What's Your Writing Roadblock?
A free quiz, a renovated WriteSPACE, a frolicking frog, and scientific proof that "Writing Matters"
Dear fellow writer,
Shimmering golden birds and flowing lines make a nice pairing in this collage featuring images by the brilliant graphic artist Corita Kent and poetry by Bernard Gunther. What are the barriers that hinder us from moving forward creatively? How can we transcend the "Do Not Enter" signs in our writing lives and transform our procrastination into something joyful — from avoidance into a void dance?
To help you navigate these questions, I’ve crafted a new version of my “What’s Your Writing Roadblock? quiz, designed for writers in any discipline, genre, or career stage. The quiz will help you identify your writing roadblocks and refocus on the writing goals that inspire you:
Do you push for productivity?
Do you strive for style?
Do you crave creativity?
Do you cherish community?
Turn your roadblocks into your rocket fuel! At the end of the quiz, you’ll be directed to a customized Writing Roadmap and an array of writing resources guaranteed to fill your tank, boost your self-confidence, and help you produce beautifully crafted prose.
I look forward to seeing you on the road!
On the website
WriteSPACE renovations
I’ve just added an array of new resources to the WriteSPACE, and the whole website is looking amazing! You’ll find inviting membership areas including the Maproom, Lounge, Calendar, and Studio; a resource library containing Videos, Audio, Articles, and my Helen’s Word Blog; and interactive writing and editing tools including the Writer’s Diet Plus, the Writing BASE, my new “What’s Your Writing Roadblock?” quiz, and an ever-expanding collection of quirky pomodoro timers. If you’re not a member but want to check it out, it’s not too late to register for my live Open Writing Studio sessions on December 11/12 December (that’s today!) and December 13; I’ll give you a tour of the new WriteSPACE website, and you can take part in one of my Live Writing Studio sessions for free. If you can’t attend the live sessions, it’s still worth registering to get sent the video link afterwards — and of course you can check out the full cornucopia of WriteSPACE offerings on your own by signing up for a free 30-day trial and taking time to explore. I’d love to see you there!
In the WriteSPACE
Weekly Wayfinder for December 11 - 17
WriteSPACE and WS Studio members: Every week in the WriteSPACE Maproom, you’ll find a playful pomodoro timer to help you keep your writing on track, a featured writing resource to expand your horizons, and a writing-related challenge to sharpen your skills.
This week’s timer: Green Frog- NEW!
This week’s resource: Open Writing Studio
This week’s challenge: Step into the Studio
Not a member? Sign up for a free 30-day trial and check out all our great writing resources for yourself.
Other writing news
Does better writing cause our peers (for example referees and journal editors) to evaluate our papers more favorably? This recent paper in the Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, “Writing Matters,” proves that stylish writing does have an impact! Read the full Open Access article by Jan Feld, Corinna Lines, and Libby Ross by clicking the link below.
Do you have writing-related news, events, or resources to share? Contact me with a brief description (50 words max), a hyperlink, and a high-quality image.
Spread the joy! Please encourage your friends, colleagues, and students to join me in the WriteSPACE, a vibrant, low-cost writing community with members in 30+ countries. As a WriteSPACE member, you’ll get premium access to resources, workshops, and tools designed to help you hone your wordcraft, sharpen your style, and coax your writing gently out the door.
Kia pai tō koutou rā (have a great day) – and keep on writing!
Helen