Overcoming Writer’s Block by Jan Powell

Overcoming Writer’s Block

by Jan Powell

“For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what is promised”

(Hebrews 10:36, ESV).

Writer’s block hits most of us, but we need not quit. Remembering we serve God with our words can help us find a way to press on.

The Lord has shown me some triggers that stalled my creativity and how to confront them. God directed me to solutions when I identified these blocks that derailed my work. Three common barriers include lack of rest, discipline, and ideas.

Rest may require more than lying down and closing your eyes. When anxious, reading the Bible for ten to fifteen minutes can help redirect your thoughts and bring calm. God’s word can generate peace to allow us to sleep.

Frequent insomnia often leads to problems with self-discipline.  In the morning, we often experience a mental fog that caffeine can’t clear and tempts us to return to the comfort of our pillows and blankets.

Distractions often interfere with my writing plans, and I make excuses like “I’ll take a nap first” or “I’ll write later when I feel inspired.”  However, the inspiration doesn’t always arrive on demand.

A lack of creative ideas presents a third barrier.  We can actively gather ideas and prepare ourselves to fill the looming emptiness. Jot down any ideas that come to mind, especially before the need arises.

Consider scenarios and personalities and continuously inquire, “What if…?” Brainstorming about events and actions sets up fresh ideas to store as inspiration for a future dry spell.

Maintain a “fight back” journal in your computer. If this battle recurs, open the document and ask the Lord for strength.

When we persevere, we move in the will of God. We refuse to give in to despair, but instead embrace the motto of “just do it.” So, sit down. Place your fingers on the keyboard or grip your pen. And start writing.

Dear Lord of endurance, help me overcome writer’s block. Keep my will in yours, my eyes on you, and my fingers obediently composing that I may receive all you have promised. Amen.

Jan Powell, a graduate of the University of South Florida, helps writers through Writing with You, offering editing, rewriting, and coaching for fiction and non-fiction. Published in The Wordsmith Journal and Splickety, she has written for Inkspirations since the beginning. Her in-depth editing includes poetry, devotionals, memoirs, fantasy, murder mysteries, thrillers, romantic suspense, and flash fiction. She has hosted Tampa Word Weavers for almost two decades and has served in its leadership.

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