When the words won’t come…Silence, Slumps, and Storytelling

The Third Book Slump Club

I’ve been in a writing slump. Not for lack of ideas—they’re all in my head—but I can’t seem to wrangle them onto the page. I’ve done the research for Regret No More, I know the story, and yet… nothing.

Turns out, I’m not alone. I met with two other authors who are also on their third books, and we laughed (okay, half-groaned) about how hard this one has been. So, we made it official: we’re in The Third Book Slump Club.

The funny part? The ideas come—but always at the wrong times. While driving. Walking. Showering. Trying to sleep. Suddenly, the characters are chatting away and I’m scrambling to record voice notes or scribble on a bedside notebook. And sometimes I just hope I’ll remember it in the morning!

It reminds me that I actually wrote most of From This Day Forward in my Notes app, completely out of order, while walking on the bike trail near our house. There’s something about those silent, distraction-free moments where creativity finally has room to breathe.

It makes me think of my dad. Years ago, he took me to a doctor’s appointment. While I was inside, he just sat there in the waiting room. No phone, no TV, no scrolling. Just… sitting. In silence. I remember thinking, wow, that’s a skill.

And it is. Because silence is where the good stuff comes in. For me, it’s walking outside, sitting on my deck listening to birds, or watching the river flow. That’s when the ideas find me.

So, this week, I’m letting go of the pressure. I’m going to trust the words will show up when they’re ready. And when I get frustrated? I’ll take a note from Dad and just sit in silence.

Until next time—

With love, 

Wendy