A Year Ago on the CBA Blog: 3 Ways to Overcome Writer's Block by Kirsti Call

Isn't September lovely? Schools are back in session, the season is beginning to change, and it feels like September is a month that just invites you to take a breath. If you're anything like me, you might take that breath and bask in September's "Septembery-ness" and promptly forget what you were doing. Maybe that forgetfulness turns into something really nasty, like the dreaded writer's block!

NEVER FEAR!
WORRY NOT!
DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT SWEATING IT!
KRISTI IS HERE!

The truly multifaceted Kirsti Call shared some fantastic tips for breaking the block and getting back to work one year ago on the Children's Book Academy Blog.

Happy Block Breaking!

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This entry originally ran on September 16, 2015

3 Ways to Overcome Writer's Block by Kirsti Call

One of the best things about homeschooling is that I get to teach my kids how to write! But I have a hard time understanding my reluctant writers. How can they stare at a blank page for SO long without filling it with wonderful words?  But we’ve all been there.  Sometimes it’s hard to get the words on the page.  Here are 3 strategies that I use for my kids and myself when we’re struggling
to write.

1. Write about something you LOVE.  I discovered this trick last year when I couldn’t get my 9 year to write anything.  Finally I said: “Write about chickens or Greek Mythology!”  And my little backyard chicken farmer and Greek mythology enthusiast  wrote quickly, and easily and from the heart. When her daddy threatened to kill the roosters we had raised, Sydney was outraged.  So she wrote a five paragraph persuasive essay.  I’ve never seen her write so well.  She wrote it with so much passion, that she couldn’t even read it to her dad without crying.  Her words worked their magic and the roosters are now at a farm happily living out their lives.

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2. Write Stream of Consciousness.  Sometimes when we write what we are thinking, and let go of worrying about the perfect word combination, we come up with the most wonderful combination of words....or not.  I give my kids permission to write: “I don’t know what to write” over and over again if they want to and somehow, that’s never happened. Even if that does happen, there are words on the page.

3. Set a Timer. At our house, when I set the timer for 10 minutes, somehow people get words on the page and usually they have more to write after the time is up. And if all else fails, watch this chicken video.  It's a well known fact at our house that chickens inspire ideas.  What helps you overcome writer’s block?

Kirsti Call is a homeschooling mom of five. Her debut picture book, The Raindrop Who Couldn't Fall, came out December 2013 with Character Publishing. Her family band, Calling Out, plays songs written by her children. She contributes to Writer's Rumpus, and Kids are Writers.  If you visit her house, you’ll likely find her watching her backyard chickens or writing, of course. You can find out more about her at www.kirsticall.com.

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