What Are Creative Blocks? A Complete Guide for Creatives (with Historical Fiction Focus)

Every single writer, artist or creative experiences blocks in some way. They may have a different name for it, but there is always at least one story of some problem affecting their work. 

Feeling this way can be very isolating and make it difficult to think straight. Most of us default to automatically assuming this means we’re defective in some way. 

We hardly ever see it for what it actually is: just an issue to solve. 

In this guide we’re going to look at the types and causes of creative blocks and then examine some practical solutions. I’m going to use writer’s block in historical fiction as my example (as this draws from personal experience) but the techniques and ideas can equally be applied to other creative work. 

Defining Creative Blocks

Creative blocks are periods of time where no matter how much you force yourself, your creative output is either non-existent or just horrible. It’s those times when you feel like creativity has ditched you completely. 

You’ll likely hear a lot of controversy surrounding creative blocks, with some claiming they don’t exist. I’ve even heard them described as a made up way to get out of work. 

But, I’m here to tell you this is completely wrong. They absolutely do exist. 

And, frankly, only someone who has never been able to tap into that deep rooted inner part of yourself where creative expression lives would ever say some rubbish like 

 “you wouldn’t go to work and say you’re too blocked to do anything today.” 

Well, no you wouldn’t but you’re comparing apples with oranges. 

Being creatively blocked and doing regular work tasks are very different things all together and shouldn’t be compared. Being creatively blocked doesn’t mean you can’t function in your everyday life and do all those tasks that don’t require tapping into that internal energy and a clear mind to achieve.

When you’re creatively blocked it often just means that your mind is so full of other issues, there’s no room for creative energy. These can be issues surrounding the creative work itself or something else in your life and the result is that your inner creative expression has retreated as something not vital for survival. You see, if your mind is full it starts to filter things on the basis of being important for survival as first priority. 

And, it’s this this survival instinct that causes the block. Often it’s about clearing out the issues so we have room in our mind to allow creativity to flourish. 

If your mind is worried, scared or pre-occupied with a problem, your creativity doesn’t have the room it needs to allow you to draw on it. Your brain only has so much room at once and this doesn’t mean you can’t perform all those everyday mindless tasks as they don’t require as much energy as creative expression, which does need lots of internal energy and focus. 

Just like your computer, if your brain has too many tabs open things slow down and don’t work as well, or freezes completely.

So, we tackle the issues that cause this overloading to make room in your mind for creativity. And, they can be anything from cultural expectations, work-life balance issues, self-doubt crippling you, perfectionism and sometimes self-sabotage as well. 

These are not a sign of laziness or a lack of talent, instead they are a natural part of your creative process. 

Understanding the block you’re experiencing is the key to moving forward. 

Why Creative Blocks Matter

When you’re in the middle of a creative block it can feel really frustrating and the more annoyed you feel with yourself, the worse it can get. Then then sometimes leads to being overly self critical and losing confidence.

For many the most difficult part of this is not being able to identify why it’s happening or how to break through it. And, if the block is caused by some deep rooted fear or self-sabotage, it can be tricky to find the cause. You may feel fine on the surface but somewhere underneath there’s a barrier. 

If we learn to identify these times as simply blocks and not automatically concluding that it’s some lack of ability, we can start to find ways to move past them and skip all that self-criticism. 

Some blocks will be easier than others to solve, sometimes you’ll know instantly what’s wrong and other times you’ll find you have no idea. 

The key is to refrain from self-depreciating thoughts and learn that it’s simply a part of the creative process that everyone experiences on some level.

Types of Creative Blocks

Every creative will experience blocks at some point but not all blocks are the same. Some are easier to work through than others. Here are some of the most common types:

• Emotional blocks: These include fear of failure, self-doubt, perfectionism and imposter syndrome. They often come from internalised beliefs about creativity and success, or from previous experiences of criticism. 
• Mental blocks: These include overwhelm, indecision, lack of clarity and difficulty focusing. They can be triggered by things like too many ideas, unclear goals and trying to juggle multiple projects at once.  
• Practical blocks: These include time constraints, unsupportive environments, a lack of resources or simply being too busy. Many creatives find practical blocks come up from balancing work, family, and creative pursuits.
• Genre-specific blocks: This is relevant to writers of historical fiction who might struggle with research fatigue, feeling lost in the details or the pressure to be historically accurate and this overtaking their sense of creativity.

Recognising Your Block

Identifying what type of block you’re dealing with is the first step to overcoming it, but this can be tricky. 

However, it’s important not to panic. Give it time and ask yourself: 

1. Are you procrastinating because you’re afraid of criticism, or what success will change in your life?
2. Are you unsure where to start or where to go from where you are now?
3. Do you feel overwhelmed and it’s making you stuck?
4. Are you short of time because of life commitments and just haven’t any energy left? 
5. Are you worried about something else going on in your life? 

Sometimes it might be that you need to sit with these questions for a while and allow the answers to percolate. They don’t always come immediately.

