How I Beat Writer’s Block Using Character Journals
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If you're like me, you've experienced writer's block.
It can feel like a wall you can’t break through — staring at a blank page for hours, rewriting the same sentence, or walking away from a story for weeks… or even years.
It’s defeating. It’s real.
But it doesn’t have to be permanent.
🌿 My Writer’s Block Story
I first hit the wall while writing what I thought was going to be my first published book. I rewrote the beginning multiple times — it always fell apart by chapters 3 or 4. And even though I filled out character questionnaires... I was stuck. And what I realized was: I didn’t know my characters as much as I thought.
That realization changed everything.
🛠️ Why Outlining Didn’t Work (for Me)
I’ve tried outlining — and while it helps spark ideas, I rarely follow one.
What works for me is writing once I know:
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The opening scene
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The main characters
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The central conflict
The rest unfolds as I write.
But this style also means: writer’s block becomes an uninvited companion.
💡 The Breakthrough: Character Journals
To overcome the block, I had to pause the plot and meet my characters again.
That’s when I created Anyia’s character journal.
It wasn’t part of the main book — it was just me, exploring who she was.
And it became the foundation of her story.
Now, character journaling is part of my creative process.
✍🏽 What Is a Character Journal?
It’s not polished. It’s not organized.
It’s a rambling, raw notebook where I let the character talk.
Sometimes it starts with what they ate that morning or I write what they see when they wake up. Other times, I jump mid-page to their greatest fear. Where they hide when they’re scared. I have them describe why they react a certain way — even when they shouldn’t.
And by doing this, I rediscover the spark. It also helps me see their world, understand their emotional muturitey and their secrets.
🗂️ Steps to Use Character Journals to Overcome Writer’s Block:
List the characters you’re stuck on.
Write down their names and any known traits.
Write from their perspective.
Use prompts like:
“What did I do today?”
“Where do I go when I feel afraid?”
“What do I wish people understood about me?”
Let it go off-track.
Don’t worry about plot. This is about discovery, not direction.
Be consistent, not perfect.
Some days will be 3 pages. Some will be 3 lines. Show up anyway.
Re-read after a few sessions.
Highlight insights or raw moments that could enrich your story.
Repeat with another character.
Shifting perspectives often opens new pathways in your plot.
🎯 Why This Works
When we get stuck, it’s often because we’re trying to move the plot forward
— but the characters haven’t told us where they’re going yet.
Character journals give them the space to speak freely.
And in that freedom… your story returns.
I hope this helps.
And if you’ve tried character journaling before — or want to start — I’d love to hear about it.
📝 Drop your thoughts in the comments.
✨ Or tag me @worldstodiscover if you want to share how it works for you.
