Writer’s block is terrible -- and it inevitably happens at the worst possible times. As you can imagine, the Mac|Life crew has our own struggles with this affliction from time to time, so we have lots of different strategies for working it out.

Sometimes what you need is a distraction-free environment to just get the words out. Minimal word processors like WriteRoom ($24.99, hogbaysoftware.com) and Byword ($9.99 in the Mac App Store) clear your screen, which is sometimes all it takes to clear your mind as well. TextEdit also offers a minimal interface for focusing, and it’s already on your Mac. Then just type, type, type, and don’t worry about editing yourself as you go -- you’ll have time for that later.

Focus on your writing, and nothing but your writing, with Byword.

OmniOutliner ($39.99 in the Mac App Store) is a great way to brainstorm ideas and quickly organize them into linear, structured outlines. If you’re more of a free-form thinker, MindNode (free in the Mac App Store) can help you visualize your ideas in a useful mindmap form, and organize -- and reorganize -- them as needed.

Noodling with a mind map in MindNode can unlock all sorts of, uh, creativity.

And don’t underestimate the power of music, especially something soothing and instrumental to get the creative juices flowing. Try Brian Eno’s Ambient 1: Music for Airports ($6.99 in the iTunes Store); it always works for us.