Writer's Block

Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block

Derek Taylor Kent — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:21:30 GMT

Current Revision posted to Writer's Block by Derek Taylor Kent on 1/29/2026 9:21:30 PM

Your Writing is Terrific, Now Become Prolific!

Best-selling author Derek Taylor Kent is the author of 19 published and soon-to-be published books, including seven novels, dozens of screenplays, plays, and musicals, and more. But would you believe he's struggled with writer's block almost his entire life? With over 20 years of professional writing experience, Derek has developed strategies that turn writer's block into a writer's blast of output.

In this session, he reveals his favorite tips and tricks that will get you in the flow and writing like a professional. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, these tools are ones that anyone will find enlightening and invaluable.

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../4442.Writer_2700_s-Block-Strategies_5F00_Kent_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../StrategiesforOvercomingWritersBlock26.mp4

About the Presenter:
Derek Taylor Kent is the author of 19 books encompassing a wide variety of audiences and genres. He has also produced 15 audiobooks to date and has written 6 screenplays. Along with being an instructor for the ALC, he teaches at the Writing Pad in Los Angeles and is a freelance story editor. Derek received a 3-book deal from HarperCollins for his middle-grade book series "Scary School", and his Mystery/Thriller book "Kubrick’s Game" was #1 on Amazon three times and was optioned by Bobby Cohen Films. His middle-grade novel "My Homework Ate My Dog!" was awarded Best Middle-Grade Fiction Book of 2020 by Kops-Featherling Book Awards, and there was a bidding war for his picture book "El Perro con Sombrero", which was published by Holt/Macmillan. In addition, Derek Founded Whimsical World children’s publishing brand with wife, children’s author and ALC speaker Sheri Fink, with a mission to inspire, delight, and educate children of all ages while planting seeds of self-esteem and high achievement. Discover more at www.DerekTaylorKent.com and www.WhimsicalWorldBooks.com.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block

Author Learning Center — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:09:47 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 1/29/2026 9:09:47 PM

Your Writing is Terrific, Now Become Prolific!

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Actions Authors Can Take to Tap Into Their Creativity

Gregg Gonzales — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:52:52 GMT

Current Revision posted to Writer's Block by Gregg Gonzales on 11/13/2024 3:52:52 PM

Keeping the creative flow going throughout the book writing process can be challenging for many writers. Gregg Gonzales, founder of The SpeakEasy Method, uses the multi-step process he developed to help writers revisit their "why", creating a safe space to get grounded and start with a clean slate. Through the planning, recording, and listening sessions that are a part of his method, he is able to help them tap into their creativity. The answers to questions such as "What do I have to say?, Why does this matter to me?, and Why is it important to others?" not only bring the story out of writers, but also help them connect with their goals.

Try asking yourself these questions if you find yourself getting stuck or lacking motivation as you write.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ActionsAuthorsCanTaketoTapIntoTheirCreativity.mp4

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video

Chloe Gong on Writer's Block

Chloe Gong — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 13:42:18 GMT

Current Revision posted to Writer's Block by Chloe Gong on 9/25/2023 1:42:18 PM

Chloe Gong on every writer's worst enemy...writer's block.

Chloe Gong is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Secret Shanghai novels, as well as the Flesh and False Gods trilogy. Her books have been published in over twenty countries and have been featured in The New York Times, People, Forbes, and more.

youtube.com/watch

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, video, Science Fiction & Fantasy

Advice for Writers on Increasing Productivity and Avoiding Writer’s Block

Cara C. Putman — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 23:57:47 GMT

Current Revision posted to Writer's Block by Cara C. Putman on 6/30/2023 11:57:47 PM

Per bestselling author Cara C. Putman, most authors will likely get hit with writer's block at some point, whether they've written just one book, or 40 books. For her, it is something that must be factored into every writing project, despite her impressive portfolio of award-winning work. Her solution? Plan ahead for it and build it into the writing schedule. By giving yourself at least one or two extra weeks in your overall deadline, you are giving yourself the opportunity to work through the blocks instead of panicking, which can be counterproductive. This extra time will give you a chance to take a day off or revisit parts of your story that may not be working.

