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Helping Writers Become Authors #5
Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration: Learn to Nurture a Lifestyle of Creativity
Position yourself to live an inspired life and send the dreaded writer’s block packing. Inspiration is a slippery thing at the best of times. But as a writer, you can’t afford to wait around on Madam Muse’s goodwill. In this encouraging e-book, award-winning author K.M. Weiland shows you how to nurture creativity and put it at your summons, rather than the other way around. After reading this book, you will be able Build a lifestyle that encourages inspiration Say goodbye to destructive guilt over “wasting” time on creative endeavors Discover why inspiration isn’t so much a feeling as an act of will Understand what to do when your best-laid writing plans go awry Use your non-writing time to boost your creative energy Apply specific tips to prevent and combat writer’s block Instill habits for improving your efficiency and commitment as an author Nurture a lifestyle of creativity that will keep your fingers flying over the keyboard!
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 17, 2014
155 people are currently reading
813 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Weiland
29 books2,528 followersK.M. Weiland is the award-winning and internationally published author of acclaimed writing guides such as Structuring Your Novel, Creating Character Arcs, and Writing Archetypal Character Arcs. She writes historical and speculative fiction and mentors authors on her award-winning website Helping Writers Become Authors.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
August 10, 2016
Initial reaction: Very quick read but a very helpful guide to overcoming writer's block. I feel Weiland hit on many interesting points on why and how writer's get blocked, and offered viable solutions to such problems, as well as prompted great tips for being inspired.
Full review:
"Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration" is a very short read (my Kindle copy was 60 some pages while the audiobook is just under 2 hours) but packs quite a bit of useful information that I had quite a bit of takeaway from. K.M. Weiland's suggestions are very helpful and encouraging while being aware of the struggles of the writing life. The book first makes suggestions on how to strike inspiration and create productive habits from a multitude of different sources (including being able to dig into details and making writing a priority). Then it follows up with the reasons why writers get blocked (some examples include stressing that sometimes our inner editors get the best of us, that we may hang on to the same ideas and be afraid to stretch out of comfort zones, or that we may wait for "the zone").
I appreciated Weiland's honest feedback and the text itself feels thorough on a number of different issues for writers who are new and also veterans. I definitely think I'll refer back to this to get a dose of inspiration when I need it (though it's not so much that I suffer from writer's block as it is that I need to sometimes rein in my inner critic, as well as try to organize all the ideas that keep welling up in my head and organize them to optimize my productivity.)
Overall score: 4.5/5 stars.
Full review:
"Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration" is a very short read (my Kindle copy was 60 some pages while the audiobook is just under 2 hours) but packs quite a bit of useful information that I had quite a bit of takeaway from. K.M. Weiland's suggestions are very helpful and encouraging while being aware of the struggles of the writing life. The book first makes suggestions on how to strike inspiration and create productive habits from a multitude of different sources (including being able to dig into details and making writing a priority). Then it follows up with the reasons why writers get blocked (some examples include stressing that sometimes our inner editors get the best of us, that we may hang on to the same ideas and be afraid to stretch out of comfort zones, or that we may wait for "the zone").
I appreciated Weiland's honest feedback and the text itself feels thorough on a number of different issues for writers who are new and also veterans. I definitely think I'll refer back to this to get a dose of inspiration when I need it (though it's not so much that I suffer from writer's block as it is that I need to sometimes rein in my inner critic, as well as try to organize all the ideas that keep welling up in my head and organize them to optimize my productivity.)
Overall score: 4.5/5 stars.
January 8, 2016
I love the tone of this book. This woman gets me. And apparently eavesdrops on my email conversations:
"Question: Why do you believe your story is terrible? If your answer is “I don’t knoooooww! It just iiiiiiissss!” then see Solution 1."
This is my exact whining tone.
I will keep this at the top of my kindle to give me regular pep talks when I feel sucky and sorry for myself.
"Question: Why do you believe your story is terrible? If your answer is “I don’t knoooooww! It just iiiiiiissss!” then see Solution 1."
This is my exact whining tone.
I will keep this at the top of my kindle to give me regular pep talks when I feel sucky and sorry for myself.