Causes of Creative Blocks

Creative blocks can be triggered by a number of things. Some of the most common can include:

• Societal pressure and expectations: Our culture can often undervalue creative work as frivolous and not worth your time, which can lead to feelings of guilt and inadequacy. 
• Balancing multiple roles: Many creatives juggle multiple work, caring responsibility, creative ambition and many other things, which can make it difficult to find time to prioritise creative action.
• Lack of support or community: Many writers and creatives like working alone, but it can also lead to isolation and a lack of accountability when there is no support or community around. 
• Perfectionism and comparison: When you focus on comparisonitis and striving for perfect every time, you can fall into the trap of feeling like you’re lacking compared to other creatives and constantly reworking something you don’t feel is ready.
• Research overload: I find this one is particularly relevant to historical fiction writers. It’s very easy to get lost in the research and allow this to take over, then struggle to get work done, or worse, actually overload and shove all that research into the work as a way to prove yourself. 
• Burnout: I’ve had this one many times in my life in from various pressures. It can stem from getting too excited with projects and ambition, leading to overcommitment and neglecting self care, which leads to becoming creatively and physically exhausted and, feeling miserable and inadequate.
• Life issues: This is one that all of us will have experienced at some point. When life gets tough, it can be hard to compartmentalise and this doesn’t leave room for creativity, so it retreats and hides away until things are more settled. 

Solutions: Overcoming Writer’s Block in Historical Fiction

I’m going to use historical fiction as a base here, but many of these techniques can work for other types of writing, other creative pursuits or even creativity in your daily life. 

Overcoming creative blocks needs self awareness and practical strategies. Here are five techniques I use and will help historical fiction writers and creatives of all kinds: 

1. Set Micro-Goals: Break down your writing tasks into smaller more manageable steps. I find this one really helps when writing big novels and helps with overwhelm. So, instead of aiming to write a full book at once, or even a full chapter, focus on a single scene or paragraph. This helps make progress feel more achievable and easier to do in smaller sprints.
2. Research Boundaries: Set fixed time slots for research to avoid getting lost in the details and spending all your time doing nothing but researching. I find it helpful to have a research list handy, so as I’m writing I’ll make notes of things I need to find out. It’s also good to set a timer or use a checklist to stay focused. Remember you can always fact check later. 
3. Routine & Rituals: Create a writing routine that fits your existing lifestyle not the other way around. I tried for years to change the way I did things, to write what I thought I should be writing. This all changed when I found a writing routine that fits my existing life and habits. So, whether that’s early mornings, short bursts, lunchtime sprints or evenings and through the night when it’s quiet, it needs to fit with your existing lifestyle, as this will make it far easier to keep doing it regularly.
4. Creative Free-writing: For periods of blockage or when you don’t feel like writing, you could try using prompts, free writing or try pomodoros. Sometimes, writing or doing something else that isn’t related to your main work can help you reconnect creatively and allow a bit of freedom to explore different types of creativity. Also, it’s important to allow yourself to write badly. Editing comes later.
5. Community Support: Connect with other creatives for accountability and support. This can be in-person or online. If you’re going to try groups, be careful to avoid any toxic environments. There are some that are like gold dust and if you can find one of these then hang on to it. Online writers and those sharing their journeys on socials can be great sources of friendships, but be careful to not get stuck in comparing yourself with them. Look for support and encouragement but don’t allow others to take advantage and manipulate you.

Additional Tips for Historical Fiction Writers

• Allow and embrace imperfection in early drafts.
• Keep a running list of research questions to tackle later, so you don’t interrupt your writing flow.
• Use visual aids (photos, maps, timelines) to stay inspired and organised.
• Alternate between research and writing to keep both processes energised.

10 FAQs: Creative Blocks

1. What are creative blocks? Times when creative work feels far more difficult or completely impossible to achieve.
2. Are blocks different for creatives? Cultural expectations, work-life balance and societal attitudes can change the experience of creative blocks for creatives. But I’d argue that everyone is creative, many just don’t know how to tap into it.
3. What causes creative blocks? A combination of emotional, mental, and practical issues, such as fear of failure, fear of success, overwhelm, life problems or a lack of time.
4. How do I know if I’m experiencing a creative block? If you feel stuck, unmotivated, or unable to start or finish creative work, you might be facing a block.
5. What are the most common types of creative blocks? Emotional, mental, practical, life and genre-specific (e.g. research fatigue for historical fiction writers).
6. How can I overcome writer’s block in historical fiction? Try micro-goals, research boundaries, routines, freewriting, pomodoros and community support.
7. Does perfectionism cause creative blocks? Yes. Striving for perfect results often leads to procrastination and self-criticism.
8. Can creative blocks be prevented? While they’re a natural part of the process, regular routines, self-care and community can reduce how often and how tough they are.
9. What resources can help creatives? Downloadable worksheets, online courses, writing groups, and coaching programmes.
10. How can I stay motivated during a creative block? Focus on small wins, celebrate progress, and remember that blocks are temporary.

Next Steps

Ready to break through your creative block? Try the FREE Creative Blockbuster worksheet for targeted support, designed to help you identify your own personal challenges and move forward with confidence quickly.

If you’re looking for ongoing support, try a writing group or subscribe to a creativity-focused newsletter like my Substack Creativity and Creative Expression. Sharing your journey with others can make everything feel less daunting and more fun.