10 Ways to Beat Writer’s Block

A Bronto Brothers Guide for Young Writers

In this week’s Bronto Brothers comic strip, Raptor Rex had a problem. He wanted to write new music, but nothing was coming out. His bandmates were ready to play, but Rex just stared at the paper.

That happens to writers, musicians, and students all the time. It’s called writer’s block.

The good news is that writer’s block is not permanent. It simply means your brain needs a different way to get started.

Here are some easy strategies kids can use when a school assignment feels stuck.

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1. Stop Trying to Be Perfect

Many kids get stuck because they worry their writing will be wrong.

The truth is that first drafts are supposed to be messy.

Try this rule:

Just get words on the page.

You can fix spelling, grammar, and awkward sentences later. Writing and editing are two different jobs for your brain.

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2. Talk About the Idea First

Sometimes kids know exactly what they want to say, but writing it down feels difficult.

Try talking about it first.

Ask questions like:

• What happened first?
• Who was there?
• What did it feel like?

Parents or teachers can write down what the child says. After that, the child can revise the sentences into their own writing.

Talking often unlocks the story.

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3. Use Writing Prompts

Prompts give your brain a starting point.

Try one of these:

• Write about the strangest thing that ever happened to you.
• If your pet could talk for one day…
• The door at the end of the hallway suddenly opened…

For poetry:

• Write a poem about rain.
• Write a poem about something that makes you happy.

Prompts are like sparks that start the creative engine.

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4. Break Big Assignments Into Small Pieces

A big project can feel overwhelming.

Instead of thinking about writing three pages, start with three sentences.

1. Write one sentence about the main character.
2. Write one sentence about where the story happens.
3. Write one sentence about the problem.

Those three sentences can easily grow into a paragraph.

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5. Make a Word List

Sometimes the brain just needs a few ideas to work with.

Example: a poem about autumn.

Word list:

• leaves
• wind
• pumpkins
• cold air
• school buses

Now try building sentences using those words. The poem starts forming naturally.

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6. Draw the Idea First

Many kids think in pictures.

Try this method:

1. Draw the scene.
2. Label the drawing.
3. Turn the labels into sentences.

This technique helps turn visual ideas into written ones.

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7. Try “Free Writing.”

Set a timer for 3–5 minutes.

Rules:

• Write without stopping.
• Do not erase anything.
• Do not fix mistakes.

Even silly or random writing often leads to a real idea.

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8. Change Your Writing Spot

A small change can refresh your brain.

Try writing:

• outside
• on the floor with a notebook
• using colored pens or markers

A new environment sometimes helps ideas appear.

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9. Start With an Opening Line

The beginning is usually the hardest part.

Try starting with a line like:

• The day started normally, but by lunch, everything had changed.
• I never expected to find that under my bed.
• The wind sounded like someone whispering.

Once the first sentence exists, the second one is much easier.

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10. Write Together

Parents can help by writing alongside their child for a few minutes.

Kids quickly learn that everyone sometimes struggles with writing. Even adults have to rewrite their work.

That makes the process feel normal instead of frustrating.

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The Secret to Writer’s Block: Keep Moving

Writer’s block usually disappears once words begin to appear on the page.

Remember:

Momentum is more important than perfection.

Just like Raptor Rex eventually found the rhythm for his new song, every young writer can find their ideas once they get started.

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🪷 Read All CALM Mini-Series Episodes

Episode 1: Present Centered Awareness
Episode 2: Mindful Breathing
Episode 3: All About Balance
Episode 4: Contentment
Episode 5: Reflection