Writers Block

The dreaded blank space.

Let me introduce myself—my name is Catherine Poag. I published my first novel in 2021, and now here I am, four years later, being asked when the next one is coming out and I always say, soon.

Well, the real reason a second book hasn’t hit the shelves yet? Writer’s block. So, what did I do to solve it? I started writing a completely separate book.

In university, we used to get drunk, write our papers, then hope for the best. And honestly? Some of those 2 a.m. essays slapped. But when it comes to creative writing, it’s a little different. Wine-fueled inspiration might get you through a few pages, but it won’t carry a novel—and it certainly doesn’t fix writer’s block.

The definition of writer’s block is, “the condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing.” So basically, you just sit there, staring at a blank screen or notebook for hours, hoping the page will magically write itself.

So... how did I fix it?

I started a new book. I didn’t plan it, didn’t outline it, didn’t overthink it—I just started typing. And once the words started flowing, I then went back and created a plan.
Was this the most strategic or professional approach? Probably not. Did it work for me? Absolutely. Will it work for everyone? Who knows. But if you’re stuck, it’s definitely worth a try.

If you’re looking for actual strategies (beyond my wildly effective but admittedly chaotic “just start a random new book” method), here are a few things that have helped me and some other writer friends to break through the dreaded writer’s block.
Change your environment. Go write in a café or at the kitchen table instead of your usual desk, you need to feel as if it is a productive space.  Go out and people watch; observe the way someone stirs their coffee or tugs at a fraying scarf. Let your surroundings make your characters come to life. Sometimes you don’t need to force ideas; you just need to put yourself in the path of inspiration.

Try writing exercises or prompts with zero pressure attached. Set a timer for 10 minutes and free-write, even if it’s just you complaining about having writer’s block. The point is to get your fingers moving and your brain unstuck. Prompts can help you tap into unexpected ideas, and the short time frame makes it feel somewhat manageable.

Join a writing club or even just a small circle of fellow writers you trust and let other people give you feedback on where to go next. They’ll see possibilities or directions you haven’t considered. The fresh eyes looking at your work will suggest things that haven’t even crossed your mind. You’d be surprised how many plot holes or cool twists you uncover when you're just rambling about your book. I do know sharing your work is scary but sometimes it’s gives you the right boost to get over your writer’s block.

Make a playlist. One that fits your book or scene. Then let yourself daydream to it. And it will be great to have a playlist to share with your readers once your book comes out, it allows you to bring your characters to life.

Lower the bar! Give yourself a tiny word count. Not 1,000 words, just 50 words a day. Once you hit it, you’re done. But chances are you’ll keep going. Most of the time, getting started is the hardest part, and once you break into those first few lines, the rest just starts flowing.

Most importantly, take breaks!!! Go for a walk. Take a nap. Watch something silly. Off topic but my roommate and I found ourselves down a YouTube rabbit hole and ended up watching the Swedish Chef from the Muppets and it will absolutely get your mind off your writer’s block and give your brain a rest.

If your looking to try something completely new and maybe out of left field, start writing the end first, there is not a rule that says you have to start at the beginning, or write a random scene that you are like yesss this is what I want to happen in chapter 27. Write whatever you are super excited about in your book, fill in the rest later.
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At the end of the day, writer’s block sucks. There’s no sugar-coating it. But it’s not permanent, and it doesn’t mean you’ve lost your creativity. Sometimes the best thing you can do is take the pressure off, write something new, and remind yourself that it doesn’t have to be perfect. So, if you're stuck, try shaking things up. Start something weird. Write something terrible on purpose. Watch something silly. Whatever helps you find your way back to the page. You'll get there—I promise. And hey, maybe I will too.