7 Writing Blocks That Keep You Stuck — and How To Blast Past Them

Ah, writing. Whether you’re a professional writer or dream of being a writer — one thing is for sure. Writing ain’t easy. If you’re a creative, activist, entrepreneur or small business owner, copywriting (writing to inspire awareness, sales or some form of action) has become mission critical.

But the sheer amount of copywriting the average creative has to produce — from crafting emails, newsletters, blog posts, social media updates, video scripts, press releases, proposals, website copy, etc. — is staggering and ever-growing. It’s understandable why many of us feel overwhelmed.

I get it. I’ve been writing for my business for nearly two decades. The frequency and volume of what’s needed has exploded. Currently, I’m also writing my next book, Everything is Figureoutable, so I triple feel it! But I wondered…

Do other creatives find writing copy for their business challenging? If so, what specifically do people struggle with the most? We sent a survey to find out. With over 16,000 responses, the feedback was fascinating.

Turns out, the vast majority of us struggle with the same seven writing blocks.

Though we’ve already aired many MarieTV episodes about writing, I wanted to curate the very best strategies and techniques to specifically address these seven blocks.

I have a lot more to share on this topic than I can effectively teach in a single blog post. Visit TheCopyCure.com to learn more.

In the meantime, let’s tackle those seven common writing blocks.

Writer’s Block #1: “It’s all been said before.”

Have you ever looked around your industry and thought, “I have nothing interesting to say that hasn’t already been said”?

I feel you. While you might be tempted to call it quits when someone bigger or “better” writes about an idea you also have, PLEASE don’t let this derail you. Instead, watch this: It’s All Been Done Before: What To Do When You’re Feeling Unoriginal.

In this episode I tell a simple but powerful story about how ignoring my man’s advice led to a total aha moment about originality. You’ll also learn why the world really does need that special gift that only you have.

If you don’t want to listen to me, listen to Pulitzer Prize-winner Anna Quindlen:

“Every story has already been told. Once you’ve read Anna Karenina, Bleak House, The Sound and the Fury, To Kill a Mockingbird and A Wrinkle in Time, you understand that there is really no reason to ever write another novel. Except that each writer brings to the table, if she will let herself, something that no one else in the history of time has ever had.”

― Anna Quindlen

Writer’s Block #2: “What if no one wants to buy what I’m selling?”

There’s nothing more frustrating in business than spending hours writing and rewriting a sales message, only to click “send” and hear crickets. You want to grow a loyal, committed, engaged following — not waste your time talking to an empty theater.

The problem may be caused by your perspective. Thankfully, the fix is fairly easy and won’t just improve your writing but every other aspect of your business, too.

If you struggle to convince people to buy what you’re selling, here’s a 2-step method to help.

Watch the episode: Why No One Wants To Pay For Your Knowledge And How To Change That.

Writer’s Block #3: “It takes me foorrrever to write anything.”

Do you feel like it takes you way too long to write? 30 minutes to answer a simple email? Days to write a blog post?

You’re not alone. Feeling like you’re the slowest writer on the planet is one of the most common blocks that people reported. Almost everyone I know who creates content on a regular basis wants to be more efficient with their time, while still continuing to produce high-quality content.

If writing your newsletter, blog post or finishing your book seems to take way longer than it should, you’re going to love this episode. You’ll learn eight, no-fail secrets to better, quicker content creation.

Watch it here: How To Write Fast: 8 Secrets To Better, Quicker Content Creation

Writer’s Block #4: “I’ll lose business if I spend all day writing.”

When you’re running a business, it can feel impossible to find the time to finish a big writing project, even when you know that the finished product would give you a boost in credibility and the chance to serve significantly more people.

You CAN do it. I promise. In this episode you’ll learn three strategies to help you finish that big writing project once and for all. Spoiler Alert: Strategies #1 and #3 are exactly how I finished my first book (years ago!) while running a successful coaching practice and teaching five dance classes a week.

Watch it here: How To Write A Book When You’re Too Busy Making Money

Writer’s Block #5: “Everything I write is shit. I should just give up.”

I’ve had many days where I’ve questioned my capabilities. In fact, just a few months ago I was in the thick of writing despair…until a chance encounter with a stranger changed everything.

In this episode I share two important things you need to remember if you ever feel terrified of the blank page or get lost in a sinkhole of self doubt. You’ll learn why it’s absolutely critical that you keep writing anyway.

Watch it here: Next Time Self-Doubt Has You In A Death Grip, Remember This.

Writer’s Block #6: “Nothing about me or what I do is unique.”

Raise your hand if, when you first started out, it felt like everyone and their mother was doing what you wanted to do and you started to think…

“Damn! Is EVERYONE a life coach / wedding photographer / blogger, etc.? How the heck am I going to stand out amongst all this competition?”

While these thoughts are inevitable, your response to them doesn’t have to be. That’s why I use a method called “The Four P’s”. If you incorporate these four techniques into your copy, you’ll not only find the right words to express what you do but write them in a way that’s unique to you.

Watch the episode here: How To Make Your Business Sound Unique (Even If It’s Not).

“[T]he older I get, the less impressed I become with originality. These days, I’m far more moved by authenticity. Attempts at originality can often feel forced and precious, but authenticity has quiet resonance that never fails to stir me.”

― Elizabeth Gilbert

Writer’s Block #7: “Who am I to say this? Who am I to write this?”

Does the voice in your head say, “Who do you think you are to speak up? Share ideas? Offer a perspective, opinion or advice?”

If the fear of being not good enough, experienced enough or not “together” enough has been stopping you from sharing your ideas, watch this episode. You’ll learn a few powerful mental reframes and a never-leave-home-without-it writing practice called the LSC method.

Watch it here: “Who Am I To Write This?” How To Shake Your Newbie Writer’s Nerves.

One more important message, especially about writing for your career or business.

It’s not your fault if writing doesn’t come naturally to you. Nobody is born knowing how to be an effective copywriter. Plus, the writing rules many of us do learn in English or grammar class (regardless of your native language) can actually harm the effectiveness of your copywriting.

I’ve seen people follow traditional writing rules to the letter, only to see their results suffer. While it may be perfectly written, there’s no emotional impact. It’s not powerful, persuasive, nor does it inspire the reader to take action.

One of our Copy Cure students, Cindy, wrote in to tell us this: “I have a PhD in English, but that didn’t mean that I understood how to write emails that people want to open.”

If you want to learn more, get your butt in my free writing class next Wednesday. It’s a live, hands-on, action-packed training full of copy makeovers, tactical tips and some of my favorite free resources. To save your seat, click here and sign up.

Now I’d love to hear from you.

What specifically about writing copy for your business do you struggle with the most? Which of the seven common writing blocks holds you back?

Leave a comment below and let us know. Remember, share as much detail as possible in your reply. Thousands of incredible souls come here each week for insight and motivation, and your story may help someone else have a breakthrough.

Important: share your thoughts and ideas directly in the comments. Links to other posts, videos, etc. will be removed.

Thank you so very much for reading, watching and sharing. Your voice matters. Your message matters. Never forget, words have immense power. Words transform. Words inspire us to act.

As Friedrich Nietzsche said, “All I need is a sheet of paper and something to write with, and then I can turn the world upside down.”

With all my love,

XO