Linda K Sienkiewicz

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Break Writer’s Block: 5 Ways Reading Can Rekindle Creativity

January 13, 2025 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Illustration of a giant open book and a miniature man. There is a small window in the pages to see the moon and stars. In the foreground is a coffee cup full of stars.
art by Akira Kusaka

What are your writing goals for 2025? If you’re feeling mired in winter blues or post-holiday blahs, maybe you’re finding it hard to get back into your groove. Whenever I struggle with my writing, I read.

Immersive reading can be a powerful tool to combat writer’s block by stimulating creativity and breaking those mental barriers. Here’s how it works:

1. Reading Expands Your Perspective

Deeply engaging with a well-crafted text exposes you to different narrative styles, plots, dialogue, character arcs and structures. This can spark ideas for your own writing by helping you see new possibilities for expression or direction. Even reading books you don’t like can help you if you analyze why it isn’t working for you.

2. Reading Reduces Pressure

Writer’s block often stems from self-imposed pressure. This is why daily word counts can be counterproductive if you’re struggling. Reading lets you shift your focus from producing words on the page to consuming words on the page. A mental break can go a long way to reduce stress.

3. Reading Inspires

Getting lost in a compelling story or nonfiction work can provide new material to draw from. Themes, imagery, or even a single phrase can ignite a creative spark or help you solve a specific writing challenge.

4. Reading Develops Momentum

Reading fluid, well-paced writing can get you into the rhythm and flow needed to resume your own work. This can be especially helpful if you’re struggling with pacing or transitions.

5. Reading Reconnects Your Passion

Immersive reading reminds you why you fell in love with words in the first place. A renewed connection to language and storytelling can stir enthusiasm and reignite motivation.

Select material that compliments your current writing goals or explore genres outside your comfort zone. Either way, chance are you’ll gain a fresh perspective. It’s not just about reading; it’s about letting the words sink in and awaken your creative instincts.

Also check out wise words from Michigan writer Lev Raphael on why writer’s block is bunk here.

One thing I’ve learned over my writing career is that you are always a writer, even when you’re not actively writing. Read the post here.


Thank you for visiting.
Linda K. Sienkiewicz is a writer, poet, and artist
New novel, Love and Other Incurable Ailments, fall 2026 from Regal House Publishing
Adult fiction: In the Context of Love
Picture book: Gordy and the Ghost Crab
Poetry: Sleepwalker
Connect with Linda on social media: LinkTree

Filed Under: Writing Tagged With: books, Fiction, nonfiction, writers block, writing, writing tips

Kerrytown BookFest Returns!

September 14, 2022 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

More than just books! Ann Arbor’s fabulous book fest Kerrytown finally returns after three years! It’s in a new location at Washtenaw Community College, but it looks to be bigger, brighter, and … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: Books Tagged With: author fair, book festival, books, Fiction, nonfiction, poetry

What, Why, How: Jenifer DeBellis

November 8, 2021 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

jenifer DeBellis

What: Everything in my literary life at the moment is centered on the fast-approaching release of my second book, Warrior Sister, Cut Yourself Free from Your Assault (Library Tales Publishing, … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: What, Why, How Tagged With: memoir, nonfiction, sexual assault, writing

Courageous Memoir of a Restless Life

August 23, 2021 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

Self examination isn’t easy. Writing about it is even harder. Nancy Owen Nelson was an army brat whose military father struggled with depression and alcoholism. She says about her family … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: Books, Grief and Loss Tagged With: depression, memoir, nonfiction, suicide

What, Why, How: Cindy Hampel

February 10, 2020 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

What: I’ve written two books in the genre of self-help and spirituality. The first, published in 2011, is It’s Not Personal: Lessons I’ve Learned from Dealing with Difficult Behavior. In the … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: What, Why, How Tagged With: nonfiction, self-help, spirituality

What, Why, How: Andrew Devendorf

November 4, 2019 By Linda K Sienkiewicz

What: I wrote a personal essay on the grueling experience of having my brother go missing, and later learning that he died by suicide. When my brother went missing, I learned that we have … Continue reading >>

Filed Under: Grief and Loss, What, Why, How Tagged With: grief, loss, nonfiction, personal essays, suicide

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About Linda

Award- winning writer, poet & artist. Cynical optimist. Super klutz. Corgi fan. Author of two novels, a children's picture book, and five poetry chapbooks. More here.

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