For Putman, she finds these three steps especially helpful: 1) Do something else creative to stimulate your mind in a new way; 2) Revisit your characters and make sure you fully understand their motivations, their dark moments, and their moments of joy; 3) Spend some time plotting.

Putman strongly encourages writers to plan ahead for writer's block and to have a strategy in place to work through it. You are much more likely to persevere and stay on track with this approach.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AdviceforWritersonIncreasingProductivityandAvoidingWritersBlock.mp4

Tags: fiction, thriller, video, & suspense, romance & erotica, mystery, Historical Fiction

Advice for Writers on Increasing Productivity and Avoiding Writer’s Block

Cara C. Putman — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:30:10 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Writer's Block by Cara C. Putman on 6/29/2023 4:30:10 PM

Per bestselling author Cara C. Putnam, most authors will likely get hit with writer's block at some point, whether they've written just one book, or 40 books. For her, it is something that must be factored into every writing project, despite her impressive portfolio of award-winning work. Her solution? Plan ahead for it and build it into the writing schedule. By giving yourself at least one or two extra weeks in your overall deadline, you are giving yourself the opportunity to work through the blocks instead of panicking, which can be counterproductive. This extra time will give you a chance to take a day off or revisit parts of your story that may not be working.

For Putnam, she finds these three steps especially helpful: 1) Do something else creative to stimulate your mind in a new way; 2) Revisit your characters and make sure you fully understand their motivations, their dark moments, and their moments of joy; 3) Spend some time plotting.

Putnam strongly encourages writers to plan ahead for writer's block and to have a strategy in place to work through it. You are much more likely to persevere and stay on track with this approach.

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AdviceforWritersonIncreasingProductivityandAvoidingWritersBlock.mp4

Tags: fiction, thriller, video, & suspense, romance & erotica, mystery, Historical Fiction

Advice for Writers on Increasing Productivity and Avoiding Writer’s Block

Cara C. Putman — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:21:14 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Writer's Block by Cara C. Putman on 6/29/2023 4:21:14 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AdviceforWritersonIncreasingProductivityandAvoidingWritersBlock.mp4

Tags: fiction, thriller, video, & suspense, romance & erotica, mystery, Historical Fiction

Advice for Writers on Increasing Productivity and Avoiding Writer’s Block

Cara C. Putman — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:19:05 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Writer's Block by Cara C. Putman on 6/29/2023 4:19:05 PM

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../AdviceforWritersonIncreasingProductivityandAvoidingWritersBlock.mp4

Tags: fiction, video

Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block

Derek Taylor Kent — Thu, 05 May 2022 15:07:17 GMT

Revision 2 posted to Writer's Block by Derek Taylor Kent on 5/5/2022 3:07:17 PM

Your Writing is Terrific, Now Become Prolific!

Best-selling author Derek Taylor Kent is the author of 17 published and soon-to-be published books, including seven novels, dozens of screenplays, plays, and musicals, and more. But would you believe he's struggled with writer's block almost his entire life? With over 20 years of professional writing experience, Derek has developed strategies that turn writer's block into a writer's blast of output. In this session, he reveals his favorite tips and tricks that will get you in the flow and writing like a professional. Whether you're a beginner or advanced, these tools are ones that anyone will find enlightening and invaluable.

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Writer_2700_s-Block-Strategies_5F00_Kent_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../StrategiesforOvercomingWritersBlock.mp4

About the Presenter:
Derek Taylor Kent is the author of 17 books encompassing a wide variety of audiences and genres. He has also produced 15 audiobooks to date. He received a three-book deal from HarperCollins for his middle-grade series 'Scary School' and his picture book 'El Perro con Sombrero' was published by Holt/Macmillan after a multi-publisher bidding war. It has been one of the best-selling bilingual picture books in the world since its release in 2015. His puzzle-thriller for an adult audience, 'Kubrick's Game', was published by Evolved Publishing and twice became the #1 best-selling book on Amazon and received a Reader's Favorite Gold Medal. He recently founded the brand Whimsical World with his wife, children's author and ALC speaker Sheri Fink, with a mission to inspire, delight, and educate children of all ages while planting seeds of self-esteem and high achievement. He taught writing and publishing classes for several years at The Writing Pad in Los Angeles. Discover more at www.DerekTaylorKent.com and www.WhimsicalWorldBooks.com.

