Overcoming Writer’s Block
A Guide for New PhD Students
Welcome! Let’s talk about writer’s block, why it happens, and how to beat it.
What is Writer’s Block?
- A psychological barrier to writing
- Common among PhD students and academics
- Can strike at any stage of your writing
Show of hands: Who has experienced it?
Why Does Writer’s Block Happen?
- Fear of criticism or failure
- Perfectionism trap
- Unrealistic expectations
- Stressful or uncomfortable workspaces
- Worrying about supervisors or reviewers
- Feeling overwhelmed or bored
- Isolation
Remember: Writer’s block is normal!
The Psychology of Writer’s Block
- Negative thoughts and self-doubt
- Perfectionism and fear of judgment
- Everyone faces it—even experienced writers
Quick exercise: Write down a negative thought about your writing. Challenge its truth.
Strategies to Overcome Writer’s Block
- Preparation and Planning
- Routine and Habits
- Drafting Without Judgment
- Low-Hanging Fruit and Momentum
- Change Your Approach
- Community and Support
Preparation and Planning
- Make a clear outline before starting
- Break writing into manageable blocks
- Set realistic goals for each session
Routine and Habits
- Write every day, even if just 30 minutes
- Make writing a habit, not a special event
- Track your progress for motivation
Drafting Without Judgment
- Separate writing and editing phases
- Allow yourself to write imperfectly
- Try the “two sentence” method
Low-Hanging Fruit & Momentum
- Start with the easiest section
- Leave sentences unfinished for next time
- Build momentum with small wins
Change Your Approach
- Switch tools: handwriting, dictation, etc.
- Change your environment
- Explain your ideas to a friend
- Talk your ideas out loud before writing
Community and Support
- Write with peers or join writing groups
- Accountability and encouragement
- Regular feedback from supervisors
Maintaining Motivation & Wellbeing
- Take breaks and schedule downtime
- Celebrate small wins
- Reframe negative thoughts
- Writing is a process, not instant perfection
Interactive Activity
- Small group discussion
- Share one strategy you’ve used or want to try
- Volunteers share insights with the group
Key Takeaways
- Writer’s block is normal and surmountable
- Use practical strategies: planning, routine, community, self-compassion
- Seek support early and often
Questions & Discussion
Ask your questions!
Let’s talk about your experiences and solutions.
Further Support
- University writing workshops
- Peer support networks
- Online resources & writing communities
