5 Tips to Overcome Your Writer's Block

If you're stuck and staring at a blank page, don't worry: you're not alone. Even some of the best-selling novelists struggle when it comes to beginning a book. Writer's block typically hits once you sit down to start writing. Your brain just freezes and you end up staring at the blinking cursor. You really want to write, but you aren't quite sure where to begin. Don't let your frustration get the best of you. There are numerous methods to overcoming your mental barrier. Here are a few tips you can test out when you're trying to break through your writer's block:

1. Make a schedule and set deadlines.

Decide how many days a week you want to work on your book and for how long. Make sure you stick to your schedule. For some, finding someone to hold them accountable to their deadlines provides more motivation to start writing.

2. Find a place that gives you inspiration.

If you're having trouble getting started while sitting at your desk, maybe you need a change of scenery. Make an environment within your home that you enjoy writing in or you find a new place that gets your thoughts flowing. Just make sure you don't turn this into more procrastination.

3. Don't be too hard on yourself.

Most writers have trouble getting started because they think what they're going to write won't be good enough. Don't criticize yourself during your writing process, save it for when you begin editing. We're our own worst critics — what you may think is terrible someone else may find inspiring, helpful or passionate.

4. Remind yourself why you started writing in the first place.

Go back to the moment you decided you wanted to write a book. Think of how it felt when you had that revelation. Are you writing about your past experiences, love, or to help others? Whatever it may be, make sure you love what you're writing about. The more you enjoy it, the easier it will be to get started and the more engaged readers will be.

5. Get started.

No one said the first few paragraphs have to be the most remarkable sentences that you've ever written, so don't put pressure on yourself. Put your thoughts on a page as they come to you. You can always go back to edit later.

These are just a few suggestions to help you break through that mental barrier. Don't let it get the best of you, because most writers will experience the frustration of writer's block at some point or another while writing. Once you break through it, you may end up with a book better than you ever expected.

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