Dear Writer, Are You In Writer's Block?

QuitBooks for Writers #4

by Becca Syme

Writer’s block.

Not the world’s sexiest topic, right? In fact, I have no doubt this book will go largely unnoticed, because let’s face it, no one wants to talk about this. Some people don’t even believe it exists. (Those people are wrong, by the way…) But that’s also why it’s so important to understand.

Writer’s block is basically the whispered sin in the halls of authordom.

But is it?

I’m an author and a coach of authors, and I hope you’ll join me, if you think this book is for you. If you struggle with writer’s block, or think you do, then at least take a look inside and see if this book is for you.

I think it might be.

- Becca

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

114 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2020

About the author

Becca Syme holds a master’s degree in transformational leadership and has been a success coach (primarily utilizing the Gallup Strengthsfinder®) for almost fifteen years. She’s coached 4,700+ individual authors and creatives through her Write Better-Faster and Strengths for Writers classes & coaching cohorts: six- and seven-figure authors, major award winners, midlisters, and new authors alike. Becca is the host of the YouTube QuitCast channel and a mystery author. She lives in the mountains of Montana.

Reviews

[Kate M. Colby · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this addition to her "Dear Writer" series, Becca Syme explains her definition of writer's block and the different forms it can take. She explains why a writer might be facing writer's block, as well as debunks several of the prescriptive mantras that are normally given as advice to struggling writers.

What I love most about Becca's approach, in this book and all of her work, is that she treats every writer like an individual. She recognizes that some writing advice will help you, some won't, and she encourages you to "question the premise" of anything that doesn't feel helpful to you. She also provides practical, psychological advice on how to get out of writer's block.

While I'm not currently in writer's block, I still found this book incredibly helpful. Becca helped me to see areas where I do sometimes get blocked and how to fix them before they happen, as well as helped me realize which expert advice isn't for me.

Recommended for all writers but especially those struggling to write. Becca also has a helpful writer's block series on YouTube, if you want to give that a try before you read (or alongside) the book.

[Lola · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great read in this series. I like this author's style, her focus on how everyone is different and the way she addresses certain ideas a lot of people have and questions whether those ideas are true. I liked how this book focuses on writer's block and encourages writer's to explore what works for them and use that to overcome their writer's block. She addresses some conventional wisdom about what fixes writer's block and questions whether that actually does and how to figure out of it does.

Another great read in this series.

[Suz Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

“To assume that writers shouldn’t get blocked because other people don’t get blocked doing their jobs is to fundamentally misunderstand the creative process, and the level of energy required to create from nothing.”

Becca Syme is an amazing writing coach who has been helping scores of writers optimize their processes and work through issues such as burnout and writer’s block. Becca’s novel approach is based on the fact that everyone has a unique personality and mix of strengths, therefore writing advice gold for one writer may be kryptonite for another, and leave the writer feeling defeated if it doesn’t work for them. Instead of thinking the approach os wrong for them, they may believe something is wrong with them as writers.

This book examines factors that can stall one’s writing and the well-meaning advice often given to writers that will work, but only if the writer is wired a certain way. The examples provided do a great job of bringing the points home. In the final chapter, a strategy is provided to combat the issues.

I’m a big fan of Becca’s work in helping writers. I’m a regular listener of her fantastic QuitCast on YouTube, and I’ve taken several of her classes. I love this series of book which makes her concepts accessible and are great tools and references. Her concept of questioning the premise of writing tenets and challenging their validity is excellent and freeing. This makes an excellent read for anyone feeling stuck in their writing process.

[A.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this an inhaled it in one evening. Becca is a writing coach and author.

For many writers, the “motivation” to just sit down and write is not going to flatten out the fear spiral and allow the action point to do its work. For most of us, the shame of not writing is not enough to flatten the spiral. For most of us, the pain of the cursor is bigger than any other pain at the moment. So we need to deconstruct that fear.(p. 32).

