The Reading Remedy: Beat Writer’s Block by Picking Up a Book

Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content and has gained 600K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.

An online devotional for writers

A Word From The Word

That night the king had trouble sleeping, so he ordered an attendant to bring the book of the history of his reign so it could be read to him. (Esther 6:1, NLT)

A Word For Writers

King Ahasuerus had just been to a banquet prepared by Esther. And he was invited to another one the next day.

But that night, he couldn’t sleep. Like many, the king handled his restlessness by reading. 

Reading revealed information that Ahasuerus needed for the next banquet – information about deception within the palace staff.

Reading was his remedy.

King Ahasuerus’ insomnia reminds me of the times I get writer’s block. And one solution for me, I’ve found, is the same as the king’s. Reading is a powerful remedy when inspiration flees.

“If you can't figure out what to say,” says Paul Silvia, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. “It may be your brain telling you to do more research.”

Without information, I struggle for words. Reading pours more content into my brain. It jumpstarts my internal processing and gives me ideas to sift through. Studies show that you can be more creative when you’re exposed to the creative ideas of others. 

Can’t write? Then read.

A Wise Word

When you can’t write, then read.

A Word To Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for placing me in a time when I have access to plenty of books and other content. I confess the times when I want to write without having done enough research. Let me take that as a signal. Let reading be a remedy for me.

In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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