Breaking Through Writer's Block in 2025

I've heard that I was born bossy- I prefer to interpret that as being a born leader. Maybe that's wishful thinking but it is true that I've always enjoyed teaching people new things and watching them use their new knowledge to succeed.

In my various careers I've been a corporate trainer, a sales manager, a wedding officiant, and a certified Toastmaster that competed in international competition (OK- it was Canada, but that still counts as international).

Many people would rather die than talk in front of a group, but, except for some rather queasy moments just before I start, I'm comfortable with it.

That's why my creative plan for 2025 is leading a writing workshop on Breaking Through Writer's Block during weekend retreats, and Vocal is a key part of making it a success.

Let Me Explain

A second-distant-maybe-once-removed-cousin on my husband's side, and a good friend, has worked hard to create a rather magical place: the historic Skye House located in Northport, MI. Available for rental, the over 150 year-old home has beach access, sleeps 16, is walking distance to restaurants, parks, art, and gorgeous scenery.

It's an ideal place for a writers' retreat, and I've been inspired to write more than one of my poems and stories there. It also hosts events for the community, and that's where the writers' workshop enters the picture.

The Plan

In addition to all Skye House offers, participants in the Breaking Through Writer's Block workshop would have a morning and afternoon session on both days of their stay.

A combination of instruction, group interaction, personal writing using the provided prompts, and discussion will provide tools that can be used well after the weekend has ended.

The companion workbook, both in print and a pdf for those that prefer to use a tablet or laptop, in included for all participants. Everyone that completes the session will also take away their own mini Writer's Block: a handcrafted and smooth-sanded cube of natural wood to remind them that a block is simply a building tool that they can control.

But- You Said That Vocal...

Yes, yes I did. Vocal is a huge part of this preparation, plan, and production.

Preparing the Content. I have several sessions of the content in development, and I've already posted four to Vocal. These four will form the core of a two day workshop. Readers- and especially commenters!- of these articles have given me invaluable feedback which I will use as I edit them into the in-progress workbook and speaker notes. These might look familiar to you, and if not I encourage you to check them out and share your thoughts by leaving a comment!

Planning the Event

Using the comments and questions I've received on these four articles, the speaker notes will include:

• An introduction to the central topic of the session, reiterating the layout of the article.
• Bullet and numbered takeaways that illustrate the ideas and present immediate actions to put them into use.
• Questions and suggestions to encourage the participants to interact.
• Short and manageable writing prompts to be completed, or at least started, in the session.

Production: It's All About the WRITING

The final session of both days, right before we adjourn for dinner, will include an introduction to Vocal. I will be transparent about the way the workshop was constructed and the inclusion of the content articles in my index of Vocal content.

One of the biggest draws, and thrills, of Vocal is that moment when you choose to publish and submit your hard work... and then see it in print. There are times I may forget that thrill... but there are many more times that I take the time to open my own content just to see it published and enjoy reading it myself.

I am convinced that the experience of writing and publishing on Vocal will be equally intoxicating to Breaking Through Writer's Block participants. That's why I will walk them through... well... basically I'll walk them through Creator 101, and....

(OK- I hear you. How can I do that? Isn't that Vocal's property? Well- yes and yes; it's also my property. It was an honor to update and create Creator 101 for Vocal last year. If you haven't checked them out, I encourage you to do so. They're in the Resource section of the Vocal platform, and have a subsection all their own:)

After a high-level walk through creating their profile, connecting to Stripe, the aim is to have them create their first Vocal story before the conclusion of the workshop. Have them experience that thrill of seeing their words in print... and most likely that regret for not using spellcheck that hits the first time I read through my work.

Why Vocal?

Why use Vocal in my workshop? Well: why ever not?

• It's a very easy platform to use.
• There are no paywalls to access their work so they can readily share it to show what they accomplished.
• They can get feedback when readers leave comments.
• They can ask questions on the feedback they receive, interact with readers, and create a following.
• They can interact with other Vocal writer creators and find a truly supportive group to join that will encourage them to continue on their writing journey.
• They can join the Vocal Discord, which might be the first time they branch out beyond traditional social media, and learn a new tool.
• They can participate in Writing Challenges should they take my strong advice and become a Vocal+ member, since Challenge participation is included in that very modest cost. (I have entered other competitions and challenges: entering two of the NYC Midnight challenges can be more than an entire year of Vocal!)
• They can access the Exclusive Content I have planned for workshop participants and those that become paid Subscribers to my content.
• They can track reads of their content and work toward that first withdrawal of Vocal earnings. It may be the first time they can say that they are a paid writer!

I'm excited to fully develop the Breaking Through Writer's Block workshop. Please let me know: what other topics would you find interesting? Have you maximized your Vocal content and membership? Has this article given you any ideas of ways you can use Vocal to challenge your creativity this year?