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WRITER'S BLOCK
If you're a writer, you've had writer's block at some point. In our ongoing quest to provide you with the most effective tools to help you be a better writer, we're dedicating this page (several pages, actually) to that dark whisper: writer's block.
We'll add more to this page and connect a few other existing areas as we continue our redesign.
Section Map
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On this page:
video resources
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On other pages:
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About the video:
Meet award winning author, Craig Kofi Farmer, and hear about his journey from writing Percy Jackson fanfiction to becoming an agented, published author. Learn from his ups and downs and why you should never give up, even if your other stories don't pan out.
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About Craig Kofi Farmer:
About Craig: Craig Kofi Farmer is a Prince George's County native, with two Bachelor of Science degrees from Towson University and one Master of Education degree from the University of Maryland, College Park. He works in higher education administration, helping students achieve work-life balance and self-actualization. When he's not writing, he's analyzing superhero movies, watching psychological thrillers, and deciding exactly what he's going to eat that day.
us.macmillan.com/author/craigkofifarmer
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About the video:
Writer, editor, and writing professor Tim McKay explains the process of copywork and how it can improve your writing, marketing, and creative energy. He shares a personal story about retyping a 170K word book (word for word) during his final editing pass, and how editing or reading for other authors can quickly improve your skills.
About Tim McKay:
Tim J. McKay is a writer, editor, and part-time writing professor from Ottawa, Canada. He used to be a pastor, still cares about good and evil, and still strives to create meaningful experiences for others. He has degrees in history, theology, and public policy, along with a diploma in professional writing, but likes nothing more than hiking in the woods, running along the Rideau Canal, and connecting with the people he loves. Oh, and reading a good book.
Pushing Through the Murky Middle
with E.L. Johnson
About the video:
As most authors know, the beginning and ending are easy to write, it’s making sure the story and character arcs develop in the middle that are the hardest. Prolific historical fiction author E.L. Johnson shares her tips and methods for writing through the difficult and often saggy, murky middle part of a story using tools you can apply to any length piece.
About E.L. Johnson:
E.L. Johnson writes historical mysteries for Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 ebook publisher of Historical Romance on Amazon. A Boston native, she gave up clam chowder and lobster rolls for tea and scones when she moved across the pond to London, where she studied medieval magic at UCL and 16th-century remedies at Birkbeck College. Now based in Hertfordshire, she is a member of the Hertford Writers’ Circle and the founder of the London Seasonal Book Club. She was a reader for the 2023 George Orwell Youth Prize and has given expert comment to national news outlets on creative writing and historical fiction. eljohnsonstories.weebly.com
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This video will be available December 13
About the video:
In this video, Karen shares a fast and easy way for teachers to encourage students to write—even when they don't want to. Help students learn key topics while they're learning strong writing behavior. This strategy is great for teachers, students, and independent writers!
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About Karen Scott:
Karen is a writer, teacher, audiobook lover, and unapologetic Wordle enthusiast from New Jersey. She will likely never finish editing her first novel. Her favorite activities are spoiling her granddaughter, traveling to warm climates, snort-laughing with friends, and sipping a good Cosmopolitan.
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This video will be available December 17
About the video:
In this silent video, Sarah explains what writer's block can look like in its many, various forms. She offers tips to prevent it before it happens and what to do after it sets in.
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About Sarah Taquino:
​Sarah Taquino is a writer and English major who recently graduated from Louisiana State University with a bachelor’s degree and is now pursuing her master’s degree at the University of New Orleans. She is an avid reader who loves to explore and write in various genres, particularly horror, fantasy, and science fiction.
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