How to Beat Writer's Block and Craft Killer Content

In my time creating content for our clients, I have spent far too many hours staring at blank screens. It’s an incredibly discouraging feeling, and sometimes you just wish the screen would put words on itself. After years of battling writer's block, I developed a 4-step system that would help me get my ideas flowing.

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Step 1:

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The first step is to remove distractions from your writing environment. If there is anything of importance that might come up during the time that you plan on writing, take care of it before you begin. This includes checking emails, eating a snack, taking the dog outside, making a phone call, or anything else that might take your mind off the subject. Writing in a distraction-free environment will help you keep focused on the task at hand.

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Step 2:

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The second step to beat writer’s block is to find your flow. Find something to put you into a state of focus and creativity. I like to listen to lofi hip hop instrumentals. Other ideas include classical music, ocean sounds, rain sounds, or a crackling fire pit. Ambient background noise will keep you in a productive rhythm while you write.

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Step 3:

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The third step in my process is when the first words get put on paper. I have found that one of the best ways to beat a blank screen is to jot down your main ideas on separate lines of the document. This will provide you with an outline of what you will be writing about. Once you have all of your main ideas on separate lines of the doc, begin filling them out and turning them into paragraphs.

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Step 4:

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Finally, just start writing. At times it may seem like you are struggling to put together a coherent train of thought, but the more words that you have in writing, the more content you have to work with. I find it easier to trim down and edit portions of my writing rather than building it from scratch. Get as many words as you can on your paper, and then slowly refine it until it is ready to go.

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Even though this system has been effective in guiding my writing process, there are times when I still can’t seem to get anything into writing. If this happens to you, I recommend stepping away from your computer and taking your mind off the subject for a few minutes. I personally like to get up and walk around outside for 15-20 minutes. This helps me reset my mind before returning to work so that I feel refreshed and ready to write.

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If you don’t think you have what it takes to overcome writer’s block on your own, we can help. Contact us any time.