NaNoWriMo is a big challenge with many hurdles to leap through—writer’s block is one of the most common. Staring at a blank screen while the clock ticks can be stressful, especially when the daily word count looms overhead. However, writer’s block doesn’t have to derail your progress. With the right tools and mindset, you can break through creative roadblocks and keep your novel moving.
Here’s how to manage writer’s block during NaNoWriMo and come out on top!
Lower the Stakes with Freewriting
When writer’s block strikes, perfectionism is often the culprit. Freewriting is a simple exercise that removes the pressure to write something “good.” Set a timer for 10 minutes and write anything that comes to mind—whether it’s about your story or not.
Why It Works: Freewriting clears mental clutter and helps you reconnect with your creativity. You might even stumble upon a new idea for your novel!
Skip Ahead to an Exciting Scene
If you’re stuck in the middle of a tricky chapter, skip ahead to a scene you’re excited to write. This keeps the momentum going and reminds you of the joy of storytelling.
Pro Tip: Use placeholders like “[insert description here]” or “[figure out later]” to keep moving instead of getting bogged down in details.
Take a Break to Reset
Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to move forward. Take a quick walk, do some yoga, or even tackle a household chore. Some physical activity or a change of scenery can help reset your mind and spark fresh ideas.
Quick Reset Ideas:
- A 10-minute walk around the block
- A mini dance party to your favorite playlist
- Breathing exercises or a short meditation session
Revisit Your Outline (or Make One)
If you’re feeling lost, revisit your outline for clarity. If you didn’t create one, now’s a great time to sketch a rough roadmap. Even a simple list of the next three events in your story can provide direction and reignite your enthusiasm.
No Outline? No Problem: Start with these prompts:
- What’s the worst thing that could happen to my protagonist right now?
- What does my antagonist want, and how will they try to get it?
- What secret is my protagonist hiding, and how might it come out?
Talk It Out
Explaining your story to someone else—or even to yourself—can help you identify what’s causing the block. Call a trusted friend, join a NaNoWriMo writing group, or record yourself discussing the problem.
Why It Helps: Verbalizing your thoughts forces you to articulate your ideas clearly and may reveal new solutions.
Switch Perspectives
If your current scene feels flat, try rewriting it from a different character’s point of view. This exercise can add depth to your story and uncover new subplots or emotional layers.
Bonus Benefit: You’ll better understand your supporting characters, making them more dynamic and engaging.
Use Writing Prompts
A good prompt can help you bypass the block and jumpstart your creativity. To shake things up in your story, try incorporating a random twist, like a surprise visitor or a sudden storm.
Prompt Ideas:
- “What would happen if my protagonist’s deepest fear came true right now?”
- “Someone delivers an urgent message that changes everything.”
- “A new character arrives, bringing both chaos and opportunity.”
Accept Imperfection
Remember, NaNoWriMo is about progress, not perfection. Writer’s block often stems from self-doubt or the fear of writing poorly. Allow yourself to write messy first drafts—you can always revise later.
Mantra to Remember: “You can’t edit a blank page, but you can improve a rough one.”
Create a Writing Ritual
Establishing a consistent pre-writing ritual can help signal your brain that it’s time to write. Light a candle, play a specific song, or spend five minutes journaling before diving in. Over time, this ritual becomes a powerful tool to overcome blocks.
Celebrate Small Wins
Even if you only manage a few sentences, that’s progress! Celebrate every word you add to your story and remind yourself that every small step moves you closer to your goal.
Quick Motivation Tip: Track your daily word count and reward yourself for hitting milestones, no matter how small.
Final Thoughts
Writer’s block is part of the creative process, but it doesn’t have to derail your NaNoWriMo journey. By embracing flexibility, trying new techniques, and remembering that the goal is progress, not perfection, you can power through the challenging moments and keep your story alive.
When in doubt, remind yourself why you started this challenge—your story matters, and the world deserves to hear it. Keep writing!
Elizabeth Yuen 