February 21, 2015
A work of profundity, as I always expect from Weiland
This short but powerful book covers far more than just overcoming writer's block. It offers tips and guidelines for constructing and inspired writing life. As an author, I can tend to get into writing "lows," in which inspiration is constrained and the words refuse to come. K.M. Weiland's book has encouraged me (and, I'm sure, will continue to encourage me) to pursue creativity, spark inspiration, and thank God for everything about the writing life.
This short but powerful book covers far more than just overcoming writer's block. It offers tips and guidelines for constructing and inspired writing life. As an author, I can tend to get into writing "lows," in which inspiration is constrained and the words refuse to come. K.M. Weiland's book has encouraged me (and, I'm sure, will continue to encourage me) to pursue creativity, spark inspiration, and thank God for everything about the writing life.
February 26, 2018
As someone who is trying to tear down her writer's block with bare and bloodied fingers, I was delighted to discover this book by KM Weiland. It is a shortish but engaging read on the subject that plagues many creative writers. Weiland takes the reader through the common causes of feeling blocked but doesn't just tell you to put your bum on a seat (although she may mention that too). She looks at issues such as how to be inspired daily and optimise your imagination. She considers writing antagonists such as fear of failure and depression and gives practical hints on how to counteract blocks to our creativity. The thing that touched me most however was her emphasis on joy. Joy infuses the pages of Weiland's fiction and it was no surprise to find that she makes joy a focus as she writes. She says:
'Don't ever forget to embrace the ecstasy of writing and remember what it's like to write with joy... TEach yourself to write with joy. Focus on the thrill of discovering the germ of a new story idea. Bask in the energy of characters who live and breathe on the page. Throw yourself a major party on completion of every novel...
We are writers. We are allowed to see the world in a way few others do. Fulfilment is ours for the taking, if only we can disperse the joy-killing demons that lurk beneath our desks.'
I would recommend 'Conquering Writer's Block' to anyone whose writing life needs a practical and inspiring vitamin B12 shot.
'Don't ever forget to embrace the ecstasy of writing and remember what it's like to write with joy... TEach yourself to write with joy. Focus on the thrill of discovering the germ of a new story idea. Bask in the energy of characters who live and breathe on the page. Throw yourself a major party on completion of every novel...
We are writers. We are allowed to see the world in a way few others do. Fulfilment is ours for the taking, if only we can disperse the joy-killing demons that lurk beneath our desks.'
I would recommend 'Conquering Writer's Block' to anyone whose writing life needs a practical and inspiring vitamin B12 shot.
September 15, 2020
Another excellent book of practical advice from K.M. Weiland. Not quite as good as Creating Character Arcs, in my opinion, but still a solid read and much needed for me as I battle the doldrums of the writing life. I'm going to have to dig more and more into Weiland's non-fiction.
June 6, 2015
I found K.M. Weiland’s book, Outlining Your Novel, very helpful, so I’ll gladly read anything she writes. Although I haven’t read any of her fiction, I like her style of writing in her nonfiction books. She’s knowledgeable, encouraging, and eager to help you out.
Although this book doesn’t tell you anything new, sometimes you need to read something that will encourage you to keep on going in this often discouraging and frustrating field. This book came at one of those times in my writing career. Although I doubt I’ll ever give up writing, I easily get sidetracked and push it to the back burner. Big mistake. If you don’t get your butt in that chair EVERY day, you’ll never get anything done. Reading this book was the kick in the butt that I currently need.
I often find that other writing books encourage you to give up on a story that isn’t working and move on. Weiland says that every story deserves a second chance and if you grit your teeth and keep working on it, you just might write your way out of the rut. That is far more helpful to me than sitting there, wringing my hands, and debating whether or not I should give up on the story I’m currently working on.
I’m looking forward to reading Weiland’s other book, Structuring Your Novel, and anything else she decides to share with us.
Although this book doesn’t tell you anything new, sometimes you need to read something that will encourage you to keep on going in this often discouraging and frustrating field. This book came at one of those times in my writing career. Although I doubt I’ll ever give up writing, I easily get sidetracked and push it to the back burner. Big mistake. If you don’t get your butt in that chair EVERY day, you’ll never get anything done. Reading this book was the kick in the butt that I currently need.
