There’s a wall there, you just can’t see it. Apparently, my sister wasn’t in the mood to smile. I tried to help, but there was no getting through that wall. Blocked. That’s how I felt for a while because I had been struggling with what to write next. I’m not a big fan of the term writers’ block and I think we give it more power than it deserves. Maybe that’s why I’m so big on writing prompts—they can get you going when you’re stalled in the writing process.
Look, the muse doesn’t give a shit if you’re staring at your computer screen, fingers poised on the keyboard, asking nicely for some inspiration. In fact, I’m convinced muses revel in watching us suffer, which is why you have to take charge. If you’re struggling with a scene in your WIP, get away from it. Distance can be the exactly what you need in order to come back with a fresh mind. Over at The Writing Bug, I recently wrote about using pencil and paper to get out all my thoughts—every possibility, every angle, every idea, and it worked; it got me my new novel idea.
I also recently picked up The Amazing Story Generator that creates thousands of story ideas.
This book combines random settings, characters, and conflicts; the rest is up to you. That’s how I feel about writers’ block—it’s up to you. You’re the only one who can get yourself past a lull in your writing, so don’t count on being struck over the head with an idea while you’re binge watching on Netflix. That can happen, but, again, don’t count on it. You’re a writer; so write. No matter how crappy it is, it’s writing—and it will lead somewhere.
How do you get going again when you’re stalled in your writing?
Completely agree! You usually just have to write your way out of writer’s block. Walking away or doing something else can help, but like you said, the muses don’t care if you can’t think of an idea. 🙂
1) Go fly fishing . . .if unsuccessful
2) Drink wine . . . If still unsuccessful
3) Consume chocolate . . .if still unsuccessful
4) Go fly fishing again.
Mix in steps 2 & 3 often with 1 & 4.
Someday, somewhere, the wall has got to give. If I’m not diabetic, drunk, or hooked in my ear with a fly, I’ll be able to start writing again.
What genius tactics, Dean. You got all your bases covered.
That’s how I got going again, except I used CampNaNoWriMo to start a completely new project instead of handwriting in a journal. While working on the NaNo idea, my subconscious jumped in with some thoughts on theolder stuck project, so I wrote three new scenes (right there in the middle of the NaNo document). Now I’m back on track with the original wip.
As a bonus, I now have over 17,000 words toward a new story I can get back to later.
Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
Good for you! Do you think having a broken foot has helped with your amazing word count? 😉