Some writers say they never get writer’s block. Sure, you might get to a point where you’re rarely at a loss for words.

But almost all writers need to find ways to get rid of writer’s block. The struggle is real. It’s like the common cold for writers.

Some people catch a cold more often than other people. Just like some writers deal with writer’s block more often than other writers.

Image by René Dings via Flickr

Just because you haven’t had a cold since Beyoncé started having kids doesn’t make you better than anyone else.

And just because some writers have fewer bouts with writer’s block doesn’t automatically make them better writers.

Here are four ways to overcome writer’s block.

1. Deal with distractions.

Sometimes, nothing can stop you from writing faster than a sudden blast of loud music coming from another part of the house, or from a noisy neighbor if you live in an apartment building.

Other times, our own thoughts distract us, such as a mental to-do list, or problems we are dealing with.

The goal is to tell your distractions to turn down the volume. You’re probably used to doing this with family members. As for a noisy neighbor, you have a choice. You could politely ask the neighbor to turn their music down, if you’re comfortable doing so. If not, there are always earplugs.

As for your thoughts, try to schedule a time when you will tackle your to-do list or work on a certain problem. Then schedule some time to write either before or after working on an errand or a problem.

2. Take a break.

Binge-writing can be fun. I sometimes like losing track of time while writing. It feels like you’re getting a lot done. You feel productive. At least it’s more productive than binge-watching “Scandal,” right?

But after a while, you’re going to need to take a break. Sure, you can try to push through the block. But taking a break and getting away from your words to think about something else for 30 minutes or an hour can be all it takes to cure your latest bout of writers’ block.

Sometimes, you come back to your laptop, relieved that you don’t have a fraction of Olivia Pope’s issues and problems. And you’re refreshed, so you find it easier to continue a chapter for a book, or easier to develop an idea that’s part of your next magazine article or blog post.

3. Do your homework.

Guilty pleasure breaks are fun, but there are other times when you need a more productive break to get rid of writer’s block.

If you’re stuck on what to write about next, try reading what’s already been written about your topic.

For example, if you’re blogging or writing a magazine article about preparing quick and healthy meals, look around the Internet to see what other people have said about this topic. You can start by reading other people’s suggestions for quick, healthy meals. And give them credit if you choose to mention their ideas in your blog post or article.

But, you might also disagree with some statements and suggestions. If so, write about why you disagree and use your research or life experiences to support your statements.

4. Freewrite

Write (or type) whatever comes to mind, even if it’s literally the sentence “I don’t know what to write next.” Write about the topic you’re writing about. Write about what you’ve learned so far about the topic, or about your characters if you’re writing a novel. Freewriting can help you see your topic, plot, or characters in a new light. And that can inspire you to develop a new idea or story line, or help you realize that a certain idea or smaller story line isn’t working.

Now you have four ways to get rid of writer’s block. As you continue writing, you will probably discover your own tricks for beating writer’s block.

The most important thing to remember is that writer’s block happens to almost all writers. And knowing this can stop you from completely freaking out and instead, keep you focused on writing.

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Did this post inspire and help you? How do you beat writer’s block? Share your writing experiences and tips with other writers in the comments section.