Yep, you heard right. In November I finished and published my latest children’s picture book, and then the holidays took over what was left of my energy.
And now I’ve got the blank page (or screen) syndrome.
This isn’t anything new, not for me. If you are a long time follower, you know this is a yearly ritual. However, each time I’m faced with it, I am surprised. Weird, right? When I’m in the writing zone, I think I’ll never stop. But then…
Brain fog settled in.
One thing that has helped me before, was reading. Reading everything. Good, bad, great, and mediocre. So I’ve spent the last couple of months reading three to four books a week. Didn’t help.
So…
I’m visiting some of my favorite bloggers.
Playing with a few writing prompts.
And giving my brain a good talking to.
Looking at some of my previous posts and trying to take my own advice. LOL
Tell me. How do you get back in the writing saddle? To create when the lightening of inspiration is lacking?
I appreciate any tips or suggestions you’ve got. Because I’m still stuck.
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.
I’ve been reading a lot about how to show what my characters are feeling.
Putting emotions on paper, in words that pull in a reader is not as easy as one might think. From lovers, friends, enemies, coworkers, monsters, and strangers all experience emotions and we need to show them to the reader.
Luckily, there are several good writers who know just what I need to do.
A little food for thought…
Fear, anger, doubt, joy is universal emotions. Help your reader remember when they felt those same emotions. This enables the reader to connect with your characters.
There are two types of emotions. Primary and Secondary.
Primary is the first initial reaction, which is an unthinking, instinctive response. The Primary response often disappears as fast as it appeared, giving way to…
Secondary reaction. Replacement by secondary emotions can complicate the situation, often making it difficult to understand the circumstances. For instance, fear turns to anger back to fear and then to flight.
Don’t forget the backstory that formed your character’s emotions. The biological, psychological and social factors led them to feel the way they do.
Remember to use inciting incidents and circumstances also shape a character’s emotions.
What is going on in the story to reinforce a character’s response?
What protective trait does the character have that will bring them to the other side and hopefully a good ending?
If you want to get a few great tips and examples of emotional writing, take a minute and click on these links.
Jean's Writing 