Welcome to another guest segment of ‘The Writer’s Brain’ where we pick the brain of a neuroscientist about the elements of great writing. This week’s show covers some possible origins and solutions to an ailment known only to writers. Research scientist Michael Grybko, of the Department of Psychology at the University of Washington, returned to help me pinpoint the mysteries of writer’s block from a scientific standpoint. If you missed the first three installments of The Writer’s Brain — on How Neuroscience Defines Creativity, Empathy, and Storytelling — you can find all of them in the show notes and on writerfiles.fm. Join us for this two-part interview, and if you’re a fan of the show, please click “subscribe” to automatically see new interviews, and help other writers find us. In Part One of the file Michael Grybko and I discuss:

Why Writers Argue about the Definition of Writer’s Block

What Happens When Your Creativity Dries Up

How to Find Your Most Productive Writing Time

Why Writers Need to Unplug to Recharge

How an ‘Incubation Phase’ Can Improve Your Writing

The Show Notes

How to Beat Writer’s Block – Maria Konnikova

This Is Your Brain on Writing – New York Times

Famous Writers’ Sleep Habits vs. Literary Productivity, Visualized – Maria Popova

Kelton Reid on Twitter

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