In this episode of Write the Darn Book, Maddison Michaels gently unpacks the real reasons writer’s block shows up — and why, more often than not, it’s a sign that something inside you (or within the story itself) needs attention.

Drawing from her own lived experience as a multi-published author, along with mindset coaching and intuitive story work, Maddison reframes writer’s block as communication rather than resistance.

You’ll learn why forcing your way through a block often makes it worse — and how creating a sense of safety, listening to your intuition, and checking for story misalignment can help the words begin to flow again.

At the heart of this episode is a simple, repeatable coaching framework — the PAUSE Method — designed to help you move through writer’s block with clarity, compassion, and trust.

• Why writer’s block is a normal and meaningful part of the writing process

• How fear, pressure, and lack of safety can shut down creativity

• Why writer’s block is sometimes your story saying, “This path isn’t right”

• How to recognise when a scene or story direction is out of alignment

• A step-by-step coaching method to respond to writer’s block without forcing

• How to return to flow by listening instead of pushing

• Why writing one imperfect sentence can be enough to restart momentum

When writer’s block appears, use this gentle process:

• P — Pause and normalise Remind yourself this is a normal part of the writing journey.

• A — Ask what the block is communicating Get curious instead of critical.

• U — Understand the story signal Revisit the scene before the block and listen for misalignment.

• S — Soothe your body and create a sense of safety Pressure shuts creativity down; safety opens it up.

• E — Enter the page with curiosity, not force Allow the story to reveal what comes next.

The next time you feel stuck:

1. Write PAUSE at the top of your page

2. Walk yourself through each step

3. Go back to the scene before the block

4. Ask what the story is asking for

5. Write one exploratory sentence

That’s it. No pressure. Just listening.

In Episode 3, Maddison explores modalities — how different brains process creativity — and how understanding your natural way of thinking can change the way you write, plan, and move through resistance.

If today’s episode resonated with you and stirred something inside you… and you’re ready for deeper support to break through your blocks and finally write the book you’re meant to write…

I currently have a few spots left for 1:1 coaching.

If you feel called to explore having me as your writing coach, head to maddisonmichaels.com/coaching and reach out — we’ll chat and see whether we’re a fit for each other.