When I was a little kid, even before I could read by myself, I took books to bed, hoping that if I fell asleep with them, I might dream my way into their worlds.
Books seemed like magic — portals to places where anything was possible.
Even then, I felt the pull of storytelling — not just as a reader, but as a creator. Among my childhood keepsakes are little books I “published,” tablet paper stapled together with illustrated covers and the grand flourish of “The End.”
A few years later, after reading The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, I thought I want to do THAT.
Those books didn’t just entertain me, they changed the way I felt about the world. They made me laugh, wonder, and dream.
I wanted to create more of that feeling — that experience — not just for myself, but for others.
When adults asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I knew the answer: a writer.
Back then, it wasn’t about “success.” It was about connection — the hope that my stories could one day evoke the same magic for someone else.
Over the years, it’s easy to lose sight of that initial spark. Writing can feel like a chore or a competition, weighed down by self-doubt, expectations, and the never-ending demands of life.
When we feel blocked, it’s hard to believe we’re still the same writer who once felt inspired and hopeful.
The spark of purpose that first brought you to storytelling is still there. It’s a calling that keeps you coming back to the blank page. Even when it feels dim, it’s waiting for you to rediscover it.
Reconnecting with the why of your writing can transform your entire process.
It reminds you of your unique voice and the impact your stories can have — not just on others, but on you.
If you’re feeling blocked, doubtful, or stuck, it doesn’t mean you’ve lost your calling. Sometimes it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and find your way back to the source of your creativity.
Once you remind yourself of why you wanted to write, you’ll be one step closer to breaking through.
Take 15 minutes and answer these questions — in writing:
What drew you to writing in the first place?
What stories first inspired you to pick up a pen or sit down at a keyboard?
What do you hope your writing can give to others?
Slade
For more strategies on overcoming writer’s block and developing a sustainable writing practice, subscribe to The Writer’s Reboot.
What’s really stopping you?
Uncover your blocks and get back to writing with renewed energy and purpose.
For daily posts about writing mindset,
follow me on Bluesky