When the Words Pause: Writer's Block, Chimamanda's Ottoman, and the Power of Women's Stories

Writer's Block

Have you ever stared at a blank page, ready to write because your mind and heart are full of ideas, but your hands are unsure of what to write? I have, and I know I'm not alone.

You know what I'm talking about—writer's block! Writer's block is a real phenomenon and is more than a creative inconvenience. It's a genuine and often overwhelming phenomenon. It can feel like quiet resistance—a voice questioning how to begin, what to write, how to write, worth, ideas, and authority to tell the story, or just drawing a blank. Though I am not an expert in this phenomenon, I've experienced it firsthand. What's your experience?

So, you can imagine my delight when I came across a recent interview between Christiane Amanpour and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the award-winning author whose work continues to shape global conversations around feminism, identity, and cultural complexity, https://www.msn.com/en-us/video/peopleandplaces/chimamanda-ngozi-adichie-no-matter-who-we-are-we-dream/vi-AA1Cfm0n?ocid=socialshare. In the interview, Adichie opened up about her moments with writer's block and writing her latest novel, Dream Count. In this story, Adichie discusses the intricacies of women's lives with her signature precision and grace. One aspect of the conversation and book I genuinely enjoy is Adichie's attention to the dynamics of women's perspective, experiences, interests, desires, aspirations, the complexities of women's lives, and women's friendships and how they support one another.

Yes, even Chimamanda has writer's block.

Why Does Writer's Block Happen—Even to the Best?

The myth that prolific or accomplished writers are immune to writer's block is also real. But in reality, according to some, it's often attributed to and as a result of the writer's success that the block comes. The weight of expectations, the fear of failing to capture truth, or simply the exhaustion that follows deep intellectual labor can lead to what feels like a creative standstill.

Please let me know if I am wrong. Toni Morrison often spoke about the importance of silence and reflection in the creative process. Did she also call these pauses "necessary silences," moments to gather clarity? I might have to make that phrase my own if she did not! Interestingly, Maya Angelou or some people wrote through them, even if they began as nonsense. Virginia Woolf demanded "a room of one's own." And Chimamanda? According to Adichie, she never has a clear plan when writing fiction. However, she has a vague or amorphous idea and then goes with it. She quoted Elizabeth Bowen, "Writers Do Not Create Characters, They Find Them Because the Characters Preexist." I also love those that quote because the characters in my children's book, "Adanna's Magical Pearls: Adanna's Magical Pearls: Olufade, Ayo: 9798822933002: Amazon.com: Books", "Have you ever wondered how the tortoise got its cracked shell? On Amazon-Have you ever wondered how the tortoise got its cracked shell? An adaptation of the elders' story shared with us as children in Africa: Olufade, Dr Ayo: 9798822903227: Amazon.com: Books", and "Glucose: The Duck Goes to the Party on Amazon-https://www.amazon.com/Glucose-Duck-Party-Ayo-Olufade/dp/B0DXYGFVTT."

One of my favorite aspects or parts of Chimamanda's interview was her confession to Christiane Amanpour: Despite having a writing desk nearby, she scrunched up on a low Ottoman to write. It may seem like a quirky detail, but it reveals something crucial: sometimes creativity doesn't come from structured comfort—it comes from awkward freedom. I find that authentic, tangible, and amusing!

How Do We Overcome Writer's Block?

Adichie's candidness sparked my reflection. I've wondered how I've pushed through the block. What helps when the story seems lost?

Here are a few strategies I apply when struggling with writer's block—rooted in research and the practices of great writers:

• Shift Your Environment: Sit on the floor, go to a café, try a notebook instead of a laptop, and let your space speak.

• Free Write: Permit yourself to write badly. That's how you begin to write honestly.

• Talk It Out: Narrate your ideas aloud—record voice notes. Storytelling isn't limited to text.

• Read Widely: Other voices often spark your own. Read not for style—but for rhythm, for emotion.

• Reconnect to Your Purpose: Ask yourself: Who am I writing for? Whose story am I telling? Sometimes, writer's block is fear in disguise.

Celebrating Women Who Write

This reflection is also an invitation to celebrate women writers—those who persist, produce, and pour themselves into their work despite everything. I honor:

Gaone Rantlhoiwa, Paulette Hallam, Chiyedza Nyahuye, Nancy, Colleen Kelley, Ph.D., Loretta McHarris, Cassandra Terry, Angelica Corral, Gladys Delancey-Bolding, Ph.D., Dr. Gwendolyn Lavert, Cathy Derksen, and so many others.

Apologies for my oversight if I did not mention you. This celebration is for everyone who writes—despite the block, the burden, or the long hours.

Are You Struggling with Writer's Block?

If so, you're not alone. And you're not failing. You're simply in a necessary pause—a quiet before the next sentence.

What helps you move through it? What spaces and rituals allow your creativity to resurface?

Please share your thoughts. Let's support one another and continue to honor women who write with courage, complexity, and conviction.

Author: Dr. Olufade

Embrace every challenge as an invitation to uncover your true potential. In the world of STEAM, curiosity isn't just a tool—it's the spark that ignites innovation, while passion carves the path to lasting impact. Your journey isn't just about mastering knowledge; it's about using your unique talents to illuminate the way for others. Dare to dream big, work with unwavering dedication, and let your light shine brilliantly. Choose STEAM Careers: Shape the Future, Design Your Destiny! ~ Dr. Ayo Olufade, PhD