We've all been there—staring at a blank page, the cursor blinking endlessly, or abandoning a once-exciting project because we've hit a wall. Getting stuck is part of the creative process, but it doesn't have to derail your writing journey, your sense of self, or your creativity.
and I had a great conversation today about how to overcome creative blocks, and why it matters. It’s not just about getting the work done, but about how you see yourself and how you honor your own creative process. As writers and writing coaches, we've both experienced these frustrating moments and developed techniques to move through them with more ease and less self-judgment."When we are in alignment, the words start coming, the stories start coming, and what makes you unique also flows out."
Darien Gee
The beauty of these 6 Micro Wins is that they’re small shifts that can make a big difference, helping you regain momentum in your writing practice. Each tip comes with a simple, actionable exercise you can try immediately.
Let's dive in!
Micro Win #1: Stay Curious (Darien)
If you're hitting the wall with your creative work, shift into a place of curiosity. What's happening with the manuscript or the work? What questions do you have (or does your work have for you)? Letting go of the process for one moment allows some fresh perspective to flow in.
Try This: Set the timer for five minutes and come up with a list that begins with "What if..." and see what shows up. It might be about form ("What if I wrote this as a list instead of a narrative?") or it might be about a character ("What if I made aunt Claire a composite of all the difficult aunts?").
Micro Win #2: Know Your Why (Stephanie)
Get to the roots of why you want to write in general and why you want to write a specific piece. This will help rekindle your enthusiasm and also clear up any confusion that might be keeping you stuck.
Try this: Freewrite for a few minutes about why you want to write this piece (or in general). Give it at least a full page, because the answer may surprise you.
Micro Win #3: Trust Your Creative Wisdom (Darien)
You know more than you realize, even about this writing "thing," this publishing "thing," this community "thing." Trust your lived experience that brought you to this moment. You've been reading and writing, and you know (and are getting to know) your own unique voice. Trust that you can find the answers you need.
Try This: Write down the top 3-5 writing projects that you are working on (could be a book or individual poems, whatever comes to mind). Look at them for a moment, then close your eyes and take a deep breath. Take another. Now ask yourself, "Which project do I want to work on right now? Which project feels important in this moment?" If the word "should" comes up, open your eyes and start again. It may feel scary but I invite you to lean into what YOU are telling yourself you WANT to do, not what you should do. Listen and trust your creative wisdom.
Micro Win #4: Manage Your Thinking (Stephanie)
The voice in your head telling you that you are not capable of writing (for whatever reason) is simply the primitive part of your brain trying to keep you safe. Hear the thoughts, acknowledge them, and then let them go.
Try this: Write a list of 3-5 neutral statements about yourself as a writer (such as "I know how to write words.") Practice saying them in response to those nagging thoughts when they come up.
Micro Win #5: Fast Draft It (Darien)
Sometimes in order to get out of your own way, you just gotta make a run for it. In other words, fast draft whatever it is you are trying to create. Fast drafting isn't just about working fast, it's about outrunning our inner critic and any second guessing. It's about getting the ideas or scenes down fast enough that you might see more possibilities with the work than you anticipated.
Try this: Set a timer for 30 minutes and clarify what you want to get done. Then... do it. Don't research or rewrite, don't delete or go backwards. With fast drafting, we only go forward. Don't stop until the timer goes off. If 30 minutes feels like too much, try 20. Push yourself to keep the pen moving or your hands on the keyboard, even if you're rewriting the same sentence over and over again. Don't stop to think—just write.
Bonus: Read more on fast drafting on Brevity here.
Micro Win #6: Make It Playful (Stephanie)
Find ways to make the process of writing playful for yourself. Taking the work too seriously, especially at the drafting stage, is a quick way to find yourself stuck. Find ways to enjoy the process, whether it's giving yourself rewards or drinking a special tea reserved for writing time.
Try this: Brainstorm a list of 3-5 playful things you can do to liven up your writing practice. Then give them each a try for a few sessions and see what sticks.
Finding Your Way Forward
What I love about these six strategies is how they complement each other. Sometimes curiosity leads to playfulness, or fast drafting helps you trust your creative wisdom. There's no right order or single solution—just gentle ways to reconnect with your writing when you feel disconnected.
Remember that feeling stuck isn't a reflection of your worth or talent as a writer. It's simply a signal that something is out of alignment. Perhaps you need more rest, more play, or just a different perspective.
As Stephanie mentioned during our session, "We don't have to earn grace for ourselves...we are writers if we're putting words on the page." Give yourself that grace today, and see what opens up.
What strategies do you use when you're feeling stuck? We'd love to hear what works for you in the comments.
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Recommended Reading:
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Still Writing by Dani Shapiro
Where the Past Begins: A Writer’s Memoir by Amy Tan
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