As an author, one of the most frustrating experiences is facing a creativity block—a moment when the words just won’t flow and the ideas seem distant. Over the years, I’ve learned that creativity blocks are normal and don’t need to be paralyzing. They can also be an opportunity to go deeper and find new ways to light the spark for inspiration. This is how I approach a creativity block if it ever occurs.

1. Step Away from the Project

If I get stuck in my writing, my first action is to detach myself from my project. Yet, forcing myself to write when blocked usually results in frustration and uninspiring content. Whether it’s taking a break for a few hours or a few days, it gives my mind space to reset. I often spend this time on other creative activities, such as reading, watching movies, or even walking. I’ve found that just letting myself be exposed to different forms of storytelling or even just enjoying nature often sparks fresh ideas or new angles that I hadn’t thought of.

2. Embrace Freewriting

If stepping away doesn't do the trick, I fall back to freewriting. I open a blank page, set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes, and just start to let my thoughts spill out without worrying about grammar, structure, or coherence. Some days, I write about my frustrations with the block itself; some days, I write about random thoughts or ideas that have nothing to do with my project. Freewriting allows me to let go of the mental energy I have pent up and often reveals hidden thoughts or insights that have been buried under the block. It’s a way of allowing my creativity to flow freely without judgment.

3. Change the Environment

Surroundings do play a vital role in determining how much creative energy we can bring. Changing my writing environment sometimes helps me break through a block. If I’ve been sitting at my desk for hours, I’ll find a comfortable chair or go to a coffee shop with some ambient noise. Working outdoors in a park or a garden sometimes helps shift my perspective. A new atmosphere can stimulate a new sense of the dawn of ideas or motivation.

4. Set Small, Manageable Goals

Often, feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scope of a project causes us to block when we are trying to be creative. If I get stuck, I break my task into smaller, easier goals. Instead of writing an entire chapter, I write just one page or paragraph. Setting smaller goals takes away the pressure that I have to create something perfect or complete. This helps me to rebuild momentum, and once I’ve reached those smaller targets, I feel more confident in tackling larger sections of the project.

5. Reconnect with My “Why”

When I’m stuck in the block of creativity, I like to stop and think about what I am writing for. What story am I trying to tell? What makes this project important to me? The reasons behind my work make me revisit and reignite passion and the joy and purpose of writing. In some cases, all you need to do is think about how much you enjoy the process and what message you want to convey, and you will be able to get past the block.

6. Seek Feedback or Collaborate

When I have nothing to show, I turn to other writers or creative friends for feedback. Talking through my struggles and sharing ideas with someone else often spark a fresh perspective or new inspiration. In some cases, collaboration—be it brainstorming with someone or working on a project together—can help rekindle my creativity. Knowing that others suffer from the same problems is relieving, and feeling that you have a supportive community can give you practical advice and emotional support.

While creativity blocks may be inevitable, they don’t have to be insurmountable. Through patience, self-compassion, and the right strategies, I’ve been able to navigate them without losing my creative spark. If you are stuck, try these methods and see what works for you! After all, creativity is a journey, sometimes with detours, but always worth the ride.