How To Beat Writer's Block - From The Expert's Themselves

Writer's block can be hard to describe because different people feel it in different ways. Some believe it's just an excuse for lack of productivity, and others have set routines to combat it. Whether it exists or not, we have all experienced the uncomfortable inability to write from time-to-time.

But have no fear, I have compiled a list of top tips off the experts themselves. Say goodbye to that seemingly impenetrable barrier and say hello to creativity.


1. Get writing

This sounds like an obvious one, but it's actually the root cause of why you're getting into a writing slump. When you stop writing, you start over thinking and then you are hitting the danger zone.
Nadia King, author and writer of short stories such as Disappointment, believes it could be down to fear. Fear that your writing isn't good enough: 'Don’t call yourself an aspiring writer or an emerging writer, call yourself a writer and be done with it.'

You heard Nadia, take away that word-blocking adjective and just get on with it.

2. Listen to your characters

If your writing suddenly hits a wall, the chances are that something is missing. Beverley Lee, debut author of The Making of Gabriel Davenport, said: "If I come to a grinding halt, it's usually because I'm pushing my characters in a direction that they do not wish to go.

I'll take a day or two to crawl inside the skin of the character I'm writing, delving about in their back story to find out what has made them how they are today. Because past events shape us and how we deal with life."

If you want people to feel like your story and your characters are real - you must first treat them as such yourself.

3. Stop pressurising yourself

It's important not to put yourself under pressure when writing. If you find yourself lost for words, there is usually a reason for it. Author of new release The Nemesis Charm, Daniel Ingram-Brown, believes one of the best ways to combat writer's block is to take some time out. Yes, it's fine to do that. He says: "If it's just a short term thing, such as writing fatigue, I like to go for a walk and take pictures. That gets my body moving and shifts my mind to different ways of looking at the world. It's still creative but it's not words based."

So, head to the gym, do some gardening or whatever you like doing to unwind. Take a step back, clear your mind and get back to work.

4. Use your instincts

James Fahy, author of fantasy novels such as Hell's Teeth, believes that if a particular scene is a chore to write, chances are it will be a chore to read. He said: "If I get stuck, I'll skip that scene and go on to another and come back to it later. If I am avoiding going back to it, it's a good indication it just needs cutting."

When you plan a story, or an article, you have a rough plan of how you want it to end up. But it's absolutely fine to deviate from the plan. Follow your instincts with your story, and write what comes naturally to you.

5. Follow your favourite writer's on social media

One thing I love about following my favourite authors/journalists on social media is that you get to witness a very small part of the writing process. Nothing is more inspiring than witnessing someone who is at a point where you want to be, and doing what you want to be doing. Okay so I'm not an expert - but I've learnt that I am a writer, my words and characters mean something and all I have to do is stop pressuring myself and follow my instincts.

If you're looking for inspiration yourself, head over to Instagram and Twitter and give these guys a follow. Trust me when I say it will be worth your time - happy writing!