When the Words Stop: Living with Writer's Block During Emotional Upheaval

This week, I want to talk about writer’s block—my unwelcome companion during times of emotional upheaval. If you’ve been following along, you’ll know that I’m currently navigating a major life shift, and as often happens during periods of intense emotional stress, my creativity has taken a hit.

Writer’s block is something every writer faces at some point. A simple definition? The inability to produce new material. That’s exactly where I’ve been for a little while now. It hasn’t been a crisis—thankfully—because I have plenty of older pieces to revisit and refine, and I’m also busy developing a marketing strategy for my Read-Easy books. None of this requires much creative energy. But the challenge of generating something completely fresh? That’s another story. Literally.

Back in 1970, a group of Yale researchers studied writer’s block and identified four possible root causes:

1. Feeling constrained or creatively limited by the “rules” of writing.

2. Seeking external validation and feeling disappointed or angry when it doesn’t come.

3. Being paralysed by self-criticism and the belief that your work isn’t good enough.

4. Fearing comparison with other writers.

   
   

All four are fascinating reasons—and I imagine many writers can see themselves in one or more. But for me? None of them quite hit the mark.

My writer’s block has always had more to do with emotional and mental exhaustion. When life becomes too overwhelming, the creative part of my brain shuts down. Whatever region is responsible for spark, insight, and inspired expression just fizzles. It doesn’t feel dramatic. It just feels quiet. Under stress, it wilts and goes dormant. I guess, my brain is too tired to be fun.

Jay Bird contemplates writer's block

I once went an entire year without writing anything new. I truly thought I’d lost my ability to create. But eventually, that silence ended—and now, when the block returns, I meet it differently. I no longer panic. I’ve learned to shift focus and redirect my energy. I have so many different author-related tasks that it no longer matters whether I’m inventing something brand new or not. In fact, it’s often a gift to be steered away from the pressure of producing something fresh. It gives me space to concentrate on getting my existing work out into the world.

There’s a constant temptation as a creative to leap into the next shiny idea. To chase the thrill of a new project. But sometimes writer’s block acts as a restraining hand—not a welcome one, but it reminds me to breathe. I've come to view it as a frustrating, but ultimately useful reminder that creativity, like everything else in life, has seasons.

Have you experienced a creative block during a time of personal stress? What helped you through it—or are you still in the thick of it? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.