Do you remember the first time you shared something you wrote? Maybe it was an elementary school assignment. Perhaps it was a book report, a short story, or a poem. What followed? Was it encouragement—or criticism? Could that be behind writer’s block?
Writer’s block involves staring at a blank piece of paper or a blank screen, frozen into position, and not knowing how to start.
For many adults who are now legal nurse consultants, doctors, lawyers, or speakers, those early moments left a deeper mark than they realized. A teacher’s red ink, a dismissive comment, or a lack of recognition planted a seed of self-doubt that still grows today.
Writer’s block often begin in childhood
Children crave approval, especially from teachers and parents. When their creative efforts are dismissed, overcorrected, or compared unfavorably to others, they internalize the idea that their words aren’t good enough. Over time, this morphs into a belief that they are not good enough to write.
If they believe aren’t good enough, then it is hard to start.
It’s subtle, and a powerful reason to feel stalled.
And it’s often the very professionals who excel in their fields—the ones most qualified to write books—who are haunted by the ghosts of early criticism.
What school didn’t teach us about writing
Many classrooms focused more on grammar and spelling than storytelling or clarity. Teachers, overworked and short on time, marked mistakes without offering meaningful guidance or encouragement.
This isn’t to blame them—it’s to explain why so many bright, capable people think they “can’t write.”
They were never shown that writing is a skill that grows with practice, not a talent granted at birth.
And they certainly weren’t told that the best writers still need editors, feedback, and multiple drafts. Instead, they saw writing as a single attempt with a grade attached. No wonder so many still feel anxious about trying again.
Why this fear lingers into adulthood
Professional success doesn’t automatically erase personal doubt. In fact, the more someone has achieved in their field, the more they worry about how their writing might reflect on them. They assume that because they’re good at medicine, law, consulting, or speaking, they should also be instantly good at writing.
But writing a book isn’t the same as writing a report or giving a talk. It requires structure, voice, storytelling, and revision.
Expecting perfection from the start is unrealistic—and unfair.
How to break the pattern of writer’s block
Here are a few ways to move past childhood writing trauma and begin creating the book you’ve wanted to write:
- Recognize where the fear comes from.
You’re not afraid of writing—you’re afraid of repeating the experience of being judged. That fear belongs to a younger version of you. You’ve grown past it. - Start with low-stakes writing.
Write for yourself. Keep a journal to share your thoughts and experiences. Draft an outline. Jot down stories or lessons from your career. No one has to see it yet. The goal is to rebuild your writing confidence. - Redefine what feedback means.
Find someone who knows your field and understands writing. A skilled editor or coach will point out improvements while also affirming your strengths. I provide this service. - Forgive yourself for needing help.
Even the most accomplished authors need help. That doesn’t make you less professional—it makes you smart enough to collaborate.
Rewriting the inner script
The truth is, your early writing was never the problem. What you needed was encouragement and support. As an adult, you can give that to yourself—and surround yourself with people who will do the same.
Writing a book won’t just help your audience—it can heal part of you that never felt “good enough” on the page.
Your story matters
You’ve experienced what few others have. You’ve seen complex cases, taught others, influenced decisions, and changed lives. That experience has value beyond your day job—it can educate, inspire, and comfort others when shared through a book.
Don’t let the ghosts of schoolroom criticism silence the adult voice you’ve earned.
You have something to say—and now is the time to say it. contact me to set up a time to discuss how my guidance can help you along this path, and away from writer’s block.
Pat Iyer MSN RN LNCC is a consultant, speaker, author, editor and coach. She has written or edited over 68 of her own books and worked with dozens of authors. Pat is an Amazon international #1 bestselling author. Coaches, consultants, and speakers hire Pat to help release the knowledge inside them so that they can attract their ideal clients.
She delights in assisting people to share their expertise by writing. Pat serves international and national experts as an editor, book coach, and a medical and business writer.
