Combating writer’s block
Have you ever sat down with the intention of writing that tome, be it a book, chapter, manuscript, or term paper–only to stare blankly, unproductively, at your computer screen? People ask me all the time what I do about this. In truth I’m one of those few who rarely experiences such torture. Unfortunately, this is one of those times. I have three books in my head, each ready to pop out. One was planned for early summer. However, health issues, family matters, and work–the three horsemen of the nonproductiveamongus–have conspired against their completion. So, what’s a writer to do? I once attended a seminar where we were advised to 1) assign letters A, B, and C to tasks, then 2) complete the A’s before working on anything else. The problem with this is a procrastinator can spend days (weeks?) assigning letters to her/his tasks. I believe a better solution is to break off bite-size bits of that writing task: perhaps its a character you’re dying to introduce, or the description of a significant event or place; maybe you are an outliner. One of these may be just what you need to get rolling. Whatever the source of the problem, or your chosen path for resolving it, remember one thing–you mustn’t get down on yourself. The latter is an exercise in futility. Always remember–in writing, as in life–a positive outlook is always best.
Definitely, a positive attitude helps when you’re trying to get thoughts together. Sometimes, I just put the writing aside, and wait for that lightbulb to go off. I know for a fact, that if I didn’t think I could do it, I would never even attempt to write. It helps to have support from family and/or friends; but you really need to have faith in yourself and continue on with the quest. Also, having a small tape recorder handy helps. Whenever that thought does light that bulb, take out that recorder and make notes. Then when you’re at leisure, listen to those taped thoughts and put ’em down on paper. Eventually, your work will get done. It might take a while, but keep writing! You won’t regret it.
This is a terrific suggestion, Dot. Any other ideas out there?
Thanks Mark. I actually bought a small hand held one years ago for a completely different purpose, but it sure has come in handy now; IF, I remember to carry it! 🙂
Fortunately I haven’t been required to write a research paper for many years, and writing a novel hasn’t made it onto my bucket list yet, but I do write a simple blog every two weeks. I don’t feel blogs are required to follow specific rules or have the same structure as formal writing so this may be comparing pica pica bushes to bananas. To combat writer’s block, when the time to write is drawing near – my blog periods are the 1st to the 15th and the 16th to the end of the month – I begin to think of a simple theme, or some idea, while engaged in some activity where my mind can wander, and pre-write a bit of the entry in my head. By the time I sit down in front of the computer I have a “head” start and generally avoid the dreaded stareoutthewindowitis.
This is a very good approach, Jon. I’d like to hear more about your blog and how to participate. You two lead such interesting lives.
My blog is essentially a journal with photos documenting our travels between seasonal positions and some of our activities while we’re stationary for a few months. I kept a journal ten years ago when we went on a four month roadtrip to Alaska; I’d email it every week or so to family and friends, it was a handy way to keep in touch with everyone. I received a lot of compliments on my writing style and every now and then it’s fun to re-read it and relive the memories of a great trip. When we embarked on our current nomadic lifestyle I knew I had to start writing again and a blog seemed to make sense; it has been a little more than four years and I haven’t missed a day yet. The main purpose is still to make it easy to let family and friends know about our “doings” and as a tool to jar our memories when we’re old and gray(er). Rather than a monotonous day-by-day description of our lives, I try to keep it concise, informative, and positive overall. Of course some of my natural cynicism creeps in along with my unusual sense of humor. I particularly enjoy sharing photos of the beautiful places we’ve seen on our travels.
Please scroll through the previous four years of Jon & Sherry at http://www.wherervgoing.wordpress.com. Heck, it’s OK not reading it, just look at the pictures. Anyone can subscribe by clicking on the box at the bottom of the blog page.
Hi–This is a subject near to my heart. What works for me, when anything does, is to make the writing task as easy, unscary, and essentially mindless as I can. I picture the shallow end of a kiddie pool I used to go to as a kid, where it was just a gentle ramp. In other words, I try to enter by the very opposite of diving in the deep end. Because I’m writing non-fiction, I am always working in paragraph units. It helps to assemble my materials to write a particular paragraph or two ahead of time. The assembling is pretty mindless, and the low goal helps me not shy away out of fear. Then when I write, it’s easier because I set myself up and put mind right at the edge of the kiddie pool, like Jon and his pre-brainstorming.
Three other specific tricks help me. One is borrowed from Hemingway: finish every writing session in the middle of a sentence. When you go back, you only have to promise you’ll finish that sentence, but by the time you do, your head is back in the game. The second is to walk and talk, out loud. I say stupid things like “I really hate this paragraph. I wish I didn’t have to write it. This sucks. Is it time for a snack yet? What IS my point anyway? I think my point is x, but I can’t prove that until….”–and then I’m on my way. I usually do this when I’m alone, but I wouldn’t really care if anybody heard me. Third is typing with my eyes closed, if I’m stuck. That helps turn off my inner editor long enough to get me started.
All of these techniques come from the same idea, anything to get off the starting line. I always remember how, in physics, static friction is higher than kinetic friction. That means it takes more energy to start going than to keep going. Or, as Newton put it, objects in motion tend to stay in motion, so the key is to remain an object in motion at any level.
P.S. Hi Jon!
These are all excellent ideas, Becky. I can tell you that the opposite does not work. I’m working on a new mystery titled, “Whacked.” It’s easily the most complex novel I’ve ever written. It contains a combination of four murders (I’ve never attempted more than one); a debate about the relative merits of forensics vs. deductive reasoning; and, two different, but related settings–a grand hotel and a Donald Ross designed golf course. I stopped writing several months ago, due to a number of issues, and it’s been very difficult to pick up again . . . this despite the fact that I’m convinced Whacked will be my best work to date.
Best of luck on “Whacked”! Hey, you’ve got the title, thats a start.
I’m in the process of reading “A Last Resort”. Love the characters especially your lead, Kary Turnell. I’m a “Murder She Wrote”, “Columbo” fan and your writing makes me feel like I’m watching an episode of “Murder She Wrote” without the commercials!
Thanks for a very enjoyable and memorable read.
I’m happy to hear this, Dot. If you enjoy “A Last Resort,” try reading “I Knew You When,”
“An Icy Reception,” and “Murder With a View.” You’ll see Kary’s growth as an investigator.
More to the point, I think my growth as a mystery writer will be apparent.
I’m sure I will enjoy reading all of your books.
I am finding “A Last Resort” to be an easy read, one thats truly enjoyable, light, and providing enough detail without being too graphic thereby leaving a lot to my imagination.
Given the fact that its based in NH at a most prestigious resort; just adds to the need to read more. Truly fun!
Thank you, Dot. It always feels good to be appreciated by another writer, as I’m sure will be the case when I read your tome.
Hi Professor Noel! Believe it or not, you and your Health in History class crossed my mind recently…for some reason the tuberculosis rabbits on the island in the Adirondacks region popped in my head. Hope all is well!