Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Just Write

The most effective way to cure writer's block is to write. The first thought that springs to mind after hearing this is: how to do this when you have it, isn't it a catch 22? 

Yes, but mostly--no.

Here is why. If you can just start writing your mind will begin engaging in ways you really hadn't thought possible. You will begin to write and some of it will be garbage, granted. However, much of it will either be exactly what you were looking for or it will be fodder for some other project. Either way you win.

You will have successfully beaten the writer's block and if you can continue to do so you will be free from this affliction. Sometimes (in rather strange circles) this virus is mistakenly referred to as a social disease, as it seems to strike when a writer has been invited to go out with their friends. If you find you really are stuck, perhaps try going out with your friends and come back refreshed from taking time to live. 

Another strategy, if you just simply feel too guilty about not writing to go out, is to live vicariously though other characters. Read a good book that you have been putting off reading because you really needed to write those next few pages. Yet, you are staring at a blank page and nothing is what springs to mind. This is your inner five year old wanting a story told to him or her. Oblige the little bookworm so you can get back to doing what you do best, being creative.

Some writers are so full of words they will not face writer's block, or least they claim they haven't. Don't let them fool you, they just kept writing and maybe most of it was gobbledygook. No matter. They still win. Once you can get past the empty page you can start getting back into the rhythm of really writing and, just as muscles remember after they have done something in repetition, your writing muscles will engage.


These are some keys on the writers craft I have picked up along the way, they all boil down to one rule--just write.


6 comments:

  1. Oh yeah. I totally get this all the time. So annoying :( Thank you so much for the amazing advice :D

    Rabiah
    Confessions of a Readaholic

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    1. Thanks for stopping in! :) I'm glad you appreciate it.

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  2. Since I try to blog daily, I have had [many] days of staring at a blank screen, fingers resting lightly on the keys, and zero inspiration. I usually just start writing, gibberish sentences linked together by desperation, and one line will pop out as workable....and then it's on! Sometimes I save the leftovers as a draft, taking a glance at it weeks later, discovering something else salvageable. It's all part of the process of writing and I love it!

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    1. That is it exactly, Michelle. I love that feeling too when you just start writing and it starts happening. Thanks for stopping by! :)

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  3. I don't know if I'd say I get writer's block, as I can pour out words any time, even good words, if necessary. However, I do just get out of the mood to write. When that happens, I can go through periods of no output or low-quality output. That's why I like to consistently do personal writing challenges and prompts, like writing a flash fic piece made up of only dialogue or something.

    Good music also helps.

    Great post!

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    1. Thanks! Glad you stopped by. :) I agree that great music helps so much. I get much encouragement and creativity from challenges, as weel. That is why this A-Z has been so great for my writing.

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Emily's books

Mutant Message Down Under
5 of 5 stars
Sometimes things aren't what they seem and can be amazing
The Alchemist
5 of 5 stars
A journey that helps to enlighten one and takes the rest of us along for the ride
Anahita's woven riddle
5 of 5 stars
This is classified young adult but is one of the most fantastic stories and shows what life was like before the Shaw was overthrown in Iran.
Think and Grow Rich
5 of 5 stars
must read for those who enjoy prosperity

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