Shaking It Up: 2.5 Tips for Overcoming Writer's Block

2.5 tips for overcoming writer’s block and other forms of being stuck

Years ago, early in our marriage, David and I were on a road trip in May. Away from home, calendar, and regular routine, we completely forgot to call our mothers on Mother’s Day. When I remembered the next morning, I felt bad and also knew we’d both be facing grumpy mothers. We found a phone booth—remember those? If you’re under 40, see image. One of us got a brilliant inspiration at that point. We’d switch mothers. It was early enough in the marriage that both mothers were trying to cultivate good relationships with their new child-in-law. So David called my mother, identified himself as Esther, apologized for not calling yesterday, and wished her a happy Mother’s Day. I called his mother, identified myself as David, and did the same. It was so ridiculous, so goofy, so utterly unbelievable, that our mothers could do nothing but laugh.


Tip 1

And that’s what I’m suggesting here. Loosen up and do something goofy. Write nonsense. Recite or read aloud some nonsense verses. Do broad jumps across your office. This sort of thing often loosens the stuckness, unglues it, and allows you to get back in the creative flow.

Tip 2

Change of space. Yes, you read that right. Not change of pace but change of space. Switch offices with a friend who is also stuck. If you have a home office, you can still do this, either with someone who also has a home office or with someone who works in a formal office but has some flexibility.

Another goofy idea? Yes, and a remarkably effective one. Other places work, too. A coffee shop. A college library. A peaceful park. They can all shake you loose from that stuck place.

Tip 2.5

A nap. Possibly the most effective tactic of all. Why does it not qualify as tip # 3? Because you’ve heard it before. But it works. I’ve napped everywhere. In my car in the K-Mart parking lot. In a friend’s conference room while waiting for her to finish work. In my comfy chair, just putting my head back for “a minute.” I have found even 10 minutes of light sleep to be remarkably restorative.

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