Writers have a certain reputation for finding any excuse to delay the actual process of writing.

“The noise from the neighbours is too distracting.” “It’s such a nice day outside, I couldn’t possibly spend it indoors.” “There’s a new funny video online that I simply must watch.”

The list could go on.

However, while it’s easy to mock such petty excuses, anyone who has ever tried to write will know that sometimes the words just won’t come.

While only a few people work as professional writers, writing is key for many jobs. According to a 2023 Statista survey, US professionals and business leaders spend an average of more than 19 hours a week on writing tasks.

So, whether you need to upload a blog post, send an important email, or write your latest company update, it’s important to have a backup plan for when the keyboard or pen is not on your side.

Read on to discover five tips for what to do when you simply can’t write.

1. Write out a plan

The idea that there’s nothing scarier than the blank page is a bit of a cliché, but like all clichés, it’s grounded in some truth.

If you’ve sat down to write and the words won’t come, the empty document in front of you can seem like a visual manifestation of the chasm between you and the task that needs completing.

A good way to get the ball rolling is to sketch out a plan. Just because you can’t write at a given moment doesn’t mean you can’t think.

Jot down the key points you want to cover and consider how you could order them to make your communication flow with clarity.

Once you have a plan for what you want to write, the words can come later and fill in the gaps, following the plan you built when they eluded you.

2. Research for inspiration

In many ways, writing is the process of communicating and distilling a wide range of research or experiences into a narrative that others can connect with.

So, if you’re struggling to put pen to paper, doing a bit more research might spark new ideas and help get your creativity flowing.

And you don’t have to limit your research to finding more data to support your argument. For example, you could also explore other similar texts to find inspiration for how you could start your piece. Or you could research seemingly unrelated topics that pique your interest and try to find hooks that connect back to your main idea in fresh and surprising ways.

3. Don’t worry about the first draft, just start writing

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best one. If you’re struggling to get started, forcing yourself to write – no matter how rough the first draft is – can help build momentum.

Every seasoned writer will tell you that the bulk of good writing is done in the edit, and the first draft is just about getting your ideas onto the page. Once you have something to work with, you can refine, reshape, and polish it into something you’re proud of.

You may also find that once you start, your writing muscles loosen up, and that after a few stilted paragraphs, you’re in full flow. Even if you don’t achieve this, there’s likely to be a few ideas or sentences that you’re pleased with that can inspire and drive your second attempt.

4. Change your surroundings

Creativity is a mysterious beast, and sometimes a small change in your surrounding environment can be all you need to unblock your writing.

This could include going to a café or finding a nice spot at an outdoor table. But it could also be as simple as moving rooms in your house, finding a new desk at the office, or shuffling the furniture around in your study to give you a different view.

5. Don’t be afraid to call it a day (if you have the time)

If you’ve tried everything else and the words still won’t come, it may be worth calling it a day and trying again tomorrow (unless you have a hard deadline approaching).

Many creative activities – such as learning an instrument, reciting lines, or writing – often benefit from a good night’s sleep. This is because when you are awake and attempting the creative pursuit, your brain is laying the foundations for the work. Then, when you’re asleep, it continues working on it while you rest. The next day, you may find you’ve come on leaps and bounds from where you were just a few hours ago, as your subconscious has done much of the work for you.

So, provided you have the time, if you’re really stuck, stepping away from the task at hand could be the best way forward.

Get in touch

If you’re having a hard time with any of your creative marketing work, we can help.

Email hi@theyardstickagency.co.uk or call 0115 8965 300 to learn more.