Hi Squad,
Happy Monday! I hope this week brings you a little more flow and a little less frustration at the keyboard. This week, weâre tackling a big oneâwriterâs block. What it is, why it hits, and three practical ways to get through it.
Also, a quick heads-up: weâre shifting to fortnightly newsletters from here on out. Same helpful tips and writing inspo, just a little more breathing room between instalments.
And if you havenât already, come join the chat over on Instagram @jfgibsonwriterâIâd love to hear how your writing week is going.
đ§ Three Tips to Beat Writerâs Block
Writerâs block. Itâs something every writer faces at some point, whether youâre working on your first manuscript or your tenth. But the good news? Itâs not permanent. With a few simple strategies, you can ease through the stuck moments and keep moving forward.
đ 1. Lower the Stakes
Often, writerâs block is less about having no ideas and more about putting too much pressure on the words to be perfect. When every sentence has to sound polished from the start, itâs easy to freeze up.
Instead, give yourself permission to write a rough versionâsomething you know youâll come back and revise. Tell yourself, this is just a sketch, or no one else will see this yet. Taking the pressure off can help free up your creativity and get the words flowing again.
𧹠2. Change Your Environment
A small change of scenery can make a big difference. If you usually write at your desk, try moving to another room, heading to a local cafĂŠ, or even just sitting outside with a notebook. Writing by hand can also help if youâre feeling stuck on the screen.
Sometimes a fresh setting helps you approach your work with fresh eyes.
đ 3. Skip Ahead
If youâre stuck on one part of your story, donât be afraid to move past it. Jump ahead to a scene youâre excited to writeâwhether itâs a dramatic turning point, a romantic moment, or the ending youâve had in mind from the start.
Writing scenes out of order is completely valid, and it can help you build momentum. You can always go back and fill in the gaps later.
đĄ The Takeaway
Writerâs block is a normal part of the creative process. It doesnât mean youâre out of ideas or doing something wrong. Often, itâs a sign you need to shift gearsâease the pressure, mix things up, or simply write something else for a while.
Be kind to yourself, keep showing up, and remember: the words will come.
Comps & Opportunities
âď¸ Publishable - QLD Writers Centre
Date: 20th May
Manuscript development competition. Details here.
âď¸ Peter Cowan Short Story Competition
Date: 30th April
Short stories of 600 words or less! Details here.
âď¸ Varuna Fellowships
Date: 5th May
Now open for 2026. Details here.
Food for Thought
âĄď¸ Australian Childrenâs Author signs 8 figure book deal!
âĄď¸ From Indie Publishing to a Six Figure Deal
Ask The Author Podcast
đď¸ This week, on the Ask The Author podcastâŚ
How well do you know your MC? In this weekâs episode of Ask The Author, I give you my five top tips on getting to know your characters. And, if you have your own question, please feel free to ask by hitting reply to this email. (And you can remain anonymous.)
Now out on your fav podcast app, or hereâs the apple link or simply search for Ask The Author with Jodi Gibson
Until next time, happy writing!
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