Guest Speakers: Marc L. Abbott, Paige L. Christie, K.D. Edwards, Kyoko M, Linda Mercury – WRITE Program Director: Venessa Giunta
We’re two-third’s into NaNoWriMo, and I’m sure that many of you are feeling the burn! Looking for something to refresh your brain or stir your creative muse?
Try looking for a new perspective on your writing. You can do this by reading your work out loud to someone (who preferably) has a curious mind and lots of questions… like a child or inquisitive teenager. You could also submit your work to a Beta Reader or Critique Partner for the same purpose.
Remove yourself from writing completely for one solid hour. Do something else to occupy your mind, like hard-core gaming, and then get back to it. If you want something more relaxing that may provide inspiration, watch a comfort movie or read a few chapters in one of your favorite books.
Real life will constantly intrude on your writing, like the dishes needing to be washed or laundry. Ask yourself… is it really that pressing? Will you have no dishes or clothes tomorrow if you don’t do it? Or is this a form of Writer’s Block/Burnout? Is it an excuse to walk away due to a whispering fear of failure? A form of procrastination?
Boredom can be another form of Writer’s Block. Go out and do something to stimulate yourself intellectually. If it’s possible, consider taking a vacation. If not, then maybe a coffee shop run next to a bookstore? People watching at a busy street corner?
Finding a writer’s group can revive creativity, offering the chance to bond with a supportive network. Another benefit is the accountability to ensure that you continue writing without giving up or slowing down.
If you decide to go the Self-Publishing route, consider that 95% of the workload falls on you, including marketing. Beware of giving yourself “false” deadlines – whether they be unrealistically short, or postponed again and again. If you do decide to go the traditional Publishing route, remember that your fan base is more important than any Publishing House.
When it comes to Editing, hone in on one page at a time. If you’re familiar with Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) then take 2 or 3 dice (6, 00, and 10) and roll for a random page. Focus on that page and make it perfect – then re-roll.
Set a timer, and blitz write for that short period of time (15 – 30 min.) When doing this method, you will usually feel less overwhelmed, and often wind up going past the timer. These brief spurts will accumulate over time.
Remind yourself that you love the work that you do. Consider getting a nice notebook and pen, something that will stimulate excitement and those creative juices in your brain. Allow yourself the freedom to write multiple and even non-related ideas. Write for pleasure.
This passion is not meant to be stressful. Remember to take care of yourself (getting enough sleep, eating properly, etc.) Excite yourself occasionally with something fun. This will deeply influence your writing productivity. This may help you push past procrastination and the violent perfectionist inside of you.
How can you excite yourself as a writer? If you’re able to afford it, consider a writing retreat. If not, then find a public park where you’ll be surrounded by nature’s beauty. There may be public gardens at local colleges, which are also beautiful, peaceful, and refreshing. Nature has a way of healing your mind. (Sometimes, a good hot meal can do the same.) If there’s a place nearby that is similar to a setting in your book, go there.
Retreat from anything that would distract you. Hot springs are amazing, but again, if you don’t have access to those, then run yourself a hot bath with some relaxing music and aromatic bath salts.
Ambient noise can help with writing, the white noise of daily life instead of dead silence. Coffee houses are great for this. Perhaps you prefer instrumental music? If so, bring a pair of headphones (trust me – do NOT play it out loud on your cell phone around other people!) Make a playlist for your writing. If you like energetic themes, consider “Eye of the Tiger.” Want something soothing? Enya.
The point is, all writers deal with Writer’s Block or Writer’s Burnout at some point. The difference between being a successful or non-successful writer is whether or not you get back on the horse – and keep going.
Have you experienced Writer’s Block or Burnout? What are your methods for refreshing yourself? If writing is your part-time gig, how do you inspire the energy to keep going after dealing with another job? Would love to hear your thoughts in the Comments Section below!
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Featured Image Source – https://medium.com/swlh/exhaustion-can-be-disguised-as-laziness-f37074f1ff58
Well i am glad i read. Since this techniques can be used for drawing block as well. It was a good read. thanks for sharing :3