I often find that other writing books encourage you to give up on a story that isn’t working and move on. Weiland says that every story deserves a second chance and if you grit your teeth and keep working on it, you just might write your way out of the rut. That is far more helpful to me than sitting there, wringing my hands, and debating whether or not I should give up on the story I’m currently working on.
I’m looking forward to reading Weiland’s other book, Structuring Your Novel, and anything else she decides to share with us.
March 2, 2016
If you have writer's block, Conquering Writer's Block by K. M. Weiland provides much needed inspiration and advice.
January 13, 2016
I really enjoyed reading this book. The tips are simple, practical, and easy to apply--things we all need to be reminded about as writers. And it inspired me to keep on writing!
August 26, 2021
Relaxing and short read. Nothing new it ground breaking. Just helps you remember things you need to fight writer's block, all in one place.
March 22, 2024
It's so encouraging! A lot of practical advice and helpful mindset shifts. Yes, there's the age-old "just start writing" advice, but this helps you DO that. Definitely recommend.
September 28, 2018
Full title: Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration: Learn to Nurture a Lifestyle of Creativity by K.M. Weiland
I’m possibly not the best person to review this book, because I don’t really suffer from writer’s block. If I get stuck on one story, I go work in another for a while until the solution comes to me. At any given time, I may have 4-8 major projects on the go and another 10 or more on the ‘back burner’. But what works for my ADD brain may not work for other people, and especially, folks on tight deadlines who MUST get one specific story written.
However… I’m not 100% sure K.M. Weiland is the right person to WRITE this book, since she quite plainly confesses in it that she doesn’t believe in writer’s block either. What she does believe in is hard work to achieve results, and in this book she offers a host of practical tips for authors to get their creative juices flowing, no matter what.
The key point I took away from the book - and the one I’ve found works best for me as a writer - is preparation is key and procrastination is death. Get prepared. Plan what you’re going to write. Think about it during your non-writing time, and when you sit down at the keyboard you’ll hopefully have words ready to flow.
As for procrastination - well, it should be obvious that if you never start, you’ll never finish. If you’re a serial procrastinator, there are some useful and writing-specific tools here to help you conquer that, but as usual a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Write one sentence. Write for five minutes. Do it every day and eventually, you’ll have a finished novel. Most of all, you have to believe in yourself as a writer, and accept that first drafts always suck. Just get that first draft down so you can start the process of turning your story into something that shines.
As I said at the top, this book was never going to be all that useful for me. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t work for you. If you need strategies to beat writer’s block and get yourself into that writing groove, this could very well be the most useful book you’ll ever read. I’m giving it four stars.
I’m possibly not the best person to review this book, because I don’t really suffer from writer’s block. If I get stuck on one story, I go work in another for a while until the solution comes to me. At any given time, I may have 4-8 major projects on the go and another 10 or more on the ‘back burner’. But what works for my ADD brain may not work for other people, and especially, folks on tight deadlines who MUST get one specific story written.
However… I’m not 100% sure K.M. Weiland is the right person to WRITE this book, since she quite plainly confesses in it that she doesn’t believe in writer’s block either. What she does believe in is hard work to achieve results, and in this book she offers a host of practical tips for authors to get their creative juices flowing, no matter what.
The key point I took away from the book - and the one I’ve found works best for me as a writer - is preparation is key and procrastination is death. Get prepared. Plan what you’re going to write. Think about it during your non-writing time, and when you sit down at the keyboard you’ll hopefully have words ready to flow.
As for procrastination - well, it should be obvious that if you never start, you’ll never finish. If you’re a serial procrastinator, there are some useful and writing-specific tools here to help you conquer that, but as usual a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. Write one sentence. Write for five minutes. Do it every day and eventually, you’ll have a finished novel. Most of all, you have to believe in yourself as a writer, and accept that first drafts always suck. Just get that first draft down so you can start the process of turning your story into something that shines.