Tags: fiction, Nonfiction, Subscriber, Recorded Webinar

Strategies for Overcoming Writer's Block

Author Learning Center — Thu, 05 May 2022 14:57:49 GMT

Revision 1 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 5/5/2022 2:57:49 PM

Your Writing is Terrific, Now Become Prolific!

Here is the handout referenced in the session:
www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Writer_2700_s-Block-Strategies_5F00_Kent_5F00_ALC-Handout.pdf

www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../StrategiesforOvercomingWritersBlock.mp4

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:06:58 GMT

Current Revision posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 4:06:58 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer.

From time to time, every writer struggles with bouts of this loathsome paralytic. Fortunately, those who have made it through have developed some battle tested methods for busting this debilitating state of mind. Read on and discover their remedies – they may be just what the doctor ordered!

1. Defeat your fears.

Writers the world over often find themselves sidelined at some point by fear. Fear of disappointment, of rejection, or of simply not being good enough. If you let them, these negative feelings can influence your behaviors and zap your creative juices. Yet, trepidation needn’t stop you from pursuing your passion. According to Book Coach Cathy Fyock, the first step is to identify your fears and take away their power by facing them. From there, it’s a matter of guarding your thoughts, and implementing tools and techniques that keep anxiety at bay.

2. Carve out time to write.

We all have such busy lives these days and committing time to write can be challenging. Yet, establishing the habit can go a long way toward keeping you focused and helping to prioritize your writing. Though it may seem counter intuitive (can creativity be scheduled?) Author and artist Twyla Tharp maintains that “creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits.” If you only write when you’re “feeling creative” you’re at the mercy of circumstance, waiting for the perfect conditions. Sooner or later your bound to stumble into a fog. So, try to set an appointment with yourself to write. Even if it is just 15 minutes of solid, undistracted time to sit and write. Maybe it’s every day, every other day, or just on weekends — but whatever it is, stick to it!

3. Find your groove.

Free writing, batching time, word count methods, and timers are just a few of the technique’s writers use to streamline writing time and block out distractions. Yet it’s important to remember that every writer is different and what works for one may not be a fit for all. So, experiment with different methods and find one that works for you. Establishing a rhythm that works for you can be key to habiltualizing your writing, blocking out distractions and finding the focus you need to promote productivity.

4. Write garbage.

Yep you read that right. Sometimes the pressure to create something transcendent can overwhelm, stemming the flow of your words. Release yourself from the pressure to be perfect. Sometimes writers can get caught up trying to find the perfect phrase to illustrate a concept. Skip this block-inducing endeavor by inserting a stand in phrase such as “in other words…” and just write what you’re thinking. Forget about being articulate, come back later to refine by pressing CTRL+F to search out the stand-in phrase you used. Screenplay writer and actor Sylvester Stallone contends that when he feels the paralytic effect of writers block, he just starts writing. Sooner or later he says, “The garbage washes out and other ideas start flowing…the words start flowing again.” So, release yourself from the burden of perfection. Try practicing what author and educator Shiny Burcu Unsal calls the “California Blowoff,” and push your inner critic to the side.

5. Conquer through creativity.

It’s important to remember that writer’s block is an obstacle to be hurdled, not a permanent state. Utilizing writing techniques or prompts can help you find inspiration and stimulate your imagination. Sometimes a change of perspective can be beneficial. How might a “fly on the wall” might narrate the scene? Many writers have also had great success with backwards engineering a story, while others employ simple exercises to get the juices flowing. There is no goal other than to get thinking and get the right side of your brain activated again. When you stimulate creativity, sooner or later the connection to your work at hand will be restored.

