2 Strategies to Get Past Writer’s Block

There are 2 strategies for writers to get past the blank page:

• Strategy #1: Know What to Write.
• Strategy #2: Write Anyway.

1-Knowing What to Write Ahead of Time

Knowing and planning out, ahead of time, what I’m going to write gets me past writer’s block.

I like to sketch out the big beats of my idea—fiction, non-fiction. Sometimes, I’ll outline heavily. Other times, I’ll do just enough to get me going.

When I know what should be happening, particularly with complex plot, I write faster.

That doesn’t mean you have to restrict discovery writing. I used to be a determined pantser. Then, I saw the value of outlining—paving way for the hero’s journey.

2-F*ck the Reader—Write Free-form

Another strategy I’ve used in the past is to write free-form without regard of the reader.

Here, you don’t worry about getting it right, just write. There’s plenty of time for editing later. It’s been my experience that the freedom of knowing no one else will see my writing allows me write extensively.

What is the best strategy for getting past writer’s block?

Some of it will be trash, but I’m of often pleased to find I have unlocks some gems.