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What to Do When You Have Writer’s Block

Nadia Williams
Stephanie Chisley
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Salisbury chapter.

This is a taboo for writers and/or journalists, but I must say it: I get writer’s block.

I adore writing and I want to make a career out of it, but sometimes I get stumped. It happens to the best of us, but don’t throw in the towel just yet.

Here are some tips to help get your creative juices flowing:

1. Change your surroundings

  • Do you have a favorite writing spot? It’s probably time to get rid of it. Being exposed to the same things all the time can make you less reluctant to think of new ideas. Try writing in a new place: a different academic building, on a bench outside, or even at a new restaurant. Experiencing something new could totally shift your perspective.

2. Call a good friend

  • Calling your friend when going through a crisis (yes, writer’s block can feel like that sometimes) can not only help you relieve stress but also dissect your idea and get to the root of what you want to write about.

3. Even better, make a new friend

  • Have you ever head the saying along the lines of, “Learning about others helps you discover more about yourself,”? I believe that holds some truth, especially for a university student. Interacting with new people exposes you to parts of your personality you never imagined. Isn’t that what college’s for?

4. Indulge in other forms of art

  • Weren’t all the greats inspired by art? Michelangelo with King David, Toni Morrison with the Bible, Beyoncé with Bob Fosse? Have a jam session in your room, go to a museum, walk through a sunflower field, or even just read a magazine. Adding a bit of art into your life can spark a whirlwind of ideas.

5. Live your life

  • This sounds counterproductive, but put the pen down, close the laptop, and live your life. I always find things when I’m not looking for them, especially ideas. I’ve gotten ideas for articles while walking to class, cooking dinner or even washing dishes. I even got my idea for this article while cleaning my bathroom. The best ideas are the ones that come to you naturally. 

Happy writing!

Nadia Williams is a senior studying Political Science, Communications and French at Salisbury University. She enjoys writing about policy, media and culture. She hopes to use journalism as a tool to empower others to play an active role in their communities. 
Stephanie Chisley is an outgoing go-getter. Originally, Stephanie is from Oxon Hill, MD. She is currently a student at Salisbury University where she is studying Communication Arts with a track in journalism and public relations and a minor in Theater. While attending Salisbury University, Stephanie currently holds an executive board position as the secretary for Salisbury's Society of Professional Journalists . Stephanie plans on becoming an anchor for E! News or a writer, radio host, and announcer for BuzzFeed. In her free time, Stephanie is always on her phone scanning through social media, communicating with her friends, and finding new places to eat near her area.