How to Beat Writer’s Block
The cursor blinks mockingly. The ideas? Nowhere to be found. Writer’s block is a universal experience, whether you’re drafting copy for your next big campaign or just trying to compose a coherent email. In fact, it’s so relatable, this isn’t even our first time talking about it. (And full disclosure: I had to overcome it myself while writing this blog.) Let’s dive into what writer’s block really is, why it happens, and, most importantly, how to overcome it so that your copywriting to-do list goes from daunting to done.
Understanding Writer’s Block
Before you can fix the problem, it helps to know where it’s coming from. Writer’s block can strike for many reasons. Sometimes, it’s perfectionism, where you want every sentence to shine but that pressure paralyzes progress. Other times, burnout can leave your creative energy running on fumes. Or maybe it’s a simple lack of inspiration that can make writing feel impossible. Acknowledging what’s blocking you is the first step toward breaking through. Now, let’s talk solutions.
Start From Somewhere… Anywhere
Chances are, whatever you may be writing isn’t the “First Thing Ever” for your brand. You may have months, years or even decades of written archives, research, notes and the like. So, start by putting some reference materials on the page, whether sentences you like or ideas you know you want to cover. Even if it means starting in the middle or even writing the whole thing backward, it’s progress.
Shake Up Your Routine
Moving to a new spot, such as a coffee shop, park, or even another room in your home or office, can provide a fresh perspective. Similarly, switching to a different medium, like trading your keyboard for pen and paper or dictating your thoughts aloud, can jolt your creativity. If your writing routine feels stagnant, experimenting with a new time of day might inspire surprising results, whether early morning or late at night. Think of these adjustments as a way to reframe your environment and spark new ideas.
Try Creative Exercises
When inspiration is nowhere in sight, it’s time to get playful. One great exercise is freewriting, where you set a timer for 10 minutes and write nonstop without worrying about grammar, spelling or coherence—just let the words flow. Word association can also help; choose a random word and jot down everything it brings to mind, letting your thoughts lead you to unexpected places. This technique is especially helpful when you’re trying to use wordplay or puns to enhance your writing.
Take the Pressure Off
Here’s a secret: your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, it shouldn’t be! Give yourself permission to write badly because a rough draft is still progress, and you can always edit later. Focus on setting small, achievable goals, like completing just one paragraph or page instead of aiming for a masterpiece. Shift your attention to the process of writing itself and celebrate the act of putting words on the page, rather than worrying about the end result. Once you get your ideas on paper, it will be much easier to come back with fresh eyes to refine. Or better yet, ask a trusted coworker to give it a once-over. It may be intimidating to show your in-progress work, but don’t be embarrassed; we’ve all been there. Even Hemmingway needed Gertrude Stein, after all.
Pro Tip: If you’re struggling with a word you want to replace or a sentence you want to reformat, highlight it and keep moving–don’t let finessing the details distract you from the big idea! You may come back to see that it actually works just fine as you wrote it or be more inspired on your next try.
Recharge and Refocus
Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to step back. If you’re feeling uninspired, taking a walk can do wonders for mental clarity. Looking to other content, such as reading a chapter from your favorite book, scrolling through some articles, chatting with a friend or listening to uplifting music—can also help reignite your creative spark. Getting away from the Word doc and into life for a while will bring fresh new perspectives.
Writer’s block may feel like an insurmountable wall, but it’s really just a speed bump on the creative journey. By shaking up your routine, trying new exercises, and taking the pressure off, you can get back to doing what you do best: putting words on the page. And hey, if all else fails, call us – because the ultimate antidote to writer’s block is delegation, delegation, delegation.