How To Beat Writer's Block

I don't like when advice gets too theoretical. I prefer to have my dessert first.

So we're going to skip the "writer's block doesn't exist" part. I'll write more about that later (because that's important, too).

For now, here is my six-step method for overcoming writer's block. If you'd prefer to watch the video, I will link that below.

1. Look around the room. Describe what you see out loud: There is a ballpoint pen and a Diet Coke.

2. Sing it - out loud. 🎶 There is a  ballpoint pen and a Diet Coke 🎶

3. Write it down on paper. I happened to use the aforementioned pen...

4. Now we go BACKWARDS. Mumble the syllables using the same melody. Do it at least a few times before moving on to the next step.

5. What words are grabbing your attention? Start to fill in the gaps with the words you like.

6. Here's the line I came up with: 🎵 There is a poor boy pinned in a overcoat 🎵

Huh. That's sort of evocative! Final draft? Probably not. Better than where I started, which was totally uninspired and with zero ideas? Sure is.

(I did this exercise in real time, by the way)

I like this practical approach for a few reasons.

1. You can do it anywhere, anytime. No book of writing prompts needed.

2. You can stop the exercise at any step and you've still ended up better than you started. You can have a single moment of creativity between meetings, errands, or on your lunch break.

It's important to note that writer's block is mostly just self-criticism rattling around in your brain. Your expectations are probably way too high. Now that you've accepted that, give this exercise a try. You may end up with solid 2/10 lyrics, which are way better than no lyrics at all.

The most prolific songwriters of all time have written their fair share of stinkers, and some of them ended up on a Beatles record. Don't be afraid to write your "Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da."