Writer’s block happens when an author has too much or too little of something. Too many ideas and no clue which one to pick, or no ideas at all. Too much time or not enough. Too much pressure or none. Too many directions or a complete lack of them. While there’s no ultimate cure for writer’s block, I’ve found that two things help me push through: a new angle and new constraints. Luckily, journaling games provide both in just the right amount. Here are 5 Reasons Why Journaling Games Crush Writer’s Block.
1. Find a New Angle
Since you can journal as any character in your book, sometimes it helps to step away from the main character or narrator. Writing from another perspective, even just for a few minutes, can reveal new truths about the story. A side character’s thoughts might offer insights you hadn’t considered, unlocking fresh ideas and directions for your plot.
2. Exploration Without Commitment
Journaling games create a low-stakes environment where you can explore themes and plotlines without worrying about how they affect the larger work. The events in your journaling session exist within that session alone, freeing you from the pressure of getting everything “right.” You can test out scenarios, character motivations, and even alternate endings with no long-term consequences.
3. Establishing a Writing Routine
The habit of writing regularly—even if it’s just a short, make-believe blog entry for a character—builds consistency. When writer’s block hits, it’s often because the critical part of your brain is overthinking where to start. Journaling games help you bypass that by simply getting words on the page, repeating the process daily, and letting creativity flow naturally.
4. Making Writing Fun Again
Journaling games let you push characters to their limits, experiment with different writing styles, and see immediate cause-and-effect results as choices from one day affect the next. Without the pressure of perfection, writing becomes an enjoyable process again, reigniting the motivation that drew you to storytelling in the first place.
5. Constraints Drive Creativity
Journaling games introduce structured prompts and random elements—whether from dice rolls or card draws—that keep storytelling contained to some degree. I call it “bumper bowling writing.” Creativity thrives within limitations, and structured constraints can guide your storytelling in surprising and exciting ways, offering just enough challenge to keep things engaging.
In Summary
Journaling games are a fantastic way to break writer’s block, rediscover the joy of writing, and develop a consistent habit. They encourage new perspectives, allow for low-risk exploration, and provide just enough structure to spark creativity. If you’re stuck, grab a journaling game and let it guide you back to the words.
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