How to Write Better The Doubts that Lead to Writer's Block
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Mar 12, 2026 
Vanessa Van Edwards, behavioral researcher and bestselling author of Captivate and Cues, shares how self-doubt fuels writer's block. She talks rituals like ending mid-sentence, treating research separately from writing, and testing ideas on social media. She explains using AI as a brainstorming partner, choosing formats by audience response, and two simple rules: write to one reader and read your work aloud.
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Writer's Block Is Writer's Doubt
- Writer's block is often writer's doubt: a meta-thought that what you're writing isn't good enough and causes paralysis.
- Vanessa describes the common loop of deleting early paragraphs and needing courage to keep writing past two or three paragraphs.
Research Is Not Writing
- Treat research as distinct from writing and don't let it replace putting words on the page.
- Vanessa separates research time from writing time and calls writing an act of service that requires editing and fact-checking.
Three Quick Fixes For Writing Doubt
- Use three practical tricks when stuck: stop mid-flow, don't start at the start, or write to a specific reader in an email format.
- Vanessa lists these tactics as reliable ways to overcome sticky doubt loops.