Events › Writer-in-Residence Workshop: Understanding and Overcoming Writer’s Block

You’ve got an idea, you want to write it, but you just can’t. Or perhaps you were flying right along with your story, and now you’re at a dead stop. Why?

This workshop will delve into the myriad causes of writers’ block, from story-related causes (Are you bored? Are you missing critical information about your story/character?) to personal ones (e.g. burnout, personal illness, or emotional resonance), and more.

Understanding the cause of your writers’ block can help you develop strategies to address them—which will be as varied and personal as the cause. This workshop will help participants better understand the potential cause of their writers’ block and identify strategies to move forward. It is also designed to be helpful for writers who have dealt with writers’ block previously and are attending to better understand how to navigate future incidents.

About Intisar Khanani

Intisar Khanani grew up a nomad and world traveler. She has lived in five different states as well as in Jeddah, on the coast of the Red Sea. Previously, Intisar wrote grants and developed projects to address community health and infant mortality with the Cincinnati Health Department, which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she focuses her time on her two passions: raising her family and writing fantasy.

Intisar is the author of The Sunbolt Chronicles, and the Dauntless Path novels, beginning with Thorn. Her novels, A Darkness at the Door and Memories of Ash were both Kirkus Review picks for Best Young Adult Fantasy Novels of the Year. She is deeply honored to serve as the 2026 Writer in Residence for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library.

Learn more at chpl.org/writer.