As I said at the top, this book was never going to be all that useful for me. However, that doesn’t mean it can’t work for you. If you need strategies to beat writer’s block and get yourself into that writing groove, this could very well be the most useful book you’ll ever read. I’m giving it four stars.
January 18, 2015
It's not really fair to give a star rating to a short, single-topic, ebook, so I'd rather give this a general thumbs up.
Some other reviewers have thought this book too negative in it's content, but I found the tough stories were empowering. It's normal to have doubts and struggles. This book embraces the fact that all authors, from newbies to successful published authors, all struggle with the same kind of issues. This book provides ideas how to move beyond those doubts to keep writing and not get caught in paralysis by analysis.
Some other reviewers have thought this book too negative in it's content, but I found the tough stories were empowering. It's normal to have doubts and struggles. This book embraces the fact that all authors, from newbies to successful published authors, all struggle with the same kind of issues. This book provides ideas how to move beyond those doubts to keep writing and not get caught in paralysis by analysis.
January 9, 2017
I enjoyed reading this book. Katie shows how important it is to get over writer's block and how inspiration can be present in our day to day writing. There are tips on how to organize your time when you are working on your various writing projects. It will help anyone who is interested in this subject become better at this craft.
June 14, 2016
Small and concise, with everything you need to learn to stay on track in your goals and understanding you visions. Although it is quite exclusive for authors, but it has tons of advice about life in general. I would recommend it to anyone pursuing any artistic goals.
April 22, 2015
In this little book, K.M. Weiland has much to say on the writing life. She has made many good points.
February 5, 2017
I tweeted recently that I keep getting CS Larkin and KM Weiland mixed up. I’m not sure why: both give great writing advice, both have written numerous novels both in fiction and non-fiction, both have useful websites… wait…
So, this is another in my never ending quest to learn more about writing. I rationalise that if I learn just one thing from each new book I read, I’m ahead.
YES! That’s it!
I have a file card box - and when I get an idea I scribble it out roughly with a couple of plot points or just the what if’ question.
The box is marked with an image from tumblr user petitpotato http://petitpotato.tumblr.com/
Of a cute little brain skipping along tossing out puzzle pieces marked ‘idea’ while a person stands behind it crying, ‘brain, noooo… none of these fit together!!’
That is the story of my writing life.
So, we’re not really summoning inspiration - it’s the getting it all done in some kind of coherent form that writers need advice for.
And it’s here.
It’s even listed in the summary but the book makes me nod my head, and say ‘omg, I do that’.
And it’s kind of encouraging to hear someone else be honest and say that they struggle with the same things you do, and share their solutions.
4 stars
So, this is another in my never ending quest to learn more about writing. I rationalise that if I learn just one thing from each new book I read, I’m ahead.
If you’re like most writers, coming up with story ideas is rarely a problem. More than likely, your brain bubbles over with more ideas than you’ll be able to use in two and a half lifetimes. I’ve yet to meet a writer who decided, Hmm, I’d like to be an author— and then sat down to brainstorm ideas. Instead, most of us turned to writing as a way to release the pressure of the ideas already ricocheting around in our brains. (Kindle Locations 31-34)
YES! That’s it!
I have a file card box - and when I get an idea I scribble it out roughly with a couple of plot points or just the what if’ question.
The box is marked with an image from tumblr user petitpotato http://petitpotato.tumblr.com/
Of a cute little brain skipping along tossing out puzzle pieces marked ‘idea’ while a person stands behind it crying, ‘brain, noooo… none of these fit together!!’
That is the story of my writing life.
So, we’re not really summoning inspiration - it’s the getting it all done in some kind of coherent form that writers need advice for.
And it’s here.
It’s even listed in the summary but the book makes me nod my head, and say ‘omg, I do that’.
And it’s kind of encouraging to hear someone else be honest and say that they struggle with the same things you do, and share their solutions.
4 stars
September 6, 2018
I love short books on writing, it's so easy to blast through them and then apply their lessons--provided they include advice on overcoming procrastination, of course.
Weiland's slim how-to covers everything from cultivating the mindset for ideas, establishing good habits and how to deal with the inevitable feelings of "my writing sucks now and forever more."
