Some of us are unlucky enough to be struck with writer's block now and then. J.C. Martin, blogging pal and author of Oracle, is here to share some tips on getting rid of that dreaded affliction. So without further delay...
BOXING 101: 5 SIMPLE
METHODS TO K.O. WRITER’S BLOCK
Writer’s
block. The dreaded malady every writer must learn to overcome. While I’ve read
many ways to beat it, here is a list of the simplest methods to get those
creative juices flowing again:
1. Just keep
writing
“How?”
you ask, “The reason I’m not writing
is because I’m blocked!” If you’re stuck on a story, rather than staring at an
empty page, willing the words to come, try writing something else: work on
another project, write a letter or e-mail, jot something in your journal, blog
… heck, do some day job-related writing! Any
form of writing will do! By keeping going, you’ll find alternate routes to
get around the block.
2. Clean the
house
Do
the laundry, vacuum the carpets, scrub the toilet … it’s time to remove the
dirt and grime around your pad, and in the process, remove the block on your
creativity! Mind-numbing chores may not be much fun, but they’ll allow your
mind to wander. Soon you’ll find a gem of a creative idea hidden in the dusty
recesses of your mind!
3. Exercise
Writers
tend to fall prey to a sedentary, butt-in-chair lifestyle, so a little physical
exercise is not only good for you, but the endorphins released from a good
workout has been shown to, among other benefits, improve your mood, reduce
anxiety, and of course, boost creativity!
Have
you considered a boxercise class? ;)
4. Take a
shower
Especially
rewarding after item 3 above, this method is the most effective for me. Something
about how the water runs down your body—kneading out knots in tired muscles,
stripping away dirt and fatigue—is both relaxing and liberating. I like to
think that the flow of your mind’s creativity will match the flow of the water,
giving it a much-needed kick-start.
5. Take a
break
Yes,
you read right! Go to the movies, call a friend, play a
video game … anything to completely, utterly detach yourself from your project.
Sometimes a block is your mind’s way of telling you you’ve been working too
hard. After a well-earned rest, you’ll return to your project with a clearer
mind, and far less resentment!
By
taking one or more of these steps, hopefully your creativity will soon punch
its way through the writer’s block damming it up!
Have YOU tried
any of these methods? Which works best for you? Are there others you’d like to
share?
Oracle
With
London gearing up to host the Olympics, the city doesn't need a serial killer
stalking the streets, but they've got one anyway.
Leaving a trail of brutal and bizarre murders, the police force is no closer to finding the latest psychopath than Detective Inspector Kurt Lancer is in finding a solution for his daughter's disability.
Thrust into the pressure cooker of a high profile case, the struggling single parent is wound tight as he tries to balance care of his own family with the safety of a growing population of potential victims.
One of whom could be his own daughter.
Fingers point in every direction as the public relations nightmare grows, and Lancer's only answer comes in the form of a single oak leaf left at each crime scene.
Leaving a trail of brutal and bizarre murders, the police force is no closer to finding the latest psychopath than Detective Inspector Kurt Lancer is in finding a solution for his daughter's disability.
Thrust into the pressure cooker of a high profile case, the struggling single parent is wound tight as he tries to balance care of his own family with the safety of a growing population of potential victims.
One of whom could be his own daughter.
Fingers point in every direction as the public relations nightmare grows, and Lancer's only answer comes in the form of a single oak leaf left at each crime scene.
About the Author
J.C.
Martin is a butt-kicking bookworm: when she isn’t reading or writing, she
teaches martial arts and self-defence to adults and children.
After working in pharmaceutical research, then in education as a schoolteacher, she decided to put the following to good use: one, her 2nd degree black belt in Wing Chun kung fu; and two, her overwhelming need to write dark mysteries and gripping thrillers with a psychological slant.
Her short stories have won various prizes and have been published in several anthologies. Oracle is her first novel.
Born and raised in Malaysia, J.C. now lives in south London with her husband and three dogs.
After working in pharmaceutical research, then in education as a schoolteacher, she decided to put the following to good use: one, her 2nd degree black belt in Wing Chun kung fu; and two, her overwhelming need to write dark mysteries and gripping thrillers with a psychological slant.
Her short stories have won various prizes and have been published in several anthologies. Oracle is her first novel.
Born and raised in Malaysia, J.C. now lives in south London with her husband and three dogs.
I have tried all of those and they are very effective. The one that usually works best for me though is the keep writing anyway one. I hate every word when I do this, but I wind up making progress anyway and getting closer to my goal.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading E.B., and glad to hear some of these are effective for you!
DeleteOh yes, all of these are great! Getting away from the computer (with exercise, etc) is super--gets us sedentary writers out in the real world, and often gives us a fresh vantage point. :)
ReplyDeleteCarol, well said. It's good exercise, and gives us a new perspective.
DeleteBig thank you to Joy for hosting me on her blog today! :)
ReplyDeleteI like all the tips, but number 4, I find, works best for me.
ReplyDeleteJ.C., Oracle seems timely with the London Olympics. I'll put it on my to-be-read- list.
Showers can be very relaxing and inspiring, can't they? Thanks for reading, Peaches, and I hope you enjoy the book when you get to it!
DeleteYou've really hit the nail on the head! I don't really believe in this term "writer's block" but I believe that a writer can get stuck on scenes and that doing these things we can get past it quickly.
ReplyDeleteTrue, my 'block' usually involves not knowing how to move a scene forward, or how to transition between scenes, more so than having a total blank. And these strategies are great way to kick-start your creativity.
DeleteGlad to have you, J.C.
ReplyDeleteThanks guys for stopping in to keep J.C. company.
I've tried all of those strategies and have found exercise to be the most effective. Though I'll do the other four if I still don't get any ideas!
ReplyDeleteExercise is also the most healthy! :)
DeleteJust keep writing. That one always works for me. Or going back and reviewing the last chapter or so to dive back into the story world.
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds amazing, btw. I can't wait to read it. :)
Good one, Vicki. I also find that reviewing the previous chapter helps. Hope the book doesn't disappoint!
DeleteHi J.L. and J.C.,
ReplyDeleteGreat methods and I've used them all :) When it comes to exercise, I've found that jogging works well because it involves that repetitive motion that doesn't require much thinking...leaves room to ponder the story.
Thanks for reading Rula. Ditto for housework. I find the hum-drummery of it all allows my mind to wander.
DeleteGreat post. A good walk usually works well for me, even just ten minutes. Gets me away from being stuck in one place and allows my thoughts time to churn! There's always the chance of seeing something or someone interesting and inspiring, too. :)
ReplyDeleteVery true. When you're out and about, you can draw inspiration from people and places around you. Thanks for reading, Nick.
DeleteGreat tips, J.C! They all work, too. I love how cleaning or going for a walk starts the thoughts rolling... And since I've been writing every morning since June I find it really helps fuel more writing!
ReplyDeleteExcellent post! I loved these tips and have found them to be effective. Sometimes you need a change of scenery. :) I can't wait to read Oracle. It sounds fantastic.
ReplyDelete~Jess