The Blank Page Stares Back: Coaching and Writer's Block

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an image of a writer staring at a blank page
“A frustrated writer staring at a blank page" - Powered by Dall-E 3.


The cursor blinks, a mocking metronome keeping time with the silence in my head. It's that unwelcome visitor again - writer's block. The blank page stretches before me, an impassable desert where inspiration used to flow like a vibrant oasis. I can practically hear the tumbleweeds of self-doubt whistling through my skull.

This isn't the first rodeo with this frustrating situation. Every writer faces it, that nagging feeling of being utterly empty, the well of creativity running dry. I've tried the usual tricks: forcing myself to write anything, even nonsensical drivel, hoping a spark will ignite.

I've paced the room, brow furrowed in concentration, "pootled about" doing other things willing words to appear. I've even resorted to asking AI (Google Gemini and Microsoft Copilot), desperately searching for a shred of an idea. But so far, nothing.

This time, however, the frustration feels sharper. A deadline looms (albeit self-imposed), a hungry beast demanding to be fed with a finished article. The pressure intensifies the block, creating a vicious cycle that's hard to escape.

So, I wondered how could coaching help someone in a similar situation? I poured another cup of tea, sat down and had a think and pondered if this was something I could write about? What a game-changer!

Enter the Coach: A Guiding Light

Why could a coach help? - Well, think of them as a skilled Sherpa navigating you through the treacherous terrain of writer's block.

How could a coach help? - They can equip you with the necessary to conquer this creative hurdle and here’s how:
  • Sparking Creativity: Coaches have a toolbox overflowing with techniques to jumpstart your imagination. From brainstorming exercises to specific writing prompts, they can help you unlock new perspectives and get those creative juices flowing again.
  • Identifying the Root Cause: Oftentimes, writer's block is a symptom of a deeper issue. Fear of failure, perfectionism, or a lack of structure can all play a role. A coach can help you identify these underlying anxieties and develop strategies to address them.
  • Accountability Partner: Sometimes, all you need is a gentle nudge to keep you moving forward. A coach can provide regular check-ins, holding you accountable to your writing goals and celebrating your progress.
  • Technical Expertise: Beyond the creative block, a coach can also offer valuable feedback on your writing itself (if appropriate or desire), helping you refine your craft and polish your writing.

A Beacon in the Storm

Investing in a coach isn't a sign of weakness; it's a strategic move to empower yourself in whatever you are doing. In this case, they'll be your guide through the wilderness of writer's block, helping you find your way back to the fertile ground of creativity.

So, don't let that blank page intimidate you. With the right coaching, you can transform it into whatever you want to say.

And suddenly, I no longer have a blank page!


If you are interested in learning more about how I can help you, please drop me a message on LinkedIn, or get in touch to find out more.
Location: Kirkton of Maryculter, Aberdeen AB12, UK

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