How to Deal with Writer's Block
Consistency is the key to mastery;
consistency is the gatekeeper to greatness;
and consistency is fucking hard.
Eight years ago, when I first started writing, I remember how challenging it was in the beginning. It was terrifying to dive deep into my heart and tell raw, honest, and vulnerable stories.
But after a few months, things got easier.
My skills improved, my writing became stronger, and eventually, I found a rhythm that felt effortless. It was as if I was flying—there was this ecstatic, transcendent, almost magical sensation. Writing became a dance between God and me—spinning, laughing, and creating together in a blissful harmony.
It felt like I had unlocked a secret doorway to endless inspiration. And in my ignorance, I thought that feeling would never end.
But then one cold fall morning, I woke up, and God was gone.
The ecstasy I had been basking in for months vanished.
I panicked: I thought that God had packed up and left, that my creative high had been just a fleeting summer fling. Life felt so empty and muted, and I spiraled into a depression and even started to give up on my writing.
I was convinced that the magic was gone for good. That was really hard for me to process. But then, a few weeks later, God miraculously returned, and we danced together once more.
Over the next few years, I became part-scientist, part-adventurer—experimenting with anything and everything I could to keep that feeling alive consistently. I tried all kinds of methods, and many of my experiments failed miserably. Searching for ways to keep the inspiration flowing also left me burnt out and depleted.
But a few of these experiments led to powerful insights—lessons that helped me build a framework to continue dancing with God, even through the darkest, coldest winters of my soul.
Today, I want to share some of those lessons with you. They’re not complicated—in fact, they’re quite simple. But as I get older, I’ve realized that the most sacred, life-changing lessons are often hiding in plain sight, right under our noses.
Below the audio lesson, I’ve also included 14 ideas, tools and activities that help me stay consistent with my writing—even on the days when all I want to do is stay under the covers.
I hope you enjoy today’s Deep Dive class. As always, if you have any questions, I’m here to help.
How to Deal with Writer's Block
Click play to hear what’s alive in my heart on the topic of overcoming writer's block and maintaining creative momentum. My hope is to inspire you and equip you with the tools you need to keep your creative juices flowing, even on the toughest days.
In this audio lesson, I talk about:
Why staying consistent is key to achieving mastery and how to maintain your creative practice even when you’re feeling unmotivated.
The seasons of creative energy and how to adapt your approach to the ebb and flow of inspiration.
Actionable tips and techniques to break through creative barriers and overcome writer’s block.
Managing your creative sensitivity with the right awareness and tools so it can be a superpower.
Having healthy outlets and leaning on your community to help ground your creative energies and sustain your artistic journey.
14 Ways I Deal with Writer's Block
1. The One-Sentence Idea Notebook:
I keep a notebook where I jot down single-sentence ideas. No pressure—just one sentence, then I move on.
2. Many Notebooks, Zero Pressure:
I have five different notebooks of varying sizes, always open to a fresh page. I jot down ideas without any attachment to them. In other words, I write without the expectation of that writing becoming public.
3. Writing About Not Knowing What to Write:
Sometimes I just write about the feeling of not knowing what to write. It helps break through the block.
4. Letters to Myself and Others:
“Dear God…” — I write letters to God.
“Dear Heart…” — I write letters to my heart.
“Dear Future Me…” — I write to the future version of myself.
“Dear Younger Me…” — I write to my younger self.
5. Get Out of the Comfort Zone:
I make an effort to meet at least one new person in the 3D world.
6. Experiment with Genres:
I try writing in different forms—poetry, prose, affirmations, or even genres I’ve never explored before.
7. Watch Something That Moves Me:
I watch a movie or show that stirs my emotions. All emotions are welcome here.
8. Let It Out:
I allow myself to have a big cry when I need to.
9. Gratitude Practice:
I write down 3 things I’m grateful for, as often as I can.
10. Acknowledge What’s True:
I write 3 things that are undeniably true.
11. Pray:
Sometimes, I just pray.
12. Listen and Learn:
I listen to a podcast about art and artists for inspiration.
13. Read Poetry:
Poetry can unlock different perspectives and emotions.
14. Move My Body and Sweat:
Go to the gym.
Attend an ecstatic dance event.
Go for a run.
As I wrap this up, I just want to remind you that the tools I use for writer’s block can just be a starting point. I'm sure some of these will work for many of you, but I also encourage you to discover your own tools too.
The key here is to find your own personal path forward.
You may want to keep your own personal list of tools, ideas and activities that can help you when you're feeling stuck. Whenever you discover something new, add it to this list. It's intended to continually grow—just like you.
Also: if you try any of these tools (or come up with your own to combat writer’s block) and want to share your results, send me a message in Signal or comment on this post. I’d love to know how it’s going for you.
Please be gentle, be kind and be compassionate with yourself.
We are NOT here for short-term gain, we are here for long-term greatness.
Good luck artists!
Big love,
D
