4 Writer’s Block Tips: How to Unlock Your Novel

Name any writer in the history of time and I can guarantee they’ve been through the agonizing woes of none other than…writer’s block. So, rest assured, if you’re experiencing writer’s block and just don’t know how to move forward in your novel, you are not the first. Fortunately, there are tips that will have you moving forward in your novel in no time.

Writer’s Block Tip #1: Ask “And Then…”

Sometimes our writer’s block has us asking, “Now what?” Instead of asking that, I want you to think, “And then…” This is one of my favorite activities to do on our writing retreats when our writers have hit a wall.

Here’s what I want you to do:

Setup a Blank Page Titled “And Then…”

Whether it’s a journal, Word Document, or wherever you prefer to write, create a blank page. Headline it with “And then…” This will be your page to jot ideas down.

Set a Timer

Set a timer for about 15 minutes. The timer should be long enough for you to be able to get some work done but short enough that you’re not overwhelmed with having too much time counting down. There should be a sense of urgency, but not enough to freak you out.

And Write!

Start your timer and write down any possible scenario that could happen next in your book. It doesn’t matter how plausible it is; if it enters your mind, write it down. Make each line a new idea and make a goal to not stop writing.

This idea is similar to writing sprints, but instead of upping your word count, you’re upping the amount of ideas you have to work with.

Here’s what your page should look like when your timer ends:

And Then…

• Max is attacked by aliens.
• Max and Louis get into a huge fight.
• A bear enters their camp and eats all their rations
• Max notices tracks and realizes she’s being followed.
• Max tries to make herself some tea from foraged wildflowers but ends up poisoning herself.
• And so on….

When you’re done, you’ll have lots of new ideas to work off of. Not all of them will be winners, but hopefully at least one will be. And if not, set that timer again!

Writer’s Block Tip #2: Go For a Walk

As cliche as it might sound, going for a walk is not only good for you physically, but also helps get ideas flowing. As you’re physically moving, your brain will start moving around ideas too. A study was even done that found that a simple walk is all you need to improve cognitive function and creativity.

So, if you’re stuck in a mental fog, get walking!

Writer’s Block Tip #3: Work on the Bones of Your Novel

Sometimes we just don’t have enough juice in our story to keep it flowing. Instead of working on your draft, work on an outline for your novel or flesh out your characters. By working on the bones of your novel, you’re paving the way to a completed product. Even if it isn’t upping your word count, this kind of novel work is just as valid. And most of the time, even more important than the story itself.

Writer’s Block Tip #4: Find Peace with Terrible Writing

Sometimes our writer’s block stems from simply fearing our writing isn’t good enough. If this is you, write anyway. At the end of the day, no one has to see you’re writing except for you. And you can always polish up bad writing. Writer’s block sucks, but what’s even worse is having nothing on the page.

When you’re stuck in a rut, it can feel disheartening to see your novel not go anywhere. These tips should help you break out of that rut and get moving through your work-in-progress. What are your tips for writer’s block?