A common mantra in the writing world is some variation of, “Writer’s block doesn’t exist. The feeling is just a part of the process.” Okay, but is that really helping anyone? What are writers to do when they want to write, they sit down with their computers or notebooks, they look at their works in progress, and no words come? We’ve all been there, and the unhelpful mantra can leave a writer feeling lost and inadequate. So what are we to do? The key is to shift how you look at writer’s block and understand that it is not an isolated diagnosis with a known cure; it is a symptom with an underlying cause. Treating writers block as a symptom can make it seem much more tangible and manageable.

In my experience, writer’s block has three primary causes: a problem with the manuscript, a problem with the writer, a problem with the surroundings/workspace. Let’s dive into each of these individually and explore possible solutions for getting past them.

Writer’s Block Cause One: A Problem with the Manuscript

Problems with the manuscript can range from character motivation and consistency to plot points and structural cohesion. For writers, it can be hard to figure out if something is broken in a work in progress because we are so close to the characters and the story. After days, months, maybe even years, it’s all to easy to mentally box ourselves in to how we thought things were supposed to go and be blind to the alternate possibilities on the horizon.

The first book I tried to write failed because I got stuck and didn’t know how to fix it. I looked back at it recently and realized that about 50 pages before I gave up, I made a plot choice that threw the whole thing off the rails. And while you don’t have to wait 10 years to figure this out like I did, this example demonstrates the best way to figure out if something is broken in your manuscript: Step back and put some distance between yourself and your work in progress.

This may seem counter-intuitive, but it truly works. Take a few days and do something else: Clean your house; start another story; read a book. When you go back to your draft with fresh eyes, you’ll be better equipped to identify the problem. It may even be glaringly obvious and you’ll wonder how you missed it in the first place.

Writing groups can also help identify problems with your manuscript that might elude your eyes. Alpha readers who aren’t as close to the project as you are may be able to point out where specifically things aren’t working.

Writer’s Block Cause Two: A Problem with the Writer

Sometimes there are forces that dig into our psyches and interfere with our ability to put words on the page. Maybe you’re overtired, maybe you’re depressed, maybe there’s something going on in your life that’s distracting you from other tasks—a sick relative or pet, pressure from your day job, a lingering disagreement with your significant other. Maybe you have impostor syndrome—that “I’m not good enough, what am I doing?” feeling that writers of every level of success experience.

Once you figure out what’s out of place in your day-to-day life and take steps to resolve it, your writing will naturally fall back into place. Try living a healthier lifestyle by sleeping more, exercising, and eating better. If you’re feeling pressure from daily life stressors, try meditating, deep breathing, listening to relaxing music. If you think you’re depressed, please seek professional help. There’s absolutely no shame in it and it truly can help.

If impostor syndrome starts to creep into the corners of your mind, just remember that it’s something nearly all writers experience, even the published A-list ones. Sometimes reading a “bad” book can help boost your confidence and allow you to move forward. Say to yourself, “If this can get published, so can I.” And there are plenty of support systems out there like the writing community on Twitter, the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, and the Writers Chat Room, which also may be able to reignite your creative fire.

What I’m getting at here is that you need to take care of yourself before you stress out about your writing. As Stephen King said in On Writing, “Life isn’t a support system for art. It’s the other way around.”

Writer’s Block Cause Three: A Problem with the Surroundings/Workspace

Sometimes things just aren’t clicking and there’s seemingly no reason why. You feel good, your story feels right, the characters are consistent and emotionally resonant, but still, you just can’t put any more words on the page. In instances like these, a simple adjustment to your surroundings or routine is often the best medicine.

Do you typically write in a home office? Try moving to the kitchen table, or a library, or a cafe. Do you write with music in the background? Try silence, or nature sounds (YouTube is your friend here). Do you type on a laptop? Try a notebook and pen. Mix it up. Experiment. Some of the most exciting moments in my writing have happened when I’ve taken myself out of my comfort zone and tried something different.

The Power of Brainstorming

I plan on doing a separate post about this, but if all else fails and you can’t for the life of you figure out what to do, brainstorm!

Write down all of the questions you have about your story, all the possible choices your characters could make, all the consequences of those choices. Don’t stop. Don’t overthink. Keep the pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. You’ll be amazed how quickly answers and possibilities present themselves.

Last Words

Writing can be a lonely, challenging endeavor with many mental hurdles to overcome and it’s natural to get stuck at times. When you hit a snag in your draft and think you’re succumbing to writer’s block, remember that it’s a symptom with an underlying cause. Using the tools described in this article, you will hopefully be able to work past it and move forward with confidence.