Writer's Block: Cure #53

I haven't done a writers block post in a while. That's kind of a good thing, I guess. While the characters have given me fits, they seem to be rolling along pretty well. Here's hoping they keep it up.

But still, writers block is real. Others may say it's not. It is. Writers just deal with it differently. You may be the type of author that can power through a block and over come it quickly. That's awesome! There are others that aren't so lucky and when the muse is on holiday and we're stuck wondering what comes next or how to put words to a scene that's constantly playing in our heads, it's writers block.

A great way to move passed writers block and get on with your story is through the power of research. When you're doing research you're still working on your story, just not actively writing. You're learning about something important to  your story or the creation of your story. It can help unblock secret pathways that characters can whisper through.

If you're writing a historical romance then research is typically easier than if you're writing a major epic fantasy. With sci-fi, fantasy and even paranormal the writer is in control of the world and the laws that govern it. This can make the research difficult, but you can still do it. Look up cultures that match closely to the cultures you've created. Check out some old vampire hunting manuals (they're there. There was even one in my high school library).

Even something as small as just checking out images of clothing that resemble things your characters would struck around in could help unlock some hidden writing gems.

Research may not sound very exciting, but it's worth a try if your struggling to find your written way.

Peace and Love!

It's a Process

Today I'm going to touch on something I normally do my best to avoid: Book Quality

Don't click away angry just yet. I'm talking about editing.

Whether you self-publish or go through a traditional publisher its vital to polish your story. In fact, most authors, agents and marketers are going to tell you a polished story goes a lot further than a draft.

Everyone is going to have their own process of writing and editing. Some authors do all their editing as they write. Others, like myself, sit through countless read throughs.

My process goes like this:

Writing: While I'm writing the story I often have to go back and read earlier scenes. When I find something wrong I try to fix it or I highlight it for later with a quick note.

Read Through 1: Once the story is finished I'll read it. I do take a few days away from the story before reading it first, but I always read through it. Sometimes out loud and sometimes kicked back with a never ending supply of coffee. Most of what I catch here are plot holes or rough wording.

Hubby Read: Next, the revised story goes to my husband. He's the first one to read what I write and I'm lucky enough to have an honest partner who isn't afraid to point out issues. This also gives me a few more days away from the story.

Read Through 2: After hubby is finished I read over his suggestions and do another read through on my own. Just ONE though. This is the point where I can get stuck in an editing and revising loop. They aren't fun and sometimes hurt the story more than help.

Beta Readers: At long last I reach out to beta readers. Be careful who you ask to read for you. Not all readers are meant to be betas. Find people who will give you usable feed back. Not just stroke your ego or give a one line "It's great" instead of helping find errors.

Read Through 3: Now that the beta readers are finished I go over their suggestions and do another read through. After I may or may not it through an online editing app, such as the Hemingway Editor, to catch small issues. They're great for finding passive voice.

Traditional or Self-Publishing?

Traditional: If this is the path then I put the story aside for the moment and work on the synopsis and query letter. Then off it goes to the publisher for consideration. (Rejection or Celebration to follow)

Self-Publishing: I went this rout with Lost Relic and Just Beyond Daybreak. Hiring a professional editor is the best thing you can do for your story if you're going to self-publish. My go to editing service is Shalamar Media. I have been very happy with the services and they're reasonably priced for what they offer.

Even after all that I still find errors here and there. It happens. Writing is an art form and if you've got a story to tell go on and tell it. Then polish it until it shines and introduce it to the world.

Peace and Love!

Writers' Block: Cure #33

We all deal with writers' block. I've already added a few of my favorite ways to deal with it and sadly I deal with it enough that I've got a few more cures sitting around in case of emergency. One trick I use is fighting off the block before it even starts. I set myself up for inspiration. It isn't as hard as it sounds, but it does take some focus. I inspire myself through my surroundings. The desktop background image, the arrangement of pictures around my desk area and even in the things I have out in the yard.

The big inspiration for me are the background images. I end up spending an evening here and there picking through different free wallpaper sites. I try to keep my story idea in mind while I'm doing this so I can narrow down the images I'm looking at. For the short story I just finished I searched for magic and standing stones. Lots of images came up and I was able to scroll through and grab a few that called to me. I then set them up on a rotation as background images. Now anytime I'm sitting at my computer I can at least see the edges of these images through the task bar and when I get stumped on a scene I minimize the window and watch the images flash through. That normally has me back into writing pretty quick.

I also have a number of things hanging on the wall around me desk. If I'm wanting to look at one of these pictures or decorations while I'm staring off into "what does she do next" space I'll move things around. I'll also move the yard chairs around pretty often when I start a new story. I try to find a view that seems to feel the most like the story I'm working on.

These are the things I set up to help ward off writers' block. It helps, but sometimes it still strikes and I have to do something else. That's okay because it's all part of the writing process.

Peace and love.