Today the carnis are all talking about what we do when we get, um….BUSTED. #doesthatsoundwrong So here goes.
I sort of feel that the phrase writer’s block is like Voldemort for me. I never utter the phrase. So I’m breaking a major one of my rules here and now for you! From now on I’ll call it THAT THING.
Whenever THAT THING gets to me, it’s usually on projects I care REALLY DEEPLY ABOUT. I’m not saying I don’t care about all my books. I do, I swear. But, there’s some books that, well, get to me. I’m working on one of them now and THAT THING has been playing havoc with me.
It takes me a LONG time to write some books. Usually the story really does need to jell. It needs some breathing room. Space. For a variety of reasons. Most of the time I chalk it up to the fact that I don’t have the skills yet as a writer to get past FILL-IN-THE-BLANK. You know what really helps? Walking away for a while. There really isn’t anything like it. Not that I’m advocating procrastination or anything, BUT…fresh eyes are a writer’s best friend! Fresh eyes push me over the hump every time.
So I go on Artist’s Dates–trips to museums, parks, triple features at the movies, skiing–like Julia Cameron suggests in her book called THE ARTIST’S WAY. I LOVE that book. Sometimes I go with other writer buddies. Sometimes I go alone. And then another thing I like to do is look to the greats. Read them and re-read them. I keep ON WRITING handy because I love the reassuring words of Stephen King. I also love BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott for when I need a little encouaragement, and what writer doesn’t need encouragement.
When I get burned out I use the time to catch up on my TBR!
What do you do to get to THE END. How do you handle THAT THING?
This week I’m THRILLED to have been given this blog award by the brilliant blogger and awesome writer, McKenzie! Check out her blog at THE OBIQUITOUS PERSPECTIVE!Â
Here are the rules!
- Favorite Color? I love purple. I don’t know why. I just gravitate toward it. And when I was in this groovy steam room the other day and they flashed all these crazy colors it was the purple color that made me feel AMAZING. Purple’s it for me:)
- Favorite Animal? I love the Cheetah. It was the first stuffed animal I received from my hubby and I still have it. It’s a cool animal and I hope one day I’ll see one up close. GULP. Well, not too close, but ya’know like on a safari or something.
- Favorite Number? 21. I love Vegas.
- Favorite (non-alcoholic) drink? Lately kombucha, esp peach or ginger:) YUM!
- Facebook or Twitter? TWITTER….<3
- My passion? TRAVEL & WINE & JOKES
- Getting or Giving presents? GIVING
- Favorite pattern? BATIK
- Favorite day of the week? I LOVE FRIDAY!
- Favorite flower? Jasmine. I love the smell on a hot night! And I love that it glows in the moonlight!
I said the same thing. Space is my best cure for writer’s block 🙂 Great post.
Melissa:) There’s really nothing like it! I love walking along the beach too. My friend said that the air is ionized differently there and it’s good for our brains! I’m all over that. xo Thanks so much for stopping by! Can’t wait to check out your post:)