Unstuck: A Supportive and Practical Guide to Working Through Writer's Block

by Jane Anne Staw

None of us is immune to writer's block. From well-known novelists to students, associates in business and law firms, and even those who struggle to sit down to write personal correspondence or journal entries -- everyone who writes has experienced either brief moments or longer periods when the words simply won't come.

In Unstuck , poet, author and writing coach Jane Anne Staw uncovers the reasons we get blocked - from practical to emotional, and many in between - and offers powerful ways to get writing again. Based on her experiences working with writers as well as her own struggle with writer's block, Staw provides comfort and encouragement, along with effective strategies for working through this common yet vexing problem.

Topics understanding what's behind the block * handling anxiety and fear * carving out time and space to write * clearing out old beliefs and doubts * techniques to relax and begin * managing your expectations as well as those of family and friends * experimenting with genre, voice, and subject matter * defusing the emotional traps that sabotage progress and success * ending the struggle and regaining confidence and freedom by finding your true voice - and using it.

Writers of all levels will find solace, support, and help in this book, leading them to an even deeper connection with their work and more productivity on the page.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Productivity

272 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2003

Reviews

[Turquoise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful book for how one can approach writing, relevant even for those who don't necessarily suffer from writer's block. It's a bit slow at times, but in the end I can see why the author starts from where she does and there is value to investigating all steps of the unblocking process in detail. There are some inconsistencies here and there. Also, for a book about writing, there are some unfortunate sentences (certain structures that make sense in fiction don't make sense in this kind of a book, like incomplete sentences). Overall, I recommend this book for anyone whose work involves writing, whether that be book length work, articles, office memos, legal briefs, or whatnot. The writing is engaging so it's a pleasant read.

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. Some good practical suggestions. Write 15 minutes a day -- no more, no less -- and see what happens.

[Leah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Turns out this isn't really a problem for me. Some interesting anecdotes but didn't really find the author's POV or exercises very helpful.

It sounds as though others have benefited, for which I'm glad. I don't respond too well to the kind of conventional viewpoints held here: those of self blame and "personal responsibility". I know I sound like a bit of an ass, and I might be projecting, but I have spent years as a writer and painter learning how to let myself off the hook. The only thing that's really helped my writer's block has been self care and kindness. Not saying this book advocates the opposite, but it just didn't resonate with me. I got the impression this would have a unique approach, but it wasn't anything I haven't read before. When it comes down to it, Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott still has the combination of compassion and encouragement that speaks to my spiraling self!

I would say, give it a look through, it is easy to figure out the tone. Hopefully something will click for you.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An encouraging book that I dipped into every once in a while, even though I'd already struggled out of my block. It's like having your own little pep squad; Staw reminds us and reminds us that writers block has a lot of causes and mindsets, and that we can overcome them. All through, she explores her own horrendous block and shows us how she evaporated it. There's a lot of practical advice and exercises in each chapter.

A comforting book that might be a good read for anybody experiencing "stuckness." (And a surprisingly relaxing read for people waiting for their car to have rather expensive repair work done.)

[Tom Britz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is easily the best book on breaking writer's block that I've come across. Jane Anne Staw's writing on this thorny issue is always compassionate and I found it helpful. In fact I have fast tracked this book for another read soon.

[G.M. Loggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book with lots of examples and exercises. Some of the exercises require alteration before use, as the author (probably unconsciously) assumes relative financial privilege (upper middle class) on the part of her readers. Overall, a good read in a pleasant voice with a friendly tone.

[Emily]

A book for writers experiencing writer's block (either long-term struggles or temporary blockages) and anyone looking to grow and nurture a positive relationship with their writing. I found the "try this" exercises at the end of each chapter more useful than reading the chapters themselves.

[Barbara Newhall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writer’s block? Not my problem. At least, that’s what I thought until I read Jane Anne Staw’s book, "Unstuck: A Supportive and Practical Guide to Working Through Writer’s Block."

During my many years as a newspaper reporter, it was sit down, write, meet the deadline or find some other line of work. End of story.

So, when I bought Jane Anne Staw’s book a couple years ago, I did so, not because I thought I needed it, but as a courtesy to Jane Anne. I’ve bought dozens of books by friends and acquaintances over the years on the theory that when I get a book published it will be pay back time. (Right, Jane Anne?)

In other words, I bought, but did not read, Jane Anne’s book.

Then, a couple years ago, crashing around the house, looking for something to take with me on our family road trip, I spotted Jane Anne’s unread book, reproaching me from its bookshelf. I grabbed it up, headed for the car and took my assigned place (as the shortest in the family) in the back seat behind Peter (the tallest in the family), who was riding shotgun with the seat pushed back.

Things got boring somewhere along the 10 between West Hollywood and Joshua Tree National Park. So I pulled "Unstuck" out from under a pile of wet umbrellas and began to read.

To my surprise, writer’s block as Jane Anne describes it, is not always simple primal terror at the sight of a blank page. Writer’s block can be subtle.

Read more on my website at:
http://barbarafalconernewhall.com/200...

[Craven · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this book to be helpful. I decided to read it because I've always struggled with writer's block. There's plenty of books out there on the subject, but I chose this one because it was written by a psychologist. So, hack or no, at least she would have an understanding of the mind.
It did prove to be helpful. I found the stuff that she suggests to be the complete opposite of the way that I do things. I'm always blocked so I figured she might be right. So far it has helped a bit. And even if the language was a bit self-helpy at times, it's always cool to read about other folks methods of writing.

[SmarterLilac · Rating 5 out of 5]

The single greatest book on writer's block (as well as emotional blocks) I have ever read. I recommend it to all writers, even those who don't consider themselves stuck. Even if you're not, (or don't think you are) this work can help you find ways to move beyond any emotional limitations that may be holding you back.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this because I got stuck on a paper I was trying to write and it really helped! Staw told interesting stories and gave excellent advice about how to overcome writers block and learn to accept yourself as a writer. I highly recommend this to anyone who ever struggles with writers-block.

[Isis Molina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Staw's insight on writer's block. This book definitely was a big help to me. I was able to get out of that terrible block, especially because there were so many examples given and the author herself had experienced it. Writing is a relationship, and it deserves to be treated as such. I will try to mend and strengthen that relationship from now on.

[Lauren Van Brunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have recommended this to people close to me, who are feeling guilty about their writer's block. I have enjoyed it myself. It was easy to read, addressed multiple issues with writer's, their self-esteem. The author gives you a way around the block in different ways, depending on which way you are suffering. It can probably help any writer at some point.

[Netta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Truly magnificent! I love how involved the reader gets so involved. Its not just a book to read but its also a work book. At the end of each chapter Jane gives the reader something to think about and to apply it to their own writing. It's a great way to analyze not only their writing but also their self as they write. Truly amazing!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't really have writer's block, but I do have fear and anxiety. This book was amazing. I learned a lot about treating myself with compassion, reframing, thinking of writing as a practice and many other things. I learned a lot and already feel better. Highly recommended.

[Notdorothy]

Unstuck: A Supportive and Practical Guide to Working Through Writer's Block by Ph.D. Jane Anne Staw (2005)

[بثينة العيسى · Rating 2 out of 5]

boring

[Mills College Library]

808.02019 S7988 2003

[Phoebe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be careful not to underestimate this book. It's excellent, but your left brain won't like it.

[بثينة العيسى · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boring