A lot of it is info she shares on her Youtube page.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqcM...
So, go check that out if you are short on funds.
She loves the idea that you should question the premise. You must write every day. But should you?
You must write first thing in the morning. But should you?

But this is absolutely my problem:

I could just imagine (because I typically see people after they’ve tried other systems and are wondering why it didn’t work for them) all of the writer’s block that had occurred from people “trying out” all of these different methods. Because, of course, that’s what I see all day. “This didn’t work for me. This didn’t work for me. This didn’t work. Why?”(pp. 61-62).

And in trying ALL the methods, you can no longer tell what IS (or used to) work for you.
Worth a read.
4 stars

[Ronel Janse van Vuuren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like how Becca deconstructed all the reasons writers get writer’s block – including harmful myths that keep us stuck.

And though I suspected some of these things, it was good to read that it’s okay to have fallow seasons, to do most of the story writing in my head before it ends up on the page, and that approaching writing more like farming than factory work is good, made me feel validated in my process.

There is so much to learn from this book – even if you don’t believe in “writer’s block”. After all, there’s always something in the way of writing the story if you can’t get the words down, but saying it’s “writer’s block” has as many negative connotations to it as Voldemort…

[A.R. Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. Wow. This is gold. Pithy, punchy and to the point. It’s packed with excellent practical advice with the flexibility of being relevant to the different writing styles and creative processes.

It includes things like basic brain science, hierarchy of needs and it’s impact on creativity and the importance of creative breaks and rest. Plus the myths on writers block. It’s presented not in a nagging you should do this because I said so, but in a way that is helpful and encouraging for the demoralized writer.

[Taylor Ellwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another must read book for indie authors. It explores how to recognize and work through writer’s block. What I like best about this book is that the author recognizes there is no one tried and true way to work through writer’s block. Instead there are multiple paths for dealing with writer’s block and she walks readers through all of them, while also dispelling the myths about writer’s block.

[Rogue Blackwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a writer I think you should read Becca's books. There's a reason she comes so highly recommended. The validation alone is worth every penny.
She has actionable steps you can take regardless of the type of writer you are and the type of blocks you have!
And I highly recommend her Patreon for even more specific guidance and coaching. She is an amazing coach and has already changed so much of how I approach my writing for the better.

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A couple of months ago, I confessed to a friend that I wasn't sure whether I had another book in me. Or even an essay. It's been a long season of lacking creative energy. Even though I know there are good, concrete reasons why that is, it's been too easy to question whether that energy will ever return. This was the exact right book at the exact right time. It was such a reassuring read. The words will come when they're ready. I'm grateful for Syme's approach and insights.

[Misti Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are having trouble writing all of a sudden, this is a great place to start to figure out what’s causing the issue. I love Becca Syme and her love for writers. You can’t go wrong with any of her books. Check out the QuitCast for insights to rock your writing world.

[JacQueline Vaughn Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to ponder

This book was another great read. I’m so thankful for Becca Syme’s insight and ability to apply coaching into book form. I am thinking through a great many things about my personal writing process, who I listen to, and how to move forward. Highly recommend!

[Christina Vourcos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Good Book

I keep reading books in this series because I’m able to find aspects that are affecting me and what I can do about it. Now I’m figuring out what I can do to make things better.

[Alexandria Blaelock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writers are all different, so why do we assume the writing process, or not writing, is all the same? This incredible book looks in depth at several different sorts of blocks, life as well as manuscript, offering advice about how to get writing again.

[Britt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

What an excellent resource. It makes sense to my brain as I read through it. I have a bread machine for a brain when it comes to writing.

[DE Kilgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't get enough of this series. It is a must for any writer.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are amazing- just read all 4 in a week or two. Bear in mind that they exist as part of a wider piece and won't be as effective without knowing your CliftonStrengths or watching her podcasts, but if you're willing to do all of that (and it won't take long, plus it's really fascinating) the series will help you to write your way.