Overcoming Writer’s Block

by Jennifer A. Miskov, Ph.D.

“When you get stuck on a sentence, paragraph, or the structure of the project, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you. If you keep hitting a wall in one area, set that portion down and begin to work on another chapter or section for some time.

Usually a short break from the problem area will refresh you and cause you to see it through a new lens. Taking walks, swimming, and doing other activities are good times to reflect, process your work, and prepare yourself to re-engage with it. While I was writing my Ph.D. thesis, I regularly went for walks in nature. This time of processing and reflection helped bring clarity, alignment, and synergy to my writing in ways that might not have come while I was sitting in front of a computer screen.

I share this so you realize that times of prayer, play, processing, and reflection are also important parts of the writing process.”

-Excerpt taken from Writing in the Glory: How to live from your heart to release a book that will impact the world

Usually a change in scenery will help to add perspective when returning to the project. I have also noticed that take a whole day or two completely off from the project and doing something fun or enjoying a Sabbaths break will also do wonders for fresh creativity, vision, and energy when diving back into the project.

*See also article by Jeff Goins entitled "How to Overcome Writer's Block: 14 Tricks that Work"  that might be helpful.