How to banish a writers hiccup

Published on by Jean M. Cogdell

Don’t you just hate losing stuff?

Me too!

I have files upon files, notes and notes stashed everywhere. And more times than not I can’t find what I need when I need it. Whew, hope that made sense.

So what have I been tearing through paper and computer looking for?

An article that taught me how to clear my mind, to break through writer’s hiccup, and get own with my project.

writers-block

Want to know what it is?

Re-write a favorite poem, opening, segment, or prologue. You can strive to make it better, more relevant to today, make it funny or sad but the goal is to re-write it and make it yours.

When you are finished it should speak to you in a new way.

I do this exercise often but rarely share.

Today, I’m stepping out of my comfort zone and sharing a poem that has meant a lot to me over the years. Although poetry is not my strong suit, I still enjoyed the exercise.

The poem I’ve chosen is by MARTIN NIEMÖLLER: “FIRST THEY CAME FOR THE SOCIALISTS…”

Believe it or not, but the inspiration came from an old joke which got my gears turning and let me here. Weird how the mind works. Please be kind.

A Slow Boil

First police patrolled immigrant neighborhoods,

And I did nothing-

Because I didn’t live there.

Then troops manned the streets,

And I did nothing-

Because I was American born.

Then all heretics were registered and monitored,

And I did nothing-

Because I was a Christian.

Then I was questioned, my faith, my family, and my patriotism-

And no one did a thing-

Because there was no one left to help.

 

So what do you think about the exercise?

Have you ever tried to re-write a favorite passage or poem?

Is it something you might try?

Thanks for stopping by my blog. Leave me a comment and let me know what you think.
Also check in with me on Twitter @jeancogdell, Facebook at jean.cogdell and Amazon.com, stop by and say hey! Please remember to click and share this post with your Twitter peeps and Facebook fans.

8 thoughts on “How to banish a writers hiccup”

  1. Im the most disorganized person in the world and I’m always looking for new and innovative ways to spark my creative side when things aren’t working. I’ve never heard of this exercise and yes, I will try it. After reading your version of the poem I can see how it would work. Thanks for sharing.

    I just dropped by because I will be driving all day tomorrow and I probably won’t be able to visit you when you post your letter A for the A to Z challenge. Just the luck of the calendar, but my kids spring break ends tomorrow and we will be driving home ALL day and into the night. I wanted to stop by today since I will miss you tomorrow. I will be back on Saturday, and catch up on letters A and B. Also, because I’m on blogger/blogspot platform I know most WP bloggers don’t really like to visit so last year I created a WP blog just for the challenge … just so I could comment. I think I created more chaos for myself. Now I’m inundated with emails instructing me to create a “Better About Me Page.” I don’t have an “About Me Page.” I don’t even really have a WP blog. I just did that for the commenting thing. I goofed. My mistake. Anyway, I’m number 243 on the theme reveal list, but it keeps changing so here is the link to my theme reveal. I’d love for you to visit if you have some time this month.

    http://www.melissasugarwrites.com
    Take care and I will see you more this month.

    Melissa Sugar
    sugarlaw13@live.com
    Twitter @msugar13

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Melissa, I’ve found this exercise really does clear my mind. Gets my brain to work on something other than the problem I’ve been dealing with in my WIP. I’ll be sure and check out your blog. Yes, converting from Blogspot to WP is a pain in the #$% but worth the trouble. Make sure you add a post on BS announcing the change and make a link to the new WP blog. Took me awhile to figure this out. Safe travels!

      Like

  2. I lose chapters or short stories I’m working on about twice a year, even though (or perhaps because) I keep mutlple back ups. I find it necessary to rewrite them. I always keep the second version. Usually it’s better but I won’t always swear to it.

    That being said, revision is the heart of writing. We should never stop rewriting,

    Liked by 1 person

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