The Scribe Method The Best Way to Write and Publish Your Non-Fiction Book
How Do You Beat Writer's Block?
Ever sat down to write something, and nothing came up? If you haven’t, it probably means you don’t write much—or you have some magical power no other writer has.
Every writer, from first-time authors to seasoned professionals, faces writer’s block at some point. Even literary legends like Ralph Ellison and Harper Lee struggled with it so much that they never published a second book.
After working with thousands of authors, we’ve developed an approach to writer’s block that is different from most—and, if applied correctly, almost always works.
What Is Writer’s Block?
The term “writer’s block” was first coined in the 1950s by psychiatrist Edmund Bergler, who believed that writers unconsciously tried to solve their inner problems through writing. When they hit a block, it was due to underlying psychological issues.
While this might sound overly analytical, Bergler wasn’t entirely wrong. Most cases of writer’s block stem from deeper personal challenges. Understanding the root cause is the first step to overcoming it.
What Causes Writer’s Block?
Writer’s block usually stems from one of three main issues:
- Fear
Writers fear many things: being judged, writing a bad book, or looking foolish. This fear can paralyze you, making it impossible to put words on the page. The key is to acknowledge your fear and address it head-on.
- A Poor Plan
Uncertainty leads to hesitation. Many writers get stuck simply because they don’t have a clear structure or plan for what they want to write. Without direction, it’s easy to freeze up. Having a solid outline before you start can eliminate this problem.
- Lack of Genuine Interest
Sometimes, the issue isn’t fear or lack of direction—you simply don’t want to write what you’re trying to write. This is especially common with forced writing assignments. If you’re not invested in your topic, it’s hard to make progress.
The Best Strategy to Beat Writer’s Block
The single most effective strategy is to ask yourself:
“What am I afraid of?”
More often than not, fear is at the root of your writer’s block. If you can identify what’s holding you back, you can address it and move forward. However, this requires honesty with yourself—something that isn’t always easy.
If fear is stopping you from writing, check out our in-depth guide on common writing fears and how to overcome them: scribewriting.com/book-writing-fears.
Other Proven Strategies to Overcome Writer’s Block
If fear isn’t the problem, try these practical techniques:
- Talk It Out
Writer’s block exists, but speaker’s block doesn’t. If you’re stuck, have a friend interview you about your topic. Talking through your ideas can help you get unstuck.
- Take a Break
Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to break through a block. Go for a walk, play with your kids, or do something unrelated to writing. Giving your brain space to breathe can spark new ideas.
- Focus on One Reader
John Steinbeck advised writers to forget about a general audience and instead write for one specific person. Imagining a real or hypothetical reader makes writing more personal and less intimidating.
- Change Your Environment
Switching your writing space—whether it’s a coffee shop, a different room, or even outside—can help reset your mindset and boost creativity.
- Just Keep Writing
Even if you feel stuck, keep writing. Many writers find that simply pushing through—even if the writing feels bad at first—can help them regain momentum.
Overcome Writer’s Block and Start Writing Today
Writer’s block is common, but it doesn’t have to stop you. By identifying the root cause—whether it’s fear, lack of direction, or disinterest—you can apply the right strategy and get back to writing.
For a complete, step-by-step guide to overcoming writer’s block and writing a great book, check out The Scribe Method. You can read it for free online or order a hard copy today: