Talking It Out

Let’s Get Back On Track

Jun 10, 2025

Why is it a rainy window? Because it’s raining now? Because I like looking out into the rain while writing? Maybe.

I talked last time about Writer’s Block. I also mentioned that when I was young, I didn’t believe in writer’s block, which was silly of me. What I didn’t understand was that writer’s block can manifest differently for different people. How did I learn that? Through talking.

Author MJ Moores commented on my last Substack post/newsletter about sharing ideas to break writer’s block. Talking about how to get past writer’s block has been helpful for me and I’m confident it can be helpful to you too.

The crux of the suggestion: Talk it out. Tell another writer about your story. Tell them about where you’re stuck. What avenues do you see your characters traveling down? What about the plot? Where do you see it going? Questions and responses. Opinions and options. Say it out loud. Make it a discussion and do it with someone you trust. Not necessarily your bestie, who supports you no matter what you do, but another creative person who will tell you when something doesn’t make sense. Maybe do it in a group. It’s always great to connect with people who are going through what you’re going through.

I’ve done that, whether in one of the weekly write-ins I attend or something more formal. MJ has led a couple of groups that I’ve attended where each person brings in their WIP and the group discusses the issue. We work out the tangles until it’s silky and smooth. Critique groups are excellent for this too. I’ve talked about the value of critique groups before, and I’m happy to mention it again… writing groups are great!

No matter why you’re stuck, talking about the story can help. Even if it’s in a general sense and not at the particular part where you’ve stopped. It can get the creative juices flowing, the brain sparking, and the next thing you know, you have another 5,000 words!

BrainStorm

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