Overcoming Writer's Block

Class Description

So you have writer’s block? Great work—that means you’re a writer! Many of us get down on ourselves when we can’t get those words to come out. But, as Samuel Beckett famously wrote, "Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try Again. Fail again. Fail better." Writer’s block is a nothing other than a normal step in the writing process, and there are all kinds of methods we can use to overcome it. In this workshop, participants will explore multiple ways of blasting themselves out of writer’s block, from classic methods like freewriting, to innovative mental and emotional prompts, to somatic and sensory writing warm-ups. We will wrap up with a session of specific goal-setting for our writing lives.

This workshop is for writers of all genres and levels who are looking to light a fire under themselves and get the words flowing. Participants may choose to arrive with one to three unfinished ideas or pieces that they are currently stuck on. For those who are so blocked they don't have any writing projects, that's okay, too! An empty notebook is a great place to start. All participants will leave with a range of interesting and creative writer’s block strategies to use in real life, far beyond the workshop setting, as well as some specific personal goals and a plan for moving forward.

Scholarship Information

Thanks to the excellent literary citizenship of our donors, scholarships are available for all GrubStreet classes. To apply, click the gray "APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIP" button. In order to be considered for a scholarship, you must complete your application at least one week before the start date of a class. Please await our scholarship committee's decision before registering for the class. We cannot hold spots in classes, so the sooner you apply, the better. Scholarships cannot be applied retroactively.

For more more detailed information about GrubStreet scholarships, including how to contribute to scholarship funds for other students, click here.