6. Get visual.

Sometimes when words fail you it’s best to just give them up. Get visual. Create mind maps, vision boards, drawings, paper your fridge with sticky notes - whatever unblocks your mind! There are also a variety of writing apps that offer graphic methods of organization. Apps such as InkFlow work like a visual word processor and allow you to move your ideas around/doodle on them however you see fit.

7. Practice patience.

Take your time. Sometimes you can come up with a great idea, but bringing it full circle can be a struggle. It can take time to overcome direction changes or just flesh out the evolution of a story. As Award winning author of “Tuesday’s with Morrie,” Mitch Albom explains, “there can be immense pressure for an author to quickly pump out a sequel or a work that taps into a hot trend, but sometimes the best thing you can do is give yourself and your story room to breathe.” Resist the urge to force it. Sometimes the story unfolds on its own time table. If you have an outline, it may be time to revisit it to see if there is something missing or not working that’s holding you back.

8. Develop a support system.

We all have lives that exist aside from writing. Developing a support system may help you buttress your priorities and allow you to make room in your life for your craft. Friends, family or peers can also help you stay motivated. They can remind you of your goals or provide validation on days when your fortitude is waning. After all, by nature humans are social creatures (yes even the writer) and we don’t always do well alone. At one time or another we may need to ask for help. This could be emotional support, inspiration or guidance. If you find yourself languishing in the wrong headspace, author and life coach Shan Gill urges authors to ask for help. Reach out to a peer, friend, family member, or of course the community here at ALC. You’re not in this alone!

9. Incentivize

Even the most prolific writers have moments of hammering away and getting nowhere. In those moments it’s easy for even the most dedicated to get discouraged. When you feel particularly downtrodden it can be useful to try implementing incentives. Reward yourself when you reach certain goals, or when you've pushed past a tough hurdle. Give yourself a tangible reason to push forward. Sometimes writing is its own reward, but other times chasing the carrot may be just the motivation you need.

10. Be kind to yourself.

Accept that some days will be less productive. When Mackerel magazine editor, ghostwriter, and founder of The Creative Voice Carolyn Oei gets blocked creatively, she stops working on the project at hand and does something else that she enjoys. Take a walk, enjoy a delicious meal, meditate or practice yoga. Nurturing yourself and centering your thoughts can be just the rejuvenation you need. Additionally, sometimes the best way to climb out of a writing funk is to take yourself out of your own work and into someone else’s. Check out an exhibition, go to the cinema, or take in a play or local gig. Immerse yourself in greatness and soon sounds, sensations, and colors will fill the space that once felt empty.

It’s important to remember that writer’s block, while miserable and incapacitating, is only a temporary condition. The secret to reanimation is to find what works for you and honor the process. Make time for writing, commit to it as sacred, creative time. Don’t allow your negative voice to guide your thinking or stop your creative process. Continue to work and gain clarity and focus for yourself and your readers so that you may share your story with authenticity and without apology. One word at a time.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:03:29 GMT

Revision 11 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 4:03:29 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer.

1. Defeat your fears.

2. Carve out time to write.

3. Find your groove.

4. Write garbage.

5. Conquer through creativity.

6. Get visual.

7. Practice patience.

8. Develop a support system.

9. Incentivize

10. Be kind to yourself.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.

Tags: article, fiction, Nonfiction

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:00:49 GMT

Revision 10 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 4:00:49 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer.

1. Defeat your fears.

2. Carve out time to write.

3. Find your groove.

4. Write garbage.

5. Conquer through creativity.

6. Get visual.

7. Practice patience.

8. Develop a support system.

9. Incentivize

10. Be kind to yourself.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 16:00:05 GMT

Revision 9 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 4:00:05 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer.

