Welcome back to our series, 20 QUESTIONS!,
where we answer questions about writing, reading, and author life.
This month’s question:
How do you deal with writer’s block?
Darshana Khiani
“When I get really stuck, I put the story away for a while, usually at least several months. During this time I will dive into another project. This helps me get some distance from the stuck project so I can see it more clearly.”
—Darshana Khiani, author of I’M AN AMERICAN, illus. Laura Freeman (Viking, 2023)
Angela Burke Kunkel
“Something that’s been helpful for me (and I wish I knew who to give credit to) is reframing ‘writer’s block’ as creative resistance. Doing something physical or creative rather than sitting down and wrestling with my writing always helps. Taking a walk, practicing yoga, trying a new recipe, working in my garden, or learning a new craft—any or all of these helps me let go of that creative resistance and return to the work in a way that’s more open and playful.”
—Angela Burke Kunkel, author of MAKE WAY, illus. Claire Keane (Random House Studio, 2023).
Kim Rogers
“Reading always helps me through writer’s block. I find inspiration and some ideas for my own books in everything that I read.”
—Kim Rogers, author of A LETTER FOR BOB, illus. Jonathan Nelson (Heartdrum, 2023)
Valerie Bowling
“Take a walk, read, do something else. The ideas will come eventually. Also, if you keep an ongoing list of ideas (use Storystorm for inspiration), you’ll always have ways to get unblocked by focusing on a new story.”
—Valerie Bolling, author of RAINBOW DAYS: THE GRAY DAY, illus. Kai Robinson (Scholastic, 2023)
Kirsten W. Larson
“The only answer for me is to ‘give it time.’ While I wait, I read mentor texts for inspiration and let my subconscious work on the problem. Often the answer comes to me when my body is busy and my mind is wandering, like on a walk, in a shower, or while doing yoga. With enough time—sometimes years!—an answer often comes.”
—Kirsten W. Larson, author of THE FIRE OF STARS: The Life and Brilliance of the Woman Who Discovered What Stars Are Made Of, illus. Katherine Roy (Chronicle, 2023)