The specific tips for avoiding writer's block itself are copious and for the most part familiar to anyone who may have read similar guides, ranging from the easy to follow ("Take a break") to the may-need-a-few-tries-to-work ("Show up every day" and "Just start typing").
This is another perfectly fine book for a new author to peruse, or for anyone who yearns to write but is unhappy with both the quality and quantity of their output. There's nothing revelatory, but Weiland's writing style is light, engaging and the brevity of the work (and use of lists) makes it serve as a handy reference you can return to time and again
Recommended.
Now I just need to write something other than reviews on writing books. :P
Weiland's slim how-to covers everything from cultivating the mindset for ideas, establishing good habits and how to deal with the inevitable feelings of "my writing sucks now and forever more."
The specific tips for avoiding writer's block itself are copious and for the most part familiar to anyone who may have read similar guides, ranging from the easy to follow ("Take a break") to the may-need-a-few-tries-to-work ("Show up every day" and "Just start typing").
This is another perfectly fine book for a new author to peruse, or for anyone who yearns to write but is unhappy with both the quality and quantity of their output. There's nothing revelatory, but Weiland's writing style is light, engaging and the brevity of the work (and use of lists) makes it serve as a handy reference you can return to time and again
Recommended.
Now I just need to write something other than reviews on writing books. :P
December 17, 2020
I'm a huge fan of K.M Weiland. I love her podcasts, her articles and I've already purchased all of her books in order to work my stories with their help. Katie has a magnificent way of debunking texts, she uses enough terminology and she sticks to it, and always comes back to the same meanings, so it's not difficult to follow her well-crafted arguments.
This particular book should be read by all aspiring writers especially those that face 'writer's block.' Apart from offering many useful tips, it's the best choice to boost your ego and make you believe that you can write stories, and you will if you stick to a consistent writing routine and not be hard on yourself.
This was an easy read and an enjoyable one too. Through Katie's creative writing theories, I've managed to get better at my job as a developmental editor and also better at writing my own stories.
Keep up the good work, Katie!
This particular book should be read by all aspiring writers especially those that face 'writer's block.' Apart from offering many useful tips, it's the best choice to boost your ego and make you believe that you can write stories, and you will if you stick to a consistent writing routine and not be hard on yourself.
This was an easy read and an enjoyable one too. Through Katie's creative writing theories, I've managed to get better at my job as a developmental editor and also better at writing my own stories.
Keep up the good work, Katie!
February 18, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4 stars)
To be honest I have not read many books on this subject, so I can only compare it to videos I have watched on the topic. I really enjoyed the flowing language that made it easy and pleasant to read. And I found many nice tips on how to be more inspired, how to overcome certain feelings and habits that can block our creativity, and how to accept that wanting to write is a good enough reason to write!
I'm not sure how useful this book would be to a seasoned writer, but it is a nice introduction to the subject for those who have just started their writing journey or thinking about it! ☺️💕
To be honest I have not read many books on this subject, so I can only compare it to videos I have watched on the topic. I really enjoyed the flowing language that made it easy and pleasant to read. And I found many nice tips on how to be more inspired, how to overcome certain feelings and habits that can block our creativity, and how to accept that wanting to write is a good enough reason to write!
I'm not sure how useful this book would be to a seasoned writer, but it is a nice introduction to the subject for those who have just started their writing journey or thinking about it! ☺️💕
September 27, 2017
This was a fun, inspiring book.
Unlike Weiland's other books, Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration is more about the lifestyle of a writer, rather than the craft of writing. However, I found it just as helpful as her other books. Maybe it's because this is an area I particularly struggle with. My main writing roadblocks, rather than problems with my writing itself, are things like fear, depression, and lack of motivation, all of which Wieland covers. As I was reading, I made myself a "cheat sheet" of all her methods on creativity, despite this book being short and to the point anyway.
Overall, a quick read worth the time of any writer who's ever struggled with the infamous Writer's Block.
