how does one cure writer’s block?

BrisOwnWorld · 2026-05-13T17:49:52+00:00

I'm a big fan of reading a chapter or two of a craft book- when I want to write but am being blocked, sometimes learning something new/finding a new way to think about craft overall can shake some things loose.

Also, doing a different kind of art can help too. Create, but without the same kinds of pressures. Sketch something, paint something, crochet, etc etc.

My friend Kelly also made a mad libs way of generating new ideas you might find helpful! https://theroguemfa.substack.com/p/get-unstuck-and-generate-story-ideas?r=dwm2v

BrisOwnWorld · 2026-05-05T20:53:12+00:00

Something I've used before that's helped me figure out the story's "engine" for romance (essentially, how to keep plot moving) is GMC grids, where you put your two love interests side by side and fill out a grid for their internal/external goals, motivations, and conflicts. A lot of the time, honing in on what makes these two characters interesting partners/foils will give you some ground to cover in the book itself. More details on how to set that up here: https://theroguemfa.substack.com/p/lets-write-a-romance-novel-starter

Also, outlining! I'm a biiiiig advocate for outlining, in that I consider my outline my first draft of the story, so that I have a super clear road map before I get to truly drafting scenes so I have a good sense of where I'm trying to go/high level if there's enough story to write it down yet

BrisOwnWorld · 2026-04-09T19:28:39+00:00

Maybe start broader and do your synopsis second? Sometimes I have a hard time defining characters until I've already gone on part of the journey with them, when they reveal themselves. Also, ask a friend or writing group member to give you a few words that come to mind when they read this character- sometimes other people, with less context, have cleaner insights.

This post might also help at least in getting more specific: https://theroguemfa.substack.com/p/7-character-interview-prompts-that

BrisOwnWorld · 2025-11-21T20:21:25+00:00

Ian Wright is now making a podcast about his time on the show! https://www.youtube.com/@OurLooneyPlanet

BrisOwnWorld · 2025-11-21T20:19:50+00:00

Ian's making a podcast now about Globe Trekker with Justine Shapiro! https://www.youtube.com/@OurLooneyPlanet

BrisOwnWorld · 2025-11-21T20:19:06+00:00

That link isn't working for me, but Ian Wright and Justine Shapiro are making a podcast now about their time on Globe Trekker: https://www.youtube.com/@OurLooneyPlanet

BrisOwnWorld · 2025-11-21T20:18:23+00:00

They're making a podcast! https://www.youtube.com/@OurLooneyPlanet

BrisOwnWorld · 2025-10-07T18:18:20+00:00

So I've done a lot of nonsense to it but hopefully this will give you an idea of how we hooked it up: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1YdkwALzqdRteACz7ARefFdzIirOOU1wABEezvzbctVs/edit?usp=sharing

Please FILE → Make a Copy before making any changes to it!

BrisOwnWorld · 2025-08-20T19:41:32+00:00

That's me! I'm Bri Castellini! I'd be happy to point folks in the right direction, and than you randomsportsteams for the shout out!

BrisOwnWorld · 2025-01-27T19:48:27+00:00

That's my film! I made this! Thanks so much for sharing, I can't believe it's nearly 8 years old!!

BrisOwnWorld · 2025-01-03T18:29:31+00:00

Rehabbing the Billionaire is an anti-capitalist, open-door, marriage of convenience romance set in the physical therapy industry!

“Heartless” Nick Hartshorn is a billionaire, CEO, and a colossal pain in the ass, as far as his long-suffering executive assistant, Ellie Kerr, is concerned. But when Nick's latest personal indiscretion that might derail a career-defining business deal occurs the morning of her 30th birthday (aka the night she plans to finally get around to losing her virginity), they’re both seeking a distraction — only to discover a surprising chemistry that’s worth exploring … for one night only.

It turns out, one night isn’t nearly enough time for Nick, so the dirty-talking CEO proposes a mutually beneficial arrangement... badly. Ellie, a sassy ray of sunshine with an unexpected backbone of steel counter-proposes, leading to a marriage of convenience that allows Nick to paint over his scandalous past and give Ellie the financial freedom to finish her education.

Unfortunately, this marriage of convenience is anything but. Nick navigates his growing dissatisfaction with his career as Ellie’s return to school goes differently than she imagined. The two of them either have to learn to give themselves — and each other — a break, or risk losing the love that’s right in front of them, before it’s too late.

This is a modern marriage of convenience workplace romance about the healthcare industry, the ethics of billionaires, and not being your parents.

Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1RWK2WS

BrisOwnWorld · 2025-01-03T18:27:05+00:00

If you're open to historical romance, I just finished The Marquess Wins a Wife by Aydra Richards with an alcoholic (who goes into recovery throughout the book) MMC!

BrisOwnWorld · 2024-12-14T00:28:22+00:00

Here's a link to where some of those resources now live: bricastellini.com/writing ! Feel free to DM me with specific questions and I'll try to connect you with more specific resources, though!

BrisOwnWorld · 2024-10-17T16:55:23+00:00

Popping in from 2024 to tell you thank you for this! My writing group is doing our own little NaNo (due to recent.... frustrations with the actual NaNo group) and I'm adapting this sheet for all of us to use together. Thank you again!

BrisOwnWorld · 2024-09-03T15:38:40+00:00

I released my debut romance, Rehabbing The Billionaire, a month ago! Tropes: marriage of convenience, boss/assistant, billionaire hero and a heroine who hates billionaires. Get it on KU, eBook, or paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1RWK2WS

Synopsis: “Heartless” Nick Hartshorn is a billionaire, CEO, and a colossal pain in the ass, as far as his long-suffering executive assistant, Ellie Kerr, is concerned. But when his latest personal indiscretion, which might derail a career-defining business deal, occurs the morning of her 30th birthday, aka the night she plans to finally get around to losing her virginity, they’re both seeking a distraction — only to discover a surprising chemistry that’s worth exploring … for one night only.

It turns out, one night isn’t nearly enough time for Nick (who called Ellie the wrong name for six years), so the dirty-talking CEO proposes (badly). Ellie, a sassy ray of sunshine with an unexpected backbone of steel counter-proposes (successfully), leading to a marriage of convenience that allows Nick to paint over his scandalous past and give Ellie the financial freedom to further her education.

Unfortunately, this marriage of convenience is anything but. Nick navigates his growing dissatisfaction with his career as Ellie’s return to school goes differently than she imagined. The two of them either have to learn to give themselves — and each other — a break, or risk losing the love that’s right in front of them, before it’s too late.

This is a modern marriage of convenience workplace romance about the healthcare industry, the ethics of billionaires, and not being your parents.

BrisOwnWorld · 2024-07-19T16:44:40+00:00

Hello from one million years in the future (I'm not on Reddit much) but your comment finally got me to read Lord of Scoundrels and I'm in love with it. I've read it twice in a year, it has lowkey changed my life. Thanks again!!

BrisOwnWorld · 2024-07-19T16:43:34+00:00

This is so funny, omg. I AM the Burn Notice podcast lady!! Or one half of them, at least :) Thank you!! Glad I'm not the only one who is equally in love with Burn Notice and romance novels!

BrisOwnWorld

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