1. Defeat your fears.

2. Carve out time to write.

3. Find your groove.

4. Write garbage.

5. Conquer through creativity.

6. Get visual.

7. Practice patience.

8. Develop a support system.

9. Incentivize

10. Be kind to yourself.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, writing software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:54:38 GMT

Revision 8 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 3:54:38 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer.

1. Defeat your fears.

2. Carve out time to write.

3. Find your groove.

4. Write garbage.

5. Conquer through creativity.

6. Get visual.

7. Practice patience.

8. Develop a support system.

9. Incentivize

10. Be kind to yourself.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, writing software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:46:21 GMT

Revision 7 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 3:46:21 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer.

1. Defeat your fears.

2. Carve out time to write.

3. Find your groove.

4. Write garbage.

5. Conquer through creativity.

6. Get visual.

7. Practice patience.

8. Develop a support system.

9. Incentivize

10. Be kind to yourself.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, writing software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:41:25 GMT

Revision 6 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 3:41:25 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer.

From time to time every writer struggles with bouts of this loathsome paralytic. Fortunately, those who have made it through have developed some battle tested methods for busting this debilitating state of mind. Read on and discover their remedies – they may be just what the doctor ordered!

1. Defeat your fears.

2. Carve out time to write.

We all have such busy lives these days and committing time to write can be challenging. Yet establishing the habit can go a long way toward keeping you focused and helping to prioritize your writing. Though it may seem counterintuitive (can creativity be scheduled?) Author and artist Twyla Tharp maintains that “creativity is a habit, and the best creativity is a result of good work habits.” If you only write when you’re “feeling creative” you’re at the mercy of circumstance, waiting for the perfect conditions. Sooner or later your bound stumble into a fog. So try to set an appointment with yourself to write. Even if it is just 15 minutes of solid, undistracted time to sit and write. Maybe it’s every day, every other day, or just on weekends — but whatever it is, stick to it!

3. Find your groove.

4. Write garbage.

5. Conquer through creativity.

6. Get visual.

7. Practice patience.

8. Develop a support system.

9. Incentivize

10. Be kind to yourself.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, writing software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:37:56 GMT

Revision 5 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 3:37:56 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer. From time to time every writer struggles with bouts of this loathsome paralytic. Fortunately, those who have made it through have developed some battle tested methods for busting this debilitating state of mind. Read on and discover their remedies – they may be just what the doctor ordered!

1. Defeat your fears.

2. Carve out time to write.

3. Find your groove.

4. Write garbage.

5. Conquer through creativity.

6. Get visual.

7. Practice patience.

8. Develop a support system.

9. Incentivize

10. Be kind to yourself.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, writing software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:36:53 GMT

Revision 4 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 3:36:53 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer. From time to time every writer struggles with bouts of this loathsome paralytic. Fortunately, those who have made it through have developed some battle tested methods for busting this debilitating state of mind. Read on and discover their remedies – they may be just what the doctor ordered!

1. Defeat your fears.

2. Carve out time to write.

3. Find your groove.

4. Write garbage.

5. Conquer through creativity.

6. Get visual.

7. Practice patience.

8. Develop a support system.

9. Incentivize

10. Be kind to yourself.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, writing software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.

10 Tips for Overcoming Writer’s Block

Author Learning Center — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 15:35:30 GMT

Revision 3 posted to Writer's Block by Author Learning Center on 8/18/2020 3:35:30 PM

Writer’s block. The most dreaded, incapacitating phenomenon ever to befall a writer. From time to time every writer struggles with bouts of this loathsome paralytic. Fortunately, those who have made it through have developed some battle tested methods for busting this debilitating state of mind. Read on and discover their remedies – they may be just what the doctor ordered!

1. Defeat your fears.

2. Carve out time to write.

3. Find your groove.

4. Write garbage.

5. Conquer through creativity.

6. Get visual.

7. Practice patience.

8. Develop a support system.

9. Incentivize

10. Be kind to yourself.

For additional resources such as writing prompts, writing software, and other helpful tools, visit our Writing Resources page.