10 Writer’s Block Mistakes That Keep You Stuck (And What to Do Instead!)
Writer’s block. It’s the monster under every writer’s bed, the invisible wall between you and your masterpiece.
One moment, you’re ready to create, the next, you’re staring at a blank page, wondering where all your ideas went.
But here’s the good news: every writer – yes, even the best – faces writer’s block. The even better news? There are ways to break through it!
Let’s look at 10 common mistakes people make when dealing with writer’s block—and, more importantly, the 10 proven strategies that can help you get back on track!
Top 10 Writer’s Block Mistakes
Let’s go through the top mistakes that many writers make during their creative process!
If you prefer to watch rather than read, check out my YouTube video on this topic below!
1. Mistake: Trying to Write It All At Once
Sitting down with the expectation of writing an entire book or script in one go is a recipe for stress.
The sheer size of the task can make it feel impossible before you even begin.
Instead: Start Small
Set a daily goal—like writing 300 words or just one paragraph.
Think of it like chipping away at a giant marble block. At first, progress seems slow, but soon, your story will take shape.
Did you know Andy Weir wrote The Martian one scene at a time? He focused on small, manageable chunks, and it turned into a best-selling novel.
You don’t have to finish everything today – just keep moving forward.
2. Mistake: Staying Glued to the Same Spot
Ever feel like the more you stare at your screen, the more your creativity dries up?
Sitting in the same spot, hoping inspiration will magically appear, often makes writer’s block worse instead of better.
Instead: Change Your Space
If your writing space feels like a creativity dead zone, switch it up. J.K. Rowling wrote Harry Potter in cafés because a change of scenery sparks new ideas.
Try:
Writing in a different room
Taking a walk
Working in a coffee shop or library
Moving to a park bench
Physical movement and fresh surroundings can do wonders for your creativity!
3. Mistake: Chasing Perfection
Ever find yourself rewriting the same sentence over and over, convinced it needs to be flawless?
Perfectionism can trap you in an endless cycle of revisions and prevent real progress.
Instead: Give Yourself Permission to Write Badly
If you obsess over making every sentence perfect, you’ll never finish anything. Margaret Atwood once said, “If I waited for perfection, I would never write a word.”
So, give yourself permission to write badly. The first draft is meant to be messy.
Write the worst dialogue possible.
Let your characters say ridiculous things.
Just get words on the page—you can always revise later!
Guillermo del Toro swears by this approach. Progress beats perfection.
4. Mistake: Writing Without a Plan
You sit down to write, but your mind is blank, and no clear direction emerges.
Without some kind of structure, you might feel lost and unsure of what should happen next in your story.
Instead: Add Structure
There are lots of ways to add structure to your storytelling (mind maps, using beat sheets or other specific storytelling structures, or even index cards on your kitchen table!), so find one that feels right to you, and use it religiously!
You could try to:
Outline your main story beats
Ask “What if?” questions (e.g., What if dragons returned after 1,000 years?)
Use writing prompts (e.g., What’s in the mysterious locked box?)
5. Mistake: Forcing Originality
Staring at a blank page, trying to create something completely original, is frustrating. But, the fear of being unoriginal can stop you from writing anything at all.
Instead: Find Inspiration
Here’s a secret: all stories borrow from others.
Jim Jarmusch said, “Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that fuels your imagination.”
Instead of pressuring yourself, rediscover what inspires you:
Rewatch your favorite movie
Reread a beloved book
Explore different genres
Quentin Tarantino watches movies when he’s stuck – why shouldn’t you?
6. Mistake: Sticking to One Approach
If your usual writing method isn’t working, trying harder won’t always fix it.
Trying to do the same thing over and over can simply reinforce the block.
Instead: Try a New Medium
If typing on a laptop isn’t working, don’t just stare harder at the screen. Shake things up!
Write by hand instead of typing
Use flashcards or mind maps
Sketch your characters or settings
Record voice memos of your ideas
James Cameron sketches his ideas before writing. Sometimes, changing the format is all you need.
7. Mistake: Keeping Everything to Yourself
Writers often isolate themselves, convinced they have to come up with each plot point and solve every problem alone.
Instead: Brainstorm Out Loud
Here’s the real secret: talking through ideas will help you find new solutions.
J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis had a writers’ group where they bounced ideas off each other. You can do the same!
Find a trusted friend, join a writing group, or even talk to yourself (yes, really!). Saying your ideas out loud forces you to clarify them.
These days, you can even use AI story generators to help you brainstorm ideas using AI – I’ve tried this and it can be surprisingly helpful!
8. Mistake: Writing in Silence
Total silence might seem like the best way to focus, but it can actually be stifling. A completely quiet environment can make your thoughts feel just as empty.
Instead: Create an Atmosphere
Music and ambient sounds can transport you into your story.
Try:
Soundtracks (Hans Zimmer, classical music, or lo-fi beats)
Ambient noise (rainstorms, forest sounds, coffee shop chatter)
Character playlists (music your character would listen to – this is my favorite thing to do for inspiration!)
The right soundscape can immerse you in your writing world.
9. Mistake: Keeping Characters at a Distance
If your characters feel like lifeless puppets, it may be because you’re not fully connecting with them. Treating them as distant figures instead of real personalities can make writing them a struggle.
Instead: Act It Out
If your characters feel flat, become them. Aaron Sorkin (writer of The Social Network) paces the room and speaks his dialogue out loud.
Try this:
Walk around as your character
Say their dialogue with different tones
Imagine them entering a room—what do they do first?
Step into their shoes to understand them better!
10. Mistake: Never Taking a Break
Burnout leads to frustration, not creativity. Forcing yourself to write when exhausted only makes things worse.
Instead: Rest and Recharge
Take a break! Agatha Christie got her best ideas while washing dishes.
Hilary Mantel said, “If you get stuck, get away from your desk.”
Try:
Going for a walk
Exercising or going to the gym (or a yoga class)
Listening to music
Taking a nap or shower
Your brain works on problems in the background. Step away, and ideas will often come when you least expect them.
Just Keep Going!
Every writer faces writer’s block. But the key isn’t avoiding it—it’s knowing how to push through.
Like Chuck Palahniuk said, “The problem with writer’s block isn’t that you can’t write – it’s that you can’t write well. So write poorly. And continue to write poorly until you can write better.”
Remember: the only way to fail is to stop writing. Keep going—you’ve got this!