Unlike Weiland's other books, Conquering Writer's Block and Summoning Inspiration is more about the lifestyle of a writer, rather than the craft of writing. However, I found it just as helpful as her other books. Maybe it's because this is an area I particularly struggle with. My main writing roadblocks, rather than problems with my writing itself, are things like fear, depression, and lack of motivation, all of which Wieland covers. As I was reading, I made myself a "cheat sheet" of all her methods on creativity, despite this book being short and to the point anyway.
Overall, a quick read worth the time of any writer who's ever struggled with the infamous Writer's Block.
February 5, 2017
K.M. Weiland does it again! This was a vibrant, quick read, and it will be a great resource for repeated future reference. This book is a wonderful assembly of inspiration and helpful suggestions to get any writer moving forward and continuing on in the creative lifestyle. If you can't find yourself in her examples, or a solution to any issue stalling your writing. then you're really not paying attention.
August 9, 2024
This is a super quick read (like under 2 hours on average I think my kindle said). But it touched on some really great tips for writing. I think my biggest takeaway from this was to allow yourself time to daydream or “lollygag”. I tend to constantly be consuming things and leaving little time for monotonous activities like folding laundry or weeding the yard where I can just let my mind wander. It’s in this wandering that often the best ideas come!
All in all a good read, I just wish it had been longer. I also wish it had touched a little more on problem solving and/or how to task your subconscious with something *specific* to solve or expand on.
All in all a good read, I just wish it had been longer. I also wish it had touched a little more on problem solving and/or how to task your subconscious with something *specific* to solve or expand on.
June 4, 2017
Inspiring
Well worth the read. I learned some valuable tips and processes. But what I got most from this book was an understanding of the writers life. The ups and downs, high and lows. How not to let myself get sidetracked or discouraged with every little set back I encounter. Wetlands advice is sound and actionable, simple to incorporate into your writing lifestyle.
Well worth the read. I learned some valuable tips and processes. But what I got most from this book was an understanding of the writers life. The ups and downs, high and lows. How not to let myself get sidetracked or discouraged with every little set back I encounter. Wetlands advice is sound and actionable, simple to incorporate into your writing lifestyle.
July 19, 2019
This is a great quick read for anyone who struggles with keeping their life creative. I often have trouble with this and the information in this book was extremely helpful. I will try to put into practice some of the principles I think will best benefit me. If you are a writer, you need to have this book on your shelf!
August 7, 2023
Practical and encouraging
K.M. has wonderful advice for writers struggling with a myriad of issues, from summoning inspiration to creating good writing habits. This is an uplifting read for writers of any level and skill set. I have enjoyed all of K.M.’s instructional books on writing, and I recommend them to every storyteller.
K.M. has wonderful advice for writers struggling with a myriad of issues, from summoning inspiration to creating good writing habits. This is an uplifting read for writers of any level and skill set. I have enjoyed all of K.M.’s instructional books on writing, and I recommend them to every storyteller.
August 9, 2018
Insightful, practical, and immediately accessible. It's easy to fall victim to the non-writer's opinion of what a writer should be. Weiland effectively sweeps that opinion off the page and offers ways for the writer to allow the intuitive process to grow.
July 5, 2019
This book is SO helpful! I have found myself going back to it again and again every time writer's block strikes. This is a great tool for any writer's toolbox and I think every writer should have a copy. Or two.
October 7, 2019
Ehhhh.
I follow the author and she knows her stuff. This one just felt fluffy and not that useful. I do follow her podcast though so maybe I’ve heard it all already but I can’t justify this as even average in terms of helpfulness.
I follow the author and she knows her stuff. This one just felt fluffy and not that useful. I do follow her podcast though so maybe I’ve heard it all already but I can’t justify this as even average in terms of helpfulness.
May 30, 2020
I haven't written a word in six months. Before I even finished the book, I had written almost two thousand words in one afternoon. This books gives you encouraging tips that help you get out of your own head and back into your imagination. It definitely got me writing again. It works!
December 30, 2022
Worth a read if you are trying to get yourself motivated for a new year of writing ahead. As with all advice you have to take what works for you and disreguard the rest, but it is still a good, quick read ahead of 2023.
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