By Michele Chiappetta

We all face times when we feel like our draft isn’t moving forward. When that happens, we may call it writer’s block. But really, it’s more like our brain and body and our creative spirit are telling us to take notice of something.

If we pay attention to why the message is there, we can more easily address it and then move past our block. So, start with an assessment of what’s happening. Ask yourself some questions to determine the root cause of what you’re facing right now. It may be one of these culprits:

Culprit 1: Procrastination

Procrastination often arises from a mindset that tells us we can’t or shouldn’t get started on a task. The mindset may be hidden—we may not realize we’re even thinking that thing. In fact, procrastination can “protect” us from a mindset we don’t want to acknowledge. But naming it can make it less of a hindrance.

What to ask:

Am I procrastinating—putting off the opportunity to write? And if so, is procrastination something I deal with in many areas of life, or is it isolated to writing?

How to approach it:

If procrastination is a regular thing in lots of ways, then you may already know what your triggers are. And you may know some solutions that work in other areas that you could apply to writing too.

If the procrastination feels like it’s related strictly to your creative endeavors, you may have a mindset issue around creativity to address. Perhaps you feel guilty for taking time to write instead of taking care of other tasks. Or maybe you worry about money, and your writing doesn’t earn right now.

Simply noting the mindset can help you take steps to name it and find solutions. You deserve to make time for your creativity!

Culprit 2: Fear

Ah, fear… that old enemy of creative work. Fear can take on many forms, but at heart, it’s a message that we’re “not good enough” somehow, or that we have to hide to protect ourselves from being exposed as “not good enough.”

What to ask:

Am I hesitating to write because I’m feeling afraid? What am I actually afraid of? Failure? Judgment? Imperfection?

How to approach it:

Fear can be rooted in shame, and if that’s what you feel is at the root of your writer’s block, there are many resources you can use to find well-being in that area. It helps to disconnect shame (the fear that we’re bad) from mistakes (the reality that we’re not perfect, but that’s ok).

One tip that might help is to identify what’s the worst that can happen. What’s the worst that will come of writing something that’s imperfect? Well, someone may read and dislike it, but that’s not the end of the world.

Maybe you’ll read it and realize it’s not as good as it could be—but that’s a positive, because it means you’ve got the discernment to recognize where improvements are needed. That skill is needed to make your writing more on target. Kudos for being there, because lots of beginning writers don’t know what they don’t know yet.

Remember, you can always revise. So imperfection is a part of the process.

Culprit 3: Uncertainty

Writer’s block is often a sign that you don’t know where to go next with your story. And that’s understandable, isn’t it? If you’re not sure what comes next, of course you can’t write what you don’t know yet. It’s time to figure out what comes next.

What to ask:

Do I feel unsure of where the story goes from here? Am I unclear about my characters or plot? Does something feel off or unaligned in my story? Is what I’ve already written (or planned) not quite fitting with where my gut is telling me to go next?

How to approach it:

For a lack of clarity, the proper solution starts with slowing down and planning a little more. So, writer’s block is doing you a favor. It’s telling you that you’ve missed a clue somewhere that you need to slow down to notice.

Try journaling (or analyzing, if you like that word better). Your goal is to identify what’s feeling off. Maybe you’re trying to put a character into a situation that they’d never get stuck in, because that’s not who they are. Or maybe the plot feels too predictable. Maybe you’ve written yourself into a corner. Maybe do a little more plotting or outlining, even if rough, so you can feel more focused.

Another way to come at this? Jot down a brainstorm list of ways the story can move forward. I mean, as many ideas as you can possibly write down. Get ridiculous with them. After all, you don’t have to use them—but once you push yourself past the obvious choices into ones that are outlandish, you may find your creative juices stirring again. And a cool, unexpected solution may arise that gets you right back into drafting.

Culprit 4: Lack of Inspiration

Creativity comes from a blend of seeing the world around us as it actually is and as we’d like it to be. And we realize these things as we have time and space to think about them, right? So, writer’s block could be a signal that you’re feeling stale, tired, or depleted.

What to ask:

Am I feeling worn out, frustrated, lacking in energy? Am I tired? Have I taken time recently to eat something healthy and tasty? When’s the last time I had fun?

How to approach it:

If you’re saying yes to these questions, it’s okay to give yourself permission to step away from your draft and get refreshed. Fill up that creative well! Go someplace you haven’t been in a while, so you can see and experience new things—people watch at the mall, visit the museum and look at art, or take a refreshing walk outdoors.

Look for activities that give you lots of sensory input, or that allow you to feel like you’re on a mini-vacation. Both options can invigorate you and get you out of your rut. Physical movement, beautiful things, and fun all fill our creative well. Treat yourself!

And take a little time to read a great book, watch a fun movie, or go seek out other forms of art that bring you joy. Seeing what others have done creatively is a great way to reconnect with your own creativity.