Opinion - What is a writer's block in the first place? In brief, writer's block is defined as a "condition of being unable to think of what to write or how to proceed with writing. According to writing expert mike Rose, writer's block is defined as, "the inability to begin or continue writing for reasons other than a lack of basic skill or commitment." The causes of writer's block are many. Lack of inspiration is the main problem. Illness is another one. Writers, like any human being, are likely to fall ill