges and motivates your own words to flow.

4. WATCH A MOVIE

Creativity breeds creativity. Most writers find that watching a really good short film sets their creatives juices flowing. It opens you up to fresh perspectives and new ways of thinking which in turn, will help you move forward with whatever you’re writing.

5. HAVE A GLASS OF WINE

Go to the spa, go take a long warm shower or play a video game. Either ways, the idea here is to just chill.

Relax, rest and be easy on yourself.

Habits that will NOT help you overcome writers block

And just for fun, here are some anti-solutions to this problem:

• Waiting to feel “inspired”
• Feeling sorry for yourself
• Procrastinating and putting it off
• Reading articles on how to overcome writers block

I know how this sounds, but the best way to overcome writers block by writing!

“The best advice I got was keep writing!” – Frank Ocean