How to Overcome Writer’s Block While You Sleep

I recently dreamt that Joe Bunting, fellow contributor Monica Clark, and I were trapped in a room together overnight. We had to write 100 blog posts by dawn… or, we died.

I know it sounds silly, but you know how dreams are. It was writing or death, people! I awoke in a sweat.

Here’s the kicker: Joe wore a mustard-colored matador costume the entire time, complete with the bedazzled knickers and little black hat. I paused occasionally from our brainstorming to persuade him to change into regular clothes, but he refused because it made him more creative.

The next day, I realized…

Dreams can be used to overcome writer’s block.

Writer's Block Is Normal

Nearly every writer has struggled with writer’s block, unable to will the right words to appear on the page.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a short story, a poem or a blog post, the trick to overcoming writer's block is to turn your brain off, and your fingers on.

Easier said that done.

Your Dreams Can Overcome Writer's Block

The next time your self-loathing grows because you cannot write, switch your focus and describe a dream instead.

Rewrite something you've already experienced in your mind's eye to help switch your creative energies.

If you cannot recall a specific dream, no worries, picture a dream for the future: envision all the people at the book signing of your bestseller, imagine what outfit you’ll wear at the Academy Awards to accept an Oscar for Best Screenplay, conjure up going to dinner with your favorite author (dead or alive).

3 Final Suggestions to Beat Writer's Block

Ready to beat writer's block? Here are three final tips:

Use sensory details (smell, taste, touch, sight and hearing) to make your dream come alive: Monica’s perfume drifted over our brainstorming session. It smelled exotic, like smoky jasmine mixed with citrus.
Include your emotions: I clenched my fists as Joe refused for the umpteenth time to change from his silly matador costume.
Stop trying so hard to write. Try to relax and have fun. Then, apply that same amusement to whatever work currently has you stumped.

Good luck and sweet dreams!

What's the strangest dream you've ever head? Let us know in the comments section.