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Symptoms and Causes of Writer's Block
Many writers experience writer’s block at some point in their careers.
14/02/2025
Ruth Silbermayr
Author
Writer’s block
I think most bloggers have experienced writer’s block at one time or another in their lives.
A lot of the time, writer’s block means not being able to come up with new ideas for blog posts or losing the motivation to write. It often happens due to a creative block that prevents new articles from flowing naturally.
I have certainly experienced writer’s block a few times in my life. I remember that after I had my second son, I was so overwhelmed with my personal life and family situation that I suffered from severe writer’s block. Whenever I tried to write a new article, I would sit in front of my computer, unable to think of a topic or come up with ideas for a new post. I often started drafting a post but didn’t finish it or ended up deleting it because the writing didn’t flow.
When a blogger suffers from writer’s block, it may show in different ways—such as not knowing what to blog about, writing about uninteresting topics just to maintain consistency, or simply feeling less creative than before. Some people stop blogging for a while, while others give it up entirely.
You may feel like blogging but sit in front of your computer with no words coming to mind. Or you may write one draft after another, only to feel like none are good or interesting enough. You may also struggle to write as creatively as you used to.
Writer’s block is not unlike depression, and in some cases, it can be linked to it. The first time I suffered from writer’s block was when I went through postpartum depression and felt overwhelmed with life as a new mother after the birth of my older son.
In my experience, other external factors can cause writer’s block as well, including:
Online competition with other bloggers and influencers
The online world can be very competitive, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to keep up. Bloggers today face increasing competition, not just from other writers but also from social media influencers and video creators on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
It used to be enough to publish great content twice a week to rank on Google, but in 2025, blogging alone is usually not enough. Now, bloggers also have to promote their work on various social media platforms to gain followers. Many platforms push for daily content, and those who don’t keep up may see their reach decline due to algorithms. The written word, once the dominant form of content, has now taken a backseat to video, making it harder for traditional bloggers to build an audience.
Hostility, harassment, and online threats
For some of us, the internet has become a hostile place, forcing people off the platform due to haters, jealousy, or even blackmail. Many narcissists seek to eliminate their online competition—real or imagined—just as they do in real life. Video platforms, in particular, attract narcissistic individuals who use them not to create meaningful content but to show off their looks, popularity, or perceived superiority. While not everyone who shares their life online is a narcissist, those familiar with narcissistic behavior will recognize the patterns.
While some narcissists resort to copying content to stay competitive, others take more extreme measures—hacking blogs, taking down content, altering media files, or even sabotaging careers by hacking social media accounts. I’ve personally experienced this. If a narcissist is particularly jealous, arrogant, or self-absorbed, they might even delete followers, lower YouTube view counts, or manipulate algorithms. I’ve seen it all!
Many female bloggers, particularly those who advocate for women’s rights, are targeted by men. I, for example, have been attacked by more than just one narcissist who have tried to or have destroyed my reputation, my career and my life. One incel falsely claimed to be in love with me, but his true intention was to steal from me—attempting to live my life instead of his own, stealing my identity, and blocking my access to opportunities. When I refused to let him have access to my life (no invitation), he refused to accept it. Rather than respecting my boundaries, he engaged in manipulative, controlling behavior—harassing me, blackmailing me, stalking me, and making my life unbearable.
This type of online abuse can make it difficult to continue writing. The fear of punishment, negative feedback, or retaliation can lead to self-censorship and, ultimately, writer’s block.
Personal life changes
Your personal situation may also affect your ability to blog. If you started a blog sharing happy stories about your relationship but later found yourself in an abusive relationship or facing divorce, it may become difficult to continue writing. You may no longer feel comfortable sharing personal details, or you may struggle with how to address changes in your life.
General pressure and fatigue
Sometimes, writer’s block isn’t caused by any one event but rather by the overall pressure to perform. The constant expectation to create content, maintain an audience, and stay relevant can be exhausting. You may find you are comparing yourself to others, which can add to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.
Overcoming writer’s block
Some people suggest taking a walk or getting fresh air to overcome writer’s block. While this may help in minor cases, true writer’s block often requires more than a simple break. Sometimes, stepping away from blogging for a while is necessary to regain creativity.
If you are familiar with writer’s block, you may notice it in other bloggers as well. If a writer who used to produce engaging content suddenly starts posting about uninteresting topics, they may be struggling with a creative block. However, uninspired content doesn’t always mean writer’s block—sometimes, it’s just a shift in priorities.
Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? How did you deal with it?
