Writing Fiction: 5 Tips to Overcome Page Fright

Do you find writing fiction challenging? I was chatting with a friend yesterday. She said she freezes up when she wants to write, even though she’s written two novels.

She’s desperate, and said: “I don’t know what’s happening to me. I don’t think I’m meant to be a writer… I just can’t write anymore.”

If this sounds like you, don’t despair.

When you’re writing fiction and can’t write

This syndrome has a name: “page fright”. It’s a form of writers’ block, and can happen to anyone, at any time.

I suggested things that have worked for me to overcome this.

You might try:

– Dictating a scene, or even an entire draft. Your brain may be OK talking, rather than keyboarding;

– Setting a timer for ten minutes, and writing quickly, without lifting your fingers from the keyboard—write any words which pop into your mind;

– Handwriting a scene. Pen and paper are casual. You’re not “writing”;

– Creating a mind map of what you want in a scene (characters, location, plot point). A mind map helps you to visualize the scene;

– Journaling… Journal about anything. Get some words onto the page. This may help to get to the root of your block.

Here’s the most vital point: write words. Any words.

Let’s look at the suggestions in more detail.

1. Talk: forget writing for the moment

Chat, and let your computer transcribe your words. Many phones come with transcription apps built-in. Both commercial and free apps are available too if you have specific requirements.

You may find that your block slowly dissolves, as you become interested and engrossed in your project.

Try this. Sit quietly for a few moments, with your transcription app ready. Close your eyes and imagine one of the characters from your novel. Imagine the character’s actions and thoughts… Without forcing, speak when you’re ready.

This little exercise may not work for you the first time if yours is a major block. However, persist. Try walking—sometimes a change of scene can work. The movement itself seems to help to “move” the block.

A friend grabs her phone as soon as she wakes, and chats into it for five minutes. She reports that this “talk first” regime removed her block within a week.

2. Use a timer for ten minutes: just write

Although I try to write as soon as I get to my desk in the morning, sometimes I have a project heavy on my mind, or I’m waiting for a message, so I check my email. Then I find it difficult to write fiction later in the day.

Here’s what works for me. I set my timer, and write—I write anything which pops into my mind, in my daily journal. (We’ll discuss journaling in a moment.)

A timer creates pressure, as well as releasing it. You have only ten or 20 minutes to write, so the words simply arrive. If something is on your mind that’s blocking your imagination, that appears on the page, and you can handle it.

Aim to make writing your default setting, rather than scrolling through social media, or catching up with a favorite series on Netflix. Your page fright will usually be fine with writing to a limit; try writing for five minutes.

Over the years, I’ve had periods in which I couldn’t write. Setting a timer when I want to write helps.

3. Grab a pen and some paper

Whenever you’re trying to be creative, pens and paper are your best friends.

From The Neuroscience Behind Writing: Handwriting vs. Typing—Who Wins the Battle?

Handwriting activates a broader network of brain regions involved in motor, sensory, and cognitive processing. Typing engages fewer neural circuits, resulting in more passive cognitive engagement.

Allow yourself time to think: make time.

Perhaps you were told to “stop daydreaming” in school. It appears that we have a bias against just sitting, and allowing our thoughts to wander. It can also be difficult to focus on something, and think deeply.

If possible, take a few minutes of thinking-time each day, even if it’s only for five minutes. (Set a timer.) Make a list of challenges about which you want to think. Alternatively, just sit, and allow your mind to drift.

As with the chat/ transcribe exercise above, you may not get results the first time you just sit. Repeat the exercise tomorrow, and the next day.

4. Draw a mind map

Mind maps are my favorite creativity tool, so I draw mind maps every day. I hand-draw the maps.

Each morning, I create a “Today” map, with everything I need to remember.

When I write fiction, I draw a quick mind map for each scene: the point of view character, and what he wants from the scene. Next, I think about other characters in the scene. What do they want? Who has a secret?

For continuity, I check mind maps I’ve drawn for earlier scenes, and add anything that’s vital to the current scene.

BTW—I keep a book journal for each novel. All my mind maps for the project are in the journal. That keeps me “in” the book so that I don’t lose track. Even if I can’t work on a novel for a few days, all my thoughts are in the journal.

And speaking of journals…

5. Journal: scribble away

Have you tried writing first thing in the morning? Although I try to do that, I don’t always succeed, but writing in my “general” journal first sets the tone of my day.

I use my journal throughout the day:

– Morning: general notes and doodles, to help me to think about what needs to be done.

– Midday: notes on errands, phone calls, blog posts…

– Evening: what I managed to complete, as well as notes I’ve scribbled on sticky notes and stuck on the cover of my journal.

Regarding journal sizes. I keep three; a large journal, with thick paper, an A5 size, and a smaller A6, which I keep on my desk, or in my bag.

Is writing fiction fun for you? (Avoid doom-scrolling)

Page fright tends to happen when you put too much pressure on yourself. Try to have fun. At my desk, I enjoy reading, doodling, drawing storyboards and creating junk journals.

One of my friends enjoys crochet, another takes goes to trips and takes hundreds of photos of possible locations for scenes.

Keep your fun activities active as much as possible. Avoid scrolling social media “for fun”.

Write on. 🙂

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