You don’t have to be a writer to have experienced the brain-numbing, progress-dampening, inspiration-killing phenomenon that is “writer’s block.”

Whether writing an email, a thank you note or a novel, this blockage works a little like brain-freeze. Only putting your tongue on the roof of your mouth doesn’t help this time. 

But the misconception is that writer’s block stems from a lack of inspiration. In my experience, it actually is created by one particular roadblock: anxiety. Because after all, if we don’t write, we can’t fail.

But just like drivers ignore yield signs – and most stop signs for that matters – writers must also ignore anxiety. Or let it fuel them.

Writer’s block can be beaten. Here’s a few tried-and-true methods to do just that:

• Go for a walk. Fresh air does the body and mind good.
• Turn on some music. “Classical for Studying” is my favorite Pandora station.
• Do something else creative: read, paint, craft, work on another project.
• Keep a slinky at your desk. If Johnny Depp does it, so should you,

• Change your environment up… If you are at home, go to a coffee shop.
• Do twenty jumping jacks – get your blood flowing!
• Reread your story’s pitch. Get inspired again.
• TURN OFF YOUR PHONE AND CLOSE EMAIL & SOCIAL MEDIA.
• Give yourself a break. The world will not end of you set your novel aside for an hour or two.
• Do not take it out on your computer. That is an expensive mistake.

• Take a shower. I get all my best ideas in the shower.
• Call a friend or family member. Talk through your plot with them.
• Play around on Pinterest, but set a timer! Otherwise, you’ll look up and two hours will have passed.
• Have a glass of your favorite alcoholic beverage. Take the edge off… There’s a reason so many writers are drinkers.
• Get a good night’s sleep.
• Stop writing when you know what is coming next.

So what are some of your favorite writer’s block beaters? Let me know in the comments below!

Ready… Set… Write!