You sit down, open your laptop, place your hands on the keyboard… and nothing. Your mind goes blank. The deadline is creeping closer, but the words just won’t come.
Welcome to the not-so-glamorous side of freelance writing: writer’s block.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been writing for ten days or ten years — everyone hits that wall. But as a freelancer, where deadlines and income are on the line, you need strategies to overcome it quickly and creatively.
Here’s how to deal with writer’s block like a pro — and keep the words (and money) flowing.
1. Identify the Root Cause
Not all writer’s block is the same. Before you fix it, you need to figure out why it’s happening. Ask yourself:
- Am I tired or burned out?
- Am I afraid of not doing a good job?
- Am I unclear on the topic or the client’s expectations?
- Am I simply distracted or overwhelmed?
Understanding the real issue helps you pick the right solution. Sometimes it’s about mindset. Other times, it’s about clarity or energy.
2. Create a “Messy First Draft” Rule
One major cause of writer’s block is perfectionism. You want the first sentence to be perfect. The intro to sparkle. The tone to match the client’s dream version.
Forget that.
Give yourself permission to write a bad first draft. Seriously — tell yourself:
“I’m just getting the idea out. I’ll fix it later.”
Often, the hardest part is getting started. Once the words are on the page, you’ll find your flow — and editing becomes easier than creating from scratch.
3. Use Outlines to Break the Blank Page
Staring at a blinking cursor can be paralyzing. So instead of writing full paragraphs right away, start with an outline:
- Headings and subheadings
- Bullet points for key ideas
- Notes or questions to answer later
An outline gives you a roadmap. You don’t need to write in order — skip around, fill in the easy parts first, then tackle the harder sections.
4. Change Your Environment
Sometimes your brain just needs a change of scenery.
Try:
- Moving to another room or a coffee shop
- Writing by hand instead of typing
- Switching from your usual tool (like Google Docs) to something simpler (like Notepad or a notebook)
A new physical space can spark new mental energy.
5. Set a Timer (and Lower the Pressure)
Instead of telling yourself, “I have to finish this whole article,” try:
“I’ll write for 15 minutes. That’s it.”
This is the Pomodoro Technique in action — work in focused sprints with short breaks. The time limit tricks your brain into action mode, and often, once you start, you keep going.
Bonus: Try writing without editing. Turn off spellcheck. Don’t reread. Just get it out.
6. Talk It Out (Yes, Out Loud)
If the words won’t come through your fingers, try saying them instead. Imagine you’re explaining the topic to a friend.
Use:
- A voice memo app
- A speech-to-text tool like Google Docs voice typing
- Talking it out to yourself in private
Speaking activates different parts of your brain — and you might uncover phrases or ideas that didn’t come through typing.
7. Take a Strategic Break
Sometimes the answer is not to push harder — it’s to step away. Go for a walk, stretch, shower, or do something unrelated to writing.
Your brain keeps working in the background. You might return with a fresh perspective or even a breakthrough idea.
Pro tip: Don’t scroll social media during this break — it usually clutters your mind more than it helps.
8. Revisit Past Wins
Writer’s block can feel like you’ve “lost your touch.” That’s rarely true — but your brain needs a reminder.
Revisit:
- A piece you’re proud of
- A testimonial from a happy client
- A goal you’ve already achieved
This boost in confidence can reignite your momentum.
9. Start a “Warm-Up” Routine
Just like athletes stretch before a workout, writers can warm up too.
Try:
- Freewriting for 5–10 minutes about anything
- Journaling how you’re feeling
- Writing an email or social post first, just to get the words flowing
These short, low-pressure exercises prep your brain to write what really matters.
Final Thoughts: Blocks Are Normal — but Not Permanent
Writer’s block doesn’t mean you’re not a real writer. It doesn’t mean you’re lazy, untalented, or doomed to fail.
It just means your brain needs a reset, a boost, or a different approach.
So next time it hits, don’t panic — pause, apply one (or a few) of these strategies, and get back to doing what you do best: writing your way through it.
You’ve got this.
Mauricio Dutra is a freelance writer focused on helping others start and grow their careers in writing. At Kallynx, he shares practical tips and insights for aspiring writers who want to work independently and succeed online.
