Writer’s Block
I’ve always wanted to write.
I’ve always wanted to share my voice with the world because I felt like I had something to say. I witnessed a lot growing up and grew wiser from it. I’m not alone in saying that I’ve seen things no one should ever see. Refusing to get comfortable there, I crawled out. I wanted to learn about human behavior as much as possible and add my take on it. Fervently, I pursued my education in psychology and coaching. Admittedly, I feel like I learned more after finishing my Doctorate. Let me clarify – receiving my education was a privilege and a life changing experience. I didn’t stop there. Every week, I attend trainings in trauma, relationships, neurodivergence and more. I continue to learn from my spiritual and personal development and life experiences. My faith has grown exponentially. I’ve become stronger and the spirit of shame is losing its grip over me.
There’s nothing to write about if nothing inspires me.
Writer’s Block
Writer’s block is common. Research shows that an estimated 24% of writers often struggle with writer’s block and 70% experience it on occasion. It’s experienced by songwriters, creative writers, students, corporate professionals and more. Basically anyone who communicates through writing.
Brain scans show increased activity in the hippocampus (responsible for memory, learning and emotion) during writing. Scans also show heightened activity in areas of the brain responsible for helping writers continue in flow. When the amygdala is activated, writers experience anxiety, which blocks flow, making writers feel stuck. Flow is good! Anxiety is not bad but increased anxiety typically accompanies writer’s block.
I don’t want to,
I don’t know what to write,
Nothing’s coming out!
It’s frustrating when nothing comes out.
Every creative I work with talks about times when they’ve felt blocked. In coaching and therapy, we explore their blocks, what inspires them and how they get re-inspired. Inspiration is key.
I have nothing to write about if I haven’t seen anything. I have nothing to write about if I don’t experience things. I must draw from somewhere. A place of inspiration.
The creative is a vessel for something greater to flow through.
What if getting blocked is necessary?
What if it’s part of the creative process?
What if it’s a necessary time for recharge? Rejuvenation. Another dose of inspiration.
Is Writer’s Block a myth?
Some say writer’s block is a myth. It doesn’t exist. It’s all in your mind. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a popular approach in therapy that looks at how our thoughts shape emotion and behavior. From a Cognitive Behavioral lense, there’s truth there. CBT asserts that our thinking shapes our world. Our emotions typically stem from particular thoughts and you can attach a thought or belief to whatever you’re thinking. If you’re experiencing writer’s block, I’d encourage you to slow down and pay attention to what you’re thinking in that moment. Since the amygdala is usually active during writer’s block and we’re not thinking clearly, I’d also suggest you walk away from what you’re doing and focus on grounding yourself. You can do this by taking a walk, listening to grounding music, playing with your kids or all of the above. When our fear center (amygdala) is activated in our brains, it’s always best to first stop and get grounded so our prefrontal cortex (the part that helps us analyze and think clearly) can get online. Afterwards, we’re able to think more clearly and make better decisions. The same goes for writer’s block. Sometimes it’s best to walk away from a project, get grounded and inspired, then come back to what you’re doing.
Inspiration doesn’t just happen. Life must be lived.
Shanghai, China - Summer 2026
Definitely inspiring.
Creating involves a lot of output. Therefore, Julia Cameron introduced a concept called the Artist Date. The Artist Date is a scheduled block of time each week where you commit to nurturing your creative side. It’s a play date for you and your inner creative. The artist date refuels your inner artist with new inspiration and ideas. I’ve spoken to a lot of artists who recharge with something that inspires them like another form of art, traveling, reading or anything that peaks their interest.
The following are what I’ve started doing for my Artist Date every Sunday:
1) Reading sci-fi books
2) Browsing boutiques
3) Thrifting
4) Traveling somewhere I’ve never been (even if it’s two zip codes away)
5) Anything nature
6) Discovering new music
If it isn’t a tad bit mysterious or doesn’t intrigue me, it won’t hold my attention.
I’m curious to hear what adds mystery and intrigue to your life.
It may just be an antidote to your writer’s block.
Prompts:
What intrigues you?
What grounds you when you’re feeling anxious or uninspired?
What do you do for your Artist Dates?
References:
Fisher, J. (2021). Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma: A Workbook for Survivors and Therapists. First edition. PESI Publishing and Media.
Kaufman, S. B., & Gregoire, C. (2015). Wired to create: Unraveling the mysteries of the creative mind. First edition. Perigee, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC.
Schultz, J. (2023, February 10). Dealing with writer’s block. Lumivero. https://lumivero.com/resources/dealing-with-writers-block/
