Writer’s Block Is Real, But So Are My Deadlines—Here’s How I Manage Both
How I keep the words flowing while managing a full-time editorial career.
Writer’s block is inevitable when writing [and reading] is your job. As an editor, writer, and digital entrepreneur juggling deadlines, pitches, edits, and team meetings, I know the weight of staring at a blank screen while my to-do list grows. The irony, of course, is that writing is something I love—but when it becomes tied to productivity, creativity can sometimes feel elusive.
The truth is, I don’t overcome writer’s block as much as I work with it. Over the years, I’ve learned a few ways to navigate the resistance and get the words out, even on the hardest days.
Lower the Bar
I’ve stopped waiting for the perfect opening sentence to a piece. Instead, I give myself permission to write badly at first. A half-formed idea, a sentence I might scrap later—it doesn’t matter. The act of starting creates momentum, and before I know it, I’m in the flow.
Take the Pressure Off the Page
Some of my best ideas have come to me when I wasn’t sitting in front of my laptop working. When the words don’t come, I step away—play with my baby, fold laundry, or let my mind wander. I’m not necessarily writing, but I’m creating space for inspiration to find me, and it surprisingly usually does.
Break It Down
Big assignments [especially long-form interviews] can feel paralyzing, so I break them into small, manageable pieces. Write the headline. Draft the intro. Organize the main points. Completing one task at a time keeps me from feeling overwhelmed.
Trust My Rituals
One of my favorite things to do is to study the rituals of writers and creators that I admire. Reading about Maya Angelou’s rituals, in particular, inspired me to create my own. I have to have a cup of coffee and be surrounded by beauty, whether that means I’m in a cafe, bookstore, or hotel lobby. These environments tell my brain that it’s time to create, even when I don’t feel like it. Rituals have become my anchor on the hardest days.
Reconnect With My Why
When writing starts to feel like a chore, I remind myself of why I do this work. I was born a writer, and through writing, I have found connection, peace, and my voice. That reminder is often enough to get me [and keep me] going.
Let Myself Rest
On days when I really don’t have it, I give myself grace. Rest is a necessary part of any creative practice. I’ve learned that the words always come back, and forcing them never makes your writing better. Sometimes, stepping away is the most productive thing I can do.
Over the years, I’ve learned that writing is less about perfection and more about consistency. Write the way you speak, and become one with your words, and they will flow to you.