Writer’s Block: Wanting to Write But Having Nothing to Say
By Jacqueline Goldman, written February 2025
There’s nothing quite as frustrating as staring at a blank page, fingers hovering over the keyboard, mind utterly empty. You want to write. You sit down to do it. But somehow, nothing comes. Your brain, so full of thoughts just moments ago, has hit an inexplicable wall. It’s frustrating, disheartening, and, if you’re working on a deadline, downright stressful.
Here’s the thing—this happens to every writer. You’re not alone, and you’re certainly not any less of a writer because of it. Even the most seasoned authors, those who have written bestsellers or won literary awards, experience this exact struggle. So, what can you do?
Writer’s block isn’t just about being out of ideas. Sometimes, it’s having too many scattered thoughts that refuse to take shape. Other times, it’s feeling like every idea you have is uninspired or not worth writing about. The irony, of course, is that the best way to overcome writer’s block is to write about it.
That’s exactly what I do. When I feel stuck, I write about being stuck. And in doing so, I inevitably find my way out.
It sounds counterintuitive, but if you don’t know what to say, then say exactly that. Describe the frustration, the blinking cursor, the way your mind feels like a snow globe that refuses to settle. Sometimes, the act of acknowledging the block is enough to loosen its grip. Other times, it’s just the beginning of a longer battle, one that requires patience and a willingness to push forward despite the discomfort.
Next, set small, achievable goals. Instead of pressuring yourself to produce a masterpiece, commit to just writing a sentence. Then another. Give yourself permission to write terribly—because bad words on a page are still words, and they can always be revised later.
If you’re stuck, don’t start with your main project. Instead, try a creative warm up. Freewrite for five minutes about anything, use a writing prompt, or describe a mundane object in extreme detail. Engaging with words in a low-pressure way can help ease you into a more productive mindset. I often find myself writing short poems to begin. These exercises may seem trivial, but they act as mental stretches, preparing your brain for deeper creative work.
Another trick? Change your scenery. Step away from your desk, go for a walk, people watch at a café or switch to pen and paper. A shift in surroundings can do wonders for shaking loose new ideas.
Just this afternoon, when I did this, I found a little nook in the Humanities Department at my school. It looked like something straight out of Harry Potter’s world, and that alone was enough to inspire a new piece of writing. Inspiration often hides in unexpected places—you just have to give yourself the chance to find it.
Speaking of books, read something that inspires you. Sometimes, the best way to get words flowing is to consume good writing. Whether it’s poetry, essays, or even an old piece of your own that you’re proud of, seeing the rhythm of language on the page can help reignite your creative instincts. Reading reminds you why you love words in the first place and can rekindle that spark of motivation.
If writer’s block persists, try writing in a distraction-free environment. In today’s world, distractions are everywhere. Social media, emails, and the endless stream of notifications can make it difficult to focus. Use apps that block notifications, set a timer for focused writing, or go old school with a notebook and pen.
And if that doesn’t work? Step away. If the words refuse to come, let them be. Give yourself permission to do something completely different. Cook a meal, take a shower, doodle in a notebook. Sometimes, the best ideas arrive when you’re not searching for them.
I’ve found that movement often helps. A simple walk outside can do wonders, but if you want to shake things up, try a new form of exercise—I commit to spin classes twice a week and sometimes they’ll have unique and creative themes that get me energized, shaking loose whatever thoughts were stuck in my subconscious.
Another approach is to write from a different perspective. If you feel blocked writing in the first person, try the third. If you’re stuck in prose, switch to poetry. If words aren’t working at all, draw. Creativity is fluid, and sometimes, taking a detour helps you return with fresh eyes.
Think about your favorite writers; chances are, they’ve struggled with this, too. Read their interviews, their essays on writing. Many authors openly discuss their battles with writer’s block and their personal tricks to overcome it. Sometimes, just knowing that even the greats wrestle with the blank page can be comforting.
Try embracing the block instead of fighting it. What if, instead of seeing it as an obstacle, you viewed it as a sign that something inside you needs more time to develop? Not every moment has to be productive. Some of the best writing happens after periods of silence.
Alternatively, when you feel the pressure to create, try to start and explore things from a different point of view. You can avoid the trap of rationalization and instead, find yourself accidentally creating something of value.
Writing is an act of discovery. If you sit down expecting brilliance, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. Instead, treat it as an experiment. What happens if you write without thinking? Without worrying? What if you just let the words lead you?
Once you start, momentum takes over. One sentence leads to another. One thought sparks the next. And before you know it, you’re no longer stuck. You’re writing.
You can do anything for five minutes, right? Well, typing with writer’s block is an uncomfortable feeling—like putting in your eye contacts in the morning. But once you’ve fought through the awkward stage, you can finally see clearly.
Above all when you have writer’s block, be kind to yourself. Writing isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up. Some days will be harder than others, but if you keep putting words down, even when they feel clumsy or pointless, you’ll break through the block. And before you know it, you’ll be writing again.
Jacqueline Goldman (she/her) is an aspiring publishing professional and junior at Loyola University Maryland pursuing a degree in communication and media with a specialization in journalism and a minor in writing and business journalism. With experience as managing editor-in-chief for The Greyhound, nonfiction editor at Corridors Literary Magazine, and acquisitions editor at Apprentice House Press, she enjoys shaping compelling narratives and pushing the envelope.
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