How to Overcome Writer’s Block

Anna Moraa: “Reading readers who love to read is wonderful, and I don’t think I know a single human who reads more voraciously, generously and consistently than this one. They share simple, honest missives on what they’re reading and I always find a gem of inspiration—be it a new book to consider, an audio book to listen to, or a community to connect with, both online and in Kenya. They remind me how much Words are loved.”

AM: “Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi is one of my favorite writers. She writes stories that feel like the best gossip you’ve heard from the best storyteller you know. Sharp and rich, humorous and empathetic, I fell in love with this short story years ago. I urge you to read everything she has ever written! “Kintu”, her debut novel, is a grand multi-award winning epic and ‘The First Woman’ has an ending so tender, I cry every time I read it. Makumbi always reminds me that what Words care about is story.”

AM: “This essay changed my life. I don’t know how to summarize it. All I can say is it articulated a pain so intimate I couldn’t understand it. It reminds me that we, Words and I, can be brave, together.”

AM: “I want to understand what happens in Machado’s brain. Like…what? What?!? How did you get here? How? How do you write a spec-fiction novella about Benson and Stabler using the Law and Order: SVU episode titles as chapter titles and make it this twisty, trippy tale that I promise you cannot predict. The way the story just…goes! It reminds me that anything is possible with Words.”

AM: “’Modern English, especially written English, is full of bad habits which spread by imitation and which can be avoided if one is willing to take the necessary trouble.’ First published in 1946, criticizing ‘ugly and inaccurate’ written English, it is more than a criticism: it is a manual.”

AM: “Sometimes, the problem is I’ve stared at Words too much! Kevin Mwachiro started this incredible podcast (available everywhere) featuring some of the best short stories written in Kenya, and across Africa. Plus, they are read beautifully. This is from one of my favorite writers, Idza Luhmuyo, one I always go back to when I’m looking for beauty. Nipe Story reminds me that Words just want to be heard.”

AM: “As is LAM tradition, here’s a song break for you: My favorite Tiny Desk Concert for when Words need to sing.”