Practical Strategies for Writers Seeking Inspiration and Momentum

There was a time when I thought writer’s block was a wall, something solid and immovable, standing between me and my words. I fought against it, sat there for hours, forcing myself to write, hoping something would crack open. But the more I pushed, the more it pushed back. The silence grew heavier, the frustration deeper. The words weren’t gone. They just weren’t coming.

Then, something shifted. I stopped treating writer’s block like an enemy. I stopped trying to defeat it. I started listening.

What If Writer’s Block Isn’t a Block at All?

For me, it almost always shows up when something feels off. Maybe I’m writing what I think I should be writing instead of what excites me. Maybe I’m stuck in my head, worried my words won’t be good enough. Or maybe I’m resisting something deeper, an emotion, a truth, an idea that scares me just a little bit.

It’s never really about the writing. It’s about what’s going on beneath the writing. Overcoming writer’s block isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about recognizing where the resistance comes from and allowing creativity to flow naturally. Creative inspiration isn’t something I chase; it’s something I allow.

(Read more about overcoming creative challenges on Amara Hartwood’s blog.)

How to Overcome Writer’s Block: Practical Steps

1. Stop Forcing and Start Allowing

If I sit there forcing the words, I just get more frustrated. Instead, I step back. I breathe. I remind myself that creative flow isn’t something I have to force into existence. It’s something I have to allow. Sometimes, the best thing I can do is walk away, let my mind rest, and come back when I feel lighter. Writing inspiration should feel like an invitation, not a battle.

(For more writing tips, visit Amara Hartwood’s Writing Journey.)

2. Identify the Root Cause of the Block

Is it fear? Perfectionism? Am I bored? Am I trying too hard to control the outcome? The moment I get honest with myself, the block starts to dissolve. Sometimes, I even write about being blocked. I let the frustration spill onto the page, and before I know it, I’m writing again. Often, I find that my writer’s block solutions are tied to self-doubt, the belief that what I have to say isn’t important enough or that my words won’t resonate. But the best writing happens when I stop trying to please and simply tell the truth.

3. Reconnect With Your Excitement

If I feel stuck, I shift my focus to something that actually excites me. A different scene. A new project. A freewrite with no pressure. If there’s no spark, I know I’m not aligned. And when I’m not aligned, writing feels like a chore instead of an adventure. I let myself explore freely without judgment. I ask; What do I genuinely want to say? Often, the words start flowing when I stop chasing perfection and start following writing motivation.

4. Shift Your Energy

Sometimes, the best way to get back into writing is to step away from it completely. A walk, music, movement, anything that lets me feel instead of think. The best ideas never come when I’m forcing them. They come when I’m open to receiving them. I also switch things up, writing in a different space, using a new notebook, or even writing by hand instead of typing. A simple change in my environment can shift my mindset and invite storytelling inspiration back in.

(Discover ways to enhance creative flow on Writer’s Digest in an article called How to Overcome Writer’s Block Like a Bestselling Author.)

The Truth That Changed Everything

Overcoming writer’s block isn’t a sign that I’m failing. It’s a sign that I need to check in with myself.

Am I trying to control instead of allowing? Am I holding back? Am I making writing harder than it needs to be? Am I putting too much pressure on myself to create something perfect instead of allowing myself to create anything? The moment I stop demanding brilliance and embrace the messy, imperfect, raw first drafts, the words always return.

Because here’s the truth: The words are never gone. They are always waiting. And when I stop chasing them, they return effortlessly, like they never left at all.

Final Thoughts on Overcoming Writer’s Block

If you’re facing writer’s block, be kind to yourself. It’s not proof that you’re not meant to write. It’s just a pause, a moment of recalibration, a chance to listen. Writing motivation isn’t about forcing creativity, it’s about reconnecting with why you write in the first place. The words will come. They always do.

If this resonated with you, sign up for my newsletter where I share more insights on writing inspiration, storytelling insights, and creative flow. Let’s navigate this journey together. (Read more reflections and insights on writing at Amara Hartwood’s blog.)