30 day writing challenges to overcome writers’ block

Lacking inspiration? Being stuck in chapter 2? Catching your eyes wandering around while you try to focus on your computer screen?

I know that feeling! I’ve been there.

It probably means you’re trying to pour from an empty cup. Like you’ve exhausted all of your ideas and characters now fall flat on the page. Even plot twists seem all too obvious. 

In creative realms, it means writing with no more fuel in your creative tank. No more resources. And that happens to a lot of us when we forget to take care of said tank. I like to imagine it as a well or a small box nestled inside of me. As long as there is substance or material in it, I know I’m fine. And when I’m fine that usually translates to flow in writing. But when that container starts to dry out, two things happen: either I feel uninspired and I don’t show up to the page or I muscle to sit at the computer but nothing comes out of me.

Writing can be daunting at times and lonely. But it doesn’t have to be.

Great ideas are everywhere because opportunities are everywhere. It is a matter of looking, paying attention, staying present and doing our best to cultivate a sense of curiosity. When we make a conscious effort to remain open and receptive, we have already won more than half of the game. Techniques can be learned. And with nowadays technology, writing courses presenting the ‘how-to’ are within hand’s reach. What we need to focus on is how we grow as writers and how to take care of our main source of creative ideas.

For now, think about something you love and do it today. Even if that means playing around with your schedule. After you feel replenished, journal on your inner feelings. See what comes up and how those feelings translate to the page. Make sure you carve out some time everyday to take care of that writer in you.

As far as tips and inspiration to give your writing a fresh start, here’s how you can approach it. A daily writing habit can boost creativity, generate flow of words so you can complete that book, poem, screenplay or essay you’re currently working on.

Remember the power of habits and how, when solidified, they can reveal their own magic. Repetition creates mastery. Choose one practice from the list below and commit to use it for thirty days. The idea is to help you access word flow and practice writing daily to experience a sense of writing flow that will later cascade onto the page when you sit to write the story you feel called to write. Creative foundation is key and this is what we are looking here to build.

Here’re some of my favorite practices to overcome writing challenges:

Go on a creative walk

Be mindful of your footing while you keep all your senses open. Notice. Take inventory. What is put on display in front of your eyes? What kind of feelings or sensations are emerging on the inside? As a detective, we are here to track and register. At the end of the walk, write about your experience, mixing description and analysis.

List of words

Create a list of ten words that intrigue you or that you don’t usually use. Read them out loud and when you’re ready, start implementing them in sentences. See if you can write a couple of paragraphs that go well together, using the full list of words.

Tap into music

Listen to one of your favorite songs and listen to it three times in a row. To go deeper, keep your eyes closed. What is the mood of the song? What emotions does it carry? Write them down. Then write about the images that came to you while you were listening. What did you see? Was there a character or place that came to mind? Write until you feel you’ve put everything down. And when you think you’re done, write for another minute.

Writing prompts

Creative writing prompts are a great way to foster imagination and enter new realms. Because you’re detaching from the story you’re trying to write, the stakes are lower and your creative mind is allowed to play rather than “to work”. You can get some really good ones here: The Isolation Journals

Free flow writing

This is by far the most impressive practice I’ve tried. Especially if you take it seriously and do it on the daily. This is like giving your creative mind a room to be free. No expectations whatsoever. No beautiful words expected to show up. Nothing.

The concept is very simple: take a piece of paper and a pen. Set up a timer for 5 to 10 minutes. Then put down whatever comes to you until the time is up. Close the notebook. You’re done. Then repeat the next day. And the next day.

First lines

This practice uses books of your choice. Collect some of your favorites and go to the first page. Read out loud the very first line of that story. Let it wash over you. Then begin to write what would come next from your own imagination. What story is unfolding? You can also set a timer here.

Past and future selves

We can look to the future or we look to the past. Our choice. Find a version of you that is different from who you are at the moment (younger or older) and write a piece of advice you would give to that person. See what comes up, what you feel called to share. What are the insights?

Flow in writing is the result of a constant practice that needs to be nourished and cultivated. It starts with a decision to commit and play. To let words surprise and guide you rather than forcing them to come out. Writing challenges are an excellent way to instill that sense of commitment and experiment. The more we play with words, whether writing or reading them, the more the habit of writing is created. With strong writing habits, storytelling becomes an art and a science we can master.

Want support in working through your writing challenges? Book a free consultation to see how I can support you as a writers coach.

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