Time for me to review an oldie but goodie.
I’ve had the post-holiday blues. After returning from Europe and spending time with my daughter and granddaughters, I have no motivation.
Yet, my editor is waiting for my next picture book manuscript and I’m sitting here staring at my half-finished novel.
Sigh, so much to do and so little desire. Although my characters keep me awake every night. Instead of encouraging me, I feel as though these characters are little devils on my shoulder. LOL
So, time to put action to words and take my own advice. Wish me luck.
Hope this review helps you too.
Do you need to overcome Summertime writer’s block?
How about, not 10, but 33 tips to jumpstart your writing?
The long, hot days make me lethargic. I want to play, putter around with my roses, or read a good book. Even my muse, complains it’s too damn hot to sit at a computer. Now, who am I to argue with inspiration?
But, writers must write.
So if you’re searching for something to help, keep reading.
I found a great answer on Quora. Who knows? After you read the article, even during these dog-days of summer, maybe you will find one that suits you.
Here’s my take on his 33 tips. The ones I think will help me are in red.
- Not me, I’m a start at the beginning kinda gal.
- Jot down the facts, just the facts. Cool idea.
- Now take a fact from #2 and turn it on its head. What if it’s a lie.
- Prompts? I love prompts.
- Free write, hmm might just work. Gonna give it a try. With #4 of course.
- Break? Took too many already this Summer.
- Get moving. But remember to come back to WIP.
- Meditate. Nah, not for me.
- Ditto. I don’t like confrontations. Even pleasant ones.
- Yay! Learned something new. Oblique Strategies
- I like it quiet when I write. But I’ll consider it.
- This I do, sometimes moving to my back porch.
- Write 10 ideas a day? Yikes. Too much pressure.
- Outlandish ideas? Might work.
- Swipe File is a great idea. Setting up some today.
- Book is a cousin to #15, don’t like to duplicate work.
- Journal about feeling blocked. Too whiny.
- Timed writing? No, I’ve enough pressure see #13.
- Unplugging is something I should do more often.
- Pen & Paper, tried and true.
- Set a deadline and broadcast it. Geese more pressure.
- Make a brag list.
- Make a to-do list. I like lists.
- Reread one of your favorites and rewrite for practice. I’ve done this to get juices flowing. Works.
- Write down how you feel about your WIP. Nope, see #17.
- Which parts of WIP is best and strongest?
- Look at which parts are weakest.
- Consider different POV. I’ve done this and it does help.
- Review annotations in books you’ve enjoyed for inspiration.
- Decide on what you’re trying to accomplish.
- Lists of single words to identify key themes.
- Stop editing. This is my hardest thing to overcome.
- Recite the prayer of the Muse? Not into that much Zen, see #8.
For more detailed descriptions and explanations, click and read:
How can an aspiring writer get around writer’s block? by Bryan Collins
Now your turn. Tell me…
Which one of the 33 tips did you relate to?
Is there one that caught your interest?
Are you ready to try something new?
Give me your thoughts on these ideas.
Don’t let the Summertime blues stall your creativity. Get writing!
I love reading your comments.
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Sort of like spaghetti sauce. Everyone knows it’s made with tomatoes, meat, and spices. But how the cook puts it all together will determine the flavor.
Think about that for a minute. I’m sure y’all have been in a room where everyone tip-toed around an elephant.
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