Every once in a while, I have one of those days when the words just aren’t coming. This isn’t usually a problem for me (really, it isn’t, but I must add that just in case my agent or editor is reading this). Usually I don’t have time for writer’s block but I am only human, so every once in while it happens to me. Here are some ways I’ve found to deal with it:
1. Write scenes in which your character has writer’s block. Conveniently, the scene I am working on it one of the heroine writing, and at a loss for words. She takes a sip of tea (I sip coffee). She goes to get a biscuit from the kitchen (I go to look for a snack, too). She checks the mail (I check my email).
2. Remind self that there are days when the words are coming so quickly that you can’t type fast enough. Remember that you can’t have that every day, and in the end, the word count probably ends up the same. Do this while staring at blank screen, of course.
2.5 Check email again.
3. Review what you’ve already written. Go back a few pages. Rearrange commas. Get back into the story.
4. Skip ahead. You can always write that troublesome scene later–if you really do need it. Who says the hero and heroine have to have a Big Black Moment where all seems lost and they realize their everlasting love? Oh wait, sorry, that one is non-negotiable. Best make something up then; it’s only fiction after all.
4.5 Update Facebook status.
5. Go back to bed. Play computer solitaire. Walk the dog. Clean the bathroom. Catch up on reading of celebrity weekly magazines.
6. Write anything, even if it’s totally crap. You can fix it later. After checking email. Again.
7. Write blogs about writers block to make yourself feel productive. Done!
Maya, I always appreciate your advice! Makes me laugh and is absolutely true!
Definitely true. My problem is I get too caught up with focusing on negativity. I’ve got the story written. Now I need to revise and all I keep thinking about are all those rejections (past, present, and to come). How do you overcome rejections and not let them get you so down you can’t write? Because that’s where I am now … hence the reason you haven’t seen anything new from me.
Hi Lisa, Hi Jennifer!
I want to respond with a whole blog on rejection and negativity, but my laptop is in a coma (gah!) and it’s freeeezing here in the library. So, later. Promise.
For now…Rejection always sucks. Always–before you’re pubbed or even after (yes, it happens). But it happens to everyone
Instead of thinking of the negative stuff, think about why you want to write and all the good feedback you’ve gotten.
I will be back with more on this. In the meantime, best of luck!!!
Maya
Hi Maya,
Loved your humorous post about writer’s block!
It gave me cause to chuckle…
I apparently took your advice and wrote an article about it as well. Although not at all humorous, I did offer some answers I found that worked for me.
If you’d like to check it out, click:
http://hubpages.com/hub/Writers-Block—My-Former-Problem