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!

Writers' Block : Cure #43

Sharon Drummond / Foter / CC BY-NC-SA

Everyone deals with blocks. The big boring dam that refuses to let the creativity river loose when you're sitting at your computer or with your pen and pad is just down right wrong, but it happens. Today I'm going to be exploring my 43rd cure for writers' block: Writing Prompts.

Writing prompts are used in creative writing classes all over the world to help writers learn to focus on an idea and get it to paper. There is some controversy that comes along with this cure when you're just a writer trying to write. I've got to admit there are valid points both for and against it. Personally, I argued with myself about it for a little while and weighed both the pros and cons. In the end I tried it out and it helped.

This is how it works. You find a writing prompt and roll with it. Start with just a sentence or an idea. You could try building a character around the prompt and work on the plot from there. We all have our different areas where blocks occur. Some writers can come up with the idea for a story in no time flat but struggle to get the characters started. Others can draw a blank with the plot line. We're all different and writing prompts can offer a solution to almost any of these problems.

You don't have to be in a writing class to find a writing prompt. Join a writers' forum and you'll likely find a section for writing prompts and challenges. You can also find prompts in the form of generators online. Generators are everywhere and sometimes they can throw out some pretty interesting ideas. A few of my favorite include those found at Adam Maxwell's Fiction Lounge, Plot Generator and Writing Exercises.

So there you have it. Find yourself a writing prompt and see if it helps. After all, even though you're not working off your own idea at first it's still better than not writing any idea at all.

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.

Writers' Block: Cure #03

Over the last few months I've had a lot on my plate. The move is finally over and the failed attempt at CampNaNoWriMo has brought a lot into prospective for me. Writing has been a large part of my life for nearly my entire life and I don't know what I would do without it. Of course with the good comes the bad. Some days (and months) you just can't get that creative spark to flare into an idea and your stuck staring at a blank piece of paper or computer screen.

I'm going to explain Cure #03 for writers' block. It is a simple cure that doesn't always work, but it is a lot of fun if you have the time and interest. Here goes:

First, grab a group of friends. That's right, you're not going to need that notebook either.

Next you will need to introduce an alcoholic drink of your choice. I personally like margaritas, but this can and has been done with whine, beer and other drinks. If you don't drink but you're friends do this could still work. If you nor your friends drink then you might want to try something a little different.

Once you and/or your friends are just a little tipsy and in that good have a laugh feeling start the conversation. Start talking asking what if questions. What if you were stuck on an island? What if the sky was green and the sky was blue?

Before too long these what if questions can turn into a lot of interesting ideas that you can use for inspiring you writing muse. Remember, if you're drinking try not to get too drunk. If you get too sloshed you might not remember the great ideas you came up with.

Also play it safe. Try this at your home or at a friend's home, and friends don't let friends drive drunk. So if your friend needs a place to sleep it off then offer up that couch. After all they may have just given you an idea for the next best seller.

Good dreams and happy writing!