More generally, does this process work similarly if you just try to express your problem in writing instead of trying to explain it verbally?

I think writing is more effective because it makes me slow down and more considered in how I write things. On reflection as I write this, I think it often happens when editing the message to make it as precise as possible - forcing myself to explain everything explicitly often causes the lightbulb moment.

IMHO, this is one of the biggest benefits of leaning into writing good stories in a project tracker. Even if the the light bulb moment that solves everything doesn't appear immediately, distilling your work into clear, precise language, suitable for consumption by parties who may not be intimate with the issue, strongly reinforces your understanding. It saddens me that there's a pervasive culture of looking down on this type of work, when there are clear benefits.