Need ways to get out of a writing rut?

Have you ever felt you can’t find the right words to fill your page? Is there a writing task on your plate that has you stumped?

I’ve been there before; it’s never fun encountering full-on writer’s block.

After many years of writing and for many different purposes, I’ve found many ways to reframe the mind and help to inspire a few words to trickle out where none existed.

With perseverance and patience, a writing rut stands no chance against you.

1. Define Your Writing Purpose & Audience

It’s essential to define your writing purpose.

Are you writing copy for a monthly newsletter? Are you writing a letter to your mother? Content for a website page? A simple note?

I know it sounds simple, but take a step back if you find yourself stuck when writing. Think about the purpose for writing and who will be reading your copy (aka, your audience).

While thinking on the who, what, when, where and whys — you’ll come across a new way to talk about your subject.

Consider thinking about the following prompts while looking at what you’ve written, both as a whole piece, paragraph by paragraph, and even by singular sentence:

  • Does my reader understand what I’m trying to say?
  • Is my writing clear and concise?
  • Can I improve my writing in some way?
  • Am I missing a “who, what, where, when, or why” that applies to my writing?

When you take a second to put yourself in your audience’s shoes, I guarantee you’ll find additional inspiration. Words will eventually flow, I promise.

2. Take a Break as a Way to Get Out of a Writing Rut

It sounds contrary but taking a break from writing is sometimes the perfect remedy for a writing rut or writer’s block.

I occasionally find no inspiration for writing, and depending on the circumstance, I take a break to find the words later. If you have a few weeks to deliver your work, take a day or two break from writing and return to your piece when feeling refreshed and energized.

Even within a day, there’s often time to take a stab at writing in the morning, do something else distracting, and come back to your writing later in the day after you’ve thought on where you’re getting stuck.

3. Organize Your Writing Structure & Make Lists

If you feel burdened with your writing task, creating lists and organizing the structure of your piece can get you to greener pastures.

Full sentences need not apply here!

Start by documenting the title of your written work. Next, simply write out applicable headings or sub-headings. These headings will orient you towards the sentences to build paragraphs that will build out the bulk of your written content. Lists of ideas under each heading can come next that you can write out into complete sections.

Still feeling overwhelmed and uninspired? Writing your conclusion or closing paragraph first can be the key to giving passage for your written beginnings.

4. Enjoy a Coffee or Favorite Drink While Writing

I don’t advocate drinking alcoholic beverages or overindulging in coffee while writing, as this is a disastrous way to cause health issues for your body.

Instead, use a beverage like coffee as a tool when you need it most.

Words not coming? Use that moment to filter a hot brew and sip yourself to inspiration. I’m not a daily enjoyer of coffee, but when I’m feeling dull or unfocused, a double-shot espresso can push me towards success during a writing session.

5. Get Inspired by Other Writing

Sometimes, the only way to get out of a writing rut is to read and explore other authors’ work.

Pick up a favorite book and read a few chapters; this has worked for me a few times to guide me towards new ideas if I’m struggling. You can also search on Google to find example references that will lead you towards a better writing outcome.

Additionally, don’t forget to become re-inspired by your own work! If you’re writing content for a marketing newsletter, look at what you or others have written for that same newsletter in past years — and extract ideas that can be repurposed.

6. Keep Writing Daily to Get Out of a Writing Rut

Last but not least, keep writing daily.

Earlier, I suggested taking breaks to battle writer’s block, but I suggest only pursuing this strategy if you’re really feeling desperate. In a perfect world, it’s best to write daily to keep your mental sharpness and writing dexterity at their prime.

Please give it a go and pick up the pen, pencil or keyboard at least once daily.

Prove to yourself you will find a way and go to sleep knowing you at least tried. Writing daily will minimize missing a flash of writing genius.