How to Use AI Tools to Overcome Writer’s Block

Opinions on AI as a creative tool vary. While some fear it harms originality, others embrace its potential. For writers, AI offers a practical solution to the blank page. These tools provide clear benefits, but you must use them with caution.

Using AI to Overcome Writer’s Block

Writer’s block is an almost universally familiar challenge. Unlike other creative hurdles, it can halt progress completely. Since LLM tools like ChatGPT, Grammarly, and Gemini have the capability to rewrite draft content in a few seconds, it can reshape how writers approach that dreadful empty page.

Here are a few possible ways AI can help at different stages of early writing:

• When a topic feels too wide or intimidating, AI can clarify broad topics by narrower angles, subtopics, and questions worth exploring.
• An AI prompt can generate several opening paragraphs or thesis statements to compare, helping you explore multiple starts.
• Conversational interaction can help you refine unorganized ideas. When you input rough thoughts and prompt for more coherent phrasing, you can revise further.

How does the writing industry feel about this? Nigel Newton, founder and CEO of Bloomsbury, argues that AI is a good way  for authors to overcome writer’s block with early drafts that help them get started. Newton believes AI could support nearly all creative arts, from writing to music and painting. He also says it will not replace established, high-profile writers whose names still carry authority with readers.

Getting Started with AI Prompts

Using AI effectively in writing requires intention. Otherwise, the possibility of losing control of the writing becomes almost as prevalent as not getting started at all.

1. Check Project Guidelines Around AI Use

Before you use AI tools for a project, make sure that doing so is allowed. Many workshops, classes, publishers, or workplaces have specific rules about AI use. Being completely certain of expectations at the onset prevents later disputes or mistrust.

2. Find a Firm Starting Point

Identify the part of the writing process that feels the most insurmountable. Is it finding a topic? Framing a thesis? Coming up with examples?

If the struggle is with coming up with topics, you could frame a prompt such as: “Suggest five specific angles on climate policy that could work for a 1,000‑word essay aimed at a general audience.”

3. Explore a Writing Plan

If you do already have a topic or angle but are having trouble getting the structure of the piece organized, try to describe your plan to the AI chat.

An example would be something like: “I’m writing a 1,200‑word piece about urban gardening aimed at adults with little prior knowledge. I want a logical structure that moves from benefits to practical tips. Suggest a 4‑section outline.”

4. Keep Notes

Before or during AI interaction, jot down your own ideas. This simple step ensures your voice stays central. You can then compare your notes to the AI responses. From there, you can keep what feels useful and discard what doesn’t.

Ethical Considerations Beyond Plagiarism

A lot of criticism against LLMs is that, by nature, the output appropriates work that already exists. But that’s not the only ethical consideration to contend with. When your own text is introduced into AI tools, especially those hosted online, that information becomes at risk for exposure. It’s especially important to take privacy concerns into account if you’re working on confidential or personal material.

A VPN is a great way to encrypt your connection and protect your data from interception, which is particularly relevant if you’re working on sensitive topics or using public or unsecured internet connections. Because so many AI tools are free, writers often look for equally accessible ways to protect their work and personal data. That leads to a common question: are VPNs free ? While some are, free services often come with limitations or even privacy risks of their own. For professional or sensitive work, a reputable paid VPN is a more reliable investment in security.

The Takeaway

AI systems are trained on vast amounts of existing text and may generate content that resembles material from those sources. Writers should be careful not to present AI‑generated text as original in any way; that doesn’t mean the tools can’t be useful in other ways. Especially when staring at a blank page begins to feel unbearable.

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Zoe Santoro

Zoe is an art student and graphic designer with a passion for creativity and adventure. Whether she’s sketching in a cozy café or capturing inspiration from vibrant cityscapes, she finds beauty in every corner of the world. With a love for bold colors, clean design, and storytelling through visuals, Zoe blends her artistic skills with her wanderlust to create stunning, travel-inspired designs. Follow her journey as she explores new places, discovers fresh inspiration, and shares her creative process along the way.