How to Deal Writer’s Block: Tips from Unemployed Professors
If you have writer’s block, you might feel like you have nothing to say. You might barely be able to get your fingers to move on the keyboard. All you can think about is the deadline and the clock ticking ever forward. What should you do in such situations?
- Just keep writing. Tape the delete key down if you have to (hey, that’s why God or Bill Gates or whoever invented spell check, right?). Just like time only goes forward, make yourself write. Write even if all you are writing is “Shit. Fuck. My deadline is in 4 hours and I haven’t got anything to say.” Brainstorm and brain dump anything and everything – you’ll be surprised at what you come up with, and once ideas are in text, they are much harder to throw away. Don’t let yourself delete anything, and don’t let yourself take your hands off the keyboard (or page).
- Another strategy is to write with two documents open. One is the one that will become your final product: your term paper, grant proposal, fan fiction, whatever. The other is your “text pasture.” Here is where you will put everything and anything you can think of, even if it makes no sense, even if it’s profanity or a grocery list or a profanity-laden grocery list.
- You can nip writer’s block in the bud by getting in the habit of writing every day. 750words.com is a great way to start this. If you make writing a part of your daily life, you can train yourself to write more easily, even when you’re “not feeling it.”
- Take a walk. Some of the greatest writers took walks. Some of the greatest scientists have found there is a connection between physical activity and creativity. Let yourself take a 10 or 15-minute break for a quick walk, then revisit your blank page. If you’re not into walking, try some yoga or even just stretching.
- If you are using a word processor, try the ‘Focus’ view. If you can’t Facebook or Google or whatever, you will get more done.
One of our friendly, tweed-wearing Unemployed Professors is happy to help you with your next writing project.
More Pro Tips for Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is the dreaded plague of students, academics, and professionals alike. You sit there, staring at the blank screen, your fingers frozen on the keyboard. Your brain is an empty void. The deadline is looming, and the only thoughts you have are:
“I have nothing to say.”
“This is going nowhere.”
“Why did I even take this class?”
Sound familiar? We’ve all been there. But don’t worry—there are strategies to break free from this mental gridlock and get words flowing again.
1. The “Just Keep Writing” Method
The best way to get words on the page? Just write.
Yes, even if what you’re writing is total garbage. Even if all you can type is:
“Shit. Fuck. My deadline is in 4 hours, and I haven’t got anything to say.”
That’s fine! Writing nonsense is still better than writing nothing. Once something is on the page, it’s easier to shape it into something useful.
Pro tip:
If you’re struggling, try literally taping the delete key down so you can’t backspace. Your goal isn’t perfection—it’s momentum.
2. Use the “Two-Document” Trick
Sometimes, the hardest part of writing is worrying that your words aren’t good enough. So take the pressure off by opening two documents:
📌 Document 1: This is where you’ll craft your final product—your term paper, research proposal, fan fiction masterpiece, or whatever you’re writing.
📌 Document 2 (“Text Pasture”): This is where anything goes. Random thoughts, stream-of-consciousness rants, bullet points, bad jokes, even profanity-laden grocery lists.
The beauty of this approach? You can brain dump freely without fear of “ruining” your main draft. Later, you can sift through and pull the best ideas into Document 1.
3. Build a Daily Writing Habit
One of the best ways to prevent writer’s block is to write every day, even when you don’t have an assignment due.
A great way to do this? 750words.com – a simple but effective site that encourages you to write 750 words daily. It doesn’t matter what you write, as long as you build the habit.
Think of it like going to the gym. The more often you write, the easier it becomes—even on days when you “don’t feel like it.”
4. Move Your Body, Move Your Mind
If you’re stuck, step away from the screen.
🚶 Take a walk. Many of history’s greatest writers—Hemingway, Dickens, even Nietzsche—were big on walking. There’s solid science behind this: physical activity boosts creativity.
🧘 Try stretching or yoga. Even a few minutes of movement can help reset your brain and spark fresh ideas.
The key? Stop trying to force ideas to come. Give your brain some breathing room, and inspiration will often hit when you least expect it.
5. Eliminate Digital Distractions
Let’s be real—sometimes, it’s not writer’s block. It’s just TikTok, Reddit, or Instagram sucking away your focus.
Try using a “Focus Mode” in your word processor to block out distractions. If self-discipline isn’t your strong suit, apps like:
- Freedom (blocks social media & websites)
- Cold Turkey Writer (turns your screen into a distraction-free writing zone)
- Forest (keeps you focused by growing a virtual tree while you work)
…can help keep you on track.
6. Break the Assignment Into Tiny Steps
A 10-page research paper feels impossible when all you see is a blank document. But what if you broke it into small, manageable steps?
✅ Step 1: Brainstorm for 5 minutes.
✅ Step 2: Write 3 bullet points for each section.
✅ Step 3: Flesh out one paragraph.
✅ Step 4: Rant in your “Text Pasture” document for 10 minutes.
By focusing on tiny wins, you’ll trick your brain into progressing without feeling overwhelmed.
7. Remember, You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Sometimes, you just need a second pair of eyes. If you’re stuck, send your rough draft to a friend, professor, or one of our tweed-wearing, caffeine-fueled Unemployed Professors for feedback, editing, or even full-on writing help.
Our team consists of former academics, grad students, and professional researchers who understand the struggle. We’ll help you turn that blank page into something brilliant—and make sure you hit that deadline.
Final Thoughts: The Blank Page is Temporary
Writer’s block feels like an impossible wall, but it’s not. It’s just temporary.
💡 Keep writing, even if it sucks.
💡 Use a “Text Pasture” document to dump ideas freely.
💡 Make writing a habit.
💡 Take a walk or move your body when you’re stuck.
💡 Block distractions and break tasks into small steps.
💡 And if all else fails—our team is here to help.
Writing is a skill, not magic. The more you train yourself to push through, the easier it becomes. So don’t wait—start writing now. 🚀