If you’ve been in the Tabletop RPG (TTRPG) world for any amount of time, you’ve probably encountered a dreaded little thing called Writer’s Block. Whether you're crafting your next campaign, designing a new system, or even just blogging about your TTRPG experiences, getting stuck in a creative rut can be a real buzzkill.

But fear not! There are plenty of ways to break through the block and get back to creating. After over three decades of tabletop roleplaying games and more than six years of blogging, I’ve learned a few tricks that can help you stay productive and inspired when the words just aren’t coming.

So, let’s dive in and get you out of that writer's block slump—no sweat!

Switch Up Your Environment

Sometimes, all it takes to get the creative juices flowing is a change of scenery. If you're used to writing at your desk, try moving to the kitchen table, the couch, or even a coffee shop. A new environment can stimulate different parts of your brain and help you see things from a fresh perspective. Maybe even consider writing in a park or on the beach!

And, if you’re feeling stuck, rearranging your writing space or adding some new art, figurines, or inspirational pieces can be surprisingly effective. Visual cues can help get your creative wheels spinning.

Freewriting for 10 Minutes

When you're stuck, the best thing to do is stop focusing on perfection and just let your thoughts spill out. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write whatever comes to mind. It doesn’t have to be relevant to your current project—just write! This is called Freewriting, and it’s a great way to loosen up your mind.

You can start with something as simple as “I don’t know what to write about today…” and see where it takes you. Freewriting doesn’t have to be coherent. The goal is to get your brain moving, breaking the barrier of “nothing” that comes with writer’s block. Who knows? You might end up with an unexpected idea for your next big project!

Take a Break, But Make It Count

It might sound counterintuitive, but taking a short break can help you break free from a creative block. However, this break isn’t about mindlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favorite show (though, hey, sometimes that helps too). Instead, do something that recharges you creatively or mentally.

Go for a walk. Do some quick sketching. Read a chapter from a book that inspires you. Play a one-shot TTRPG campaign for fun or explore some new game mechanics. Doing something tangentially related to TTRPGs—without the pressure of creating—can stimulate new ideas and help you come back to your writing with fresh energy.

Break It Down Into Smaller Tasks

Writer’s block can sometimes feel like a massive mountain, and that mountain can be incredibly intimidating. If you’re trying to design an entire adventure or a complex game mechanic, the pressure to finish it all in one go might feel like too much. Instead of trying to tackle the whole thing, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks.

For instance, if you’re writing a blog post, just focus on the introduction for now. Or, if you’re creating a new TTRPG class, write down the core concept first and leave the details for later. Small victories feel satisfying and can help you build momentum.

Use Prompts and Inspiration Cards

Sometimes you need a little nudge to get started. There are a ton of tools out there to your disposal like prompts, random generators, or inspiration cards. These little bits of randomness can provide fresh ideas when you’re feeling uninspired.

There are plenty of online generators for characters, plot hooks, world-building elements, and more. Or, if you prefer something physical, try creating a deck of inspiration cards that include things like "A mysterious artifact," "A forbidden ritual," or "A failed experiment." Shuffle them up and draw a few when you're stuck—these can serve as unexpected seeds for your next creation.

Collaborate and Bounce Ideas Off Others

That I would love to! Sometimes, you need to get out of your head. Bounce ideas off friends, fellow creators, or even your audience. Ask for feedback or a fresh perspective on what you're working on.

Collaboration can spark ideas you never considered on your own, and it might just lead you to that “Aha!” moment that gets you back in the creative zone. If you’re working on a TTRPG system or campaign, consider running a brainstorming session with your players, or even reach out to the online TTRPG community for advice.

Create Without Pressure

One of the best ways to avoid writer’s block is to take the pressure off. Instead of worrying about whether your next blog post or TTRPG idea will be a huge hit, permit yourself to create freely and without judgment. Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect, and it doesn’t even have to be good—just get the ideas down.

A lot of creators feel paralyzed by the idea of producing something “bad,” but remember, everything can be revised. Your job is to keep creating, not to make everything perfect the first time around. So, if you feel stuck, just write or design for the sake of creating—not for the sake of impressing anyone.

Do Some Mindless Tasks (No seriously!)

It might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the best way to break through writer’s block is by doing something mindless. Washing dishes, folding laundry, or even organizing your TTRPG collection can be the perfect backdrop for creative thinking. It’s during these repetitive tasks that your mind can wander and sometimes hit on the perfect solution for that stubborn plot point or blog idea.

While your body is busy with a simple task, your subconscious can work out the kinks you’ve been wrestling with. So, go ahead—fold those socks, and let your ideas simmer.

Embrace the Power of a Deadline

Ah, deadlines! We all hate them, but sometimes, they can be the perfect motivator. If you’re finding it hard to get started, give yourself a deadline. Whether it’s a self-imposed deadline or an external one (like an upcoming TTRPG event or blog post release), having that ticking clock can push you to stop overthinking and get something down.

I said it before and I repeat it here: don’t stress about being perfect—just focus on getting it done. Perfectionism is often the root cause of writer’s block, and a deadline helps you focus on finishing rather than worrying about every little detail.

Celebrate Your Progress

Once you’re back on track, don’t forget to take a moment to celebrate your progress. Writer’s block is frustrating, but overcoming it is something to be proud of. Whether you’ve finished a blog post, designed a character, or worked out a tricky plot twist, take a moment to reflect on your success. You did it!

Remember, every creative project is an adventure, and writer’s block is just a part of the process. The key is to keep moving forward, even if it’s just one small step at a time.

So, there you have it! Whether you’re a TTRPG designer, blogger, or just someone with a passion for storytelling, writer’s block doesn’t have to be the end of the road. Switch things up, take breaks, and don’t be afraid to let the ideas flow naturally. The next time you hit a creative wall, just remember: it’s all part of the adventure. Keep creating, and the block will eventually crumble!