Defeating Writers Block

Lately, I haven't had time for writers block.

If one story is stalled, I begin another or work on one in progress.

I continue to write pieces of flash for the FlashXrs...these prompts are given on Tues, Fri and Sun. Though at times the prompt doesn't seem to call up my muse or is that the voice in my head. I try to write something in its place.

A friend from my Writer's Group is great at throwing out prompts. I try to do these as well.

Though Poetry month is over... If all else fails, I can write a poem. I am still trying to work out the last poetry challenge from my friend. It is difficult for me. Since you might want to try it, here it is: Write a poem to your favorite song. Using the same meter and cadence. Good luck with this.

Usually after creating the shorter pieces of fiction, I am able to go back to my longer works. I have been averaging a page or more a day on my H4H story.

I have been taking weekends off, except for the flash challenges.

I find it helps to get away from the house and this computer. I have been spending time at a local coffee shop, writing or critiquing.

I, also, am an avid reader. I read just about anything, but my TBR (to be read) pile is getting larger, since I have been spending less time on reading.

I am currently reading the latest H4H book...Recreating John Doe by Ahn Leod. It is from Ellora's Cave, so if you download it expect sex. I like the story... I am only up to chapter 3 at this time. It is difficult to read sitting in front of my computer without writing, so my lack of progress isn't the authors fault.

On Writing

Today I wrote two more short stories. One was for the Y-City Writer's monthly challenge and the other was for the FlashXrs Yahoo Group. It seems to be getting easier to write these shorts.

The ideas are flowing. Though, I am still thinking on a story for A Chapter of Loathing. The idea appeals to me. I just can't seem to find the story for it, yet. I almost had it when I was trying to sleep, but upon wakening I lost it. I am certain it will come to me again.

There are many techniques that writer's use to get the ideas flowing. I use prompts. My prompts come from groups, websites, real life, other stories.

What do you use to be a productive writer?

Writing & Inspiration

Okay, I wrote another piece for the FlashXrs, called Writer's Block.

I was having writer's block and the prompt wasn't giving me anything. The only word in the prompt that kept calling to me was 'wrote'. So, I went with that and came up with Writer's Block. I am a little warped in most my writing so it doesn't exactly go where you might think it would. Still, I think it is a funny little piece if I do say so myself.

Sometimes, it is the little things that inspire us. This time it was my writer's block. It doesn't always come easy when using a prompt. You should attempt to use the idea that pops into your head and see if that takes you where you want to be, sometimes it will. Other times you will find yourself with something different. You, at least have written something.

The more writing you do, the easier it becomes. If the piece is not well written, that is what editing, proofing and critiques are for. Remember not all the stuff you write will be published. Keep on writing. And do forget to submit your stuff.-RL

Things to Think About

First of all I would like to plug Writers Digest. They always have helpful stories, both in their magazine and online. Today, I found this article on word choice in poetry. http://writersdigest.com/article/poetry-wordchoice/

Where do writers get their ideas?

For myself, my I hear voices in my head, whenever a new idea takes hold. I need to write it down or it will keep bugging me. Not to mention all the other ideas keep vying for their place in my head. So, I may only write the idea down or I may start a story, whichever is necessary to clear my head. Sometimes, it is an entire short story or just the beginning of a larger one. Still, I write them down.

Where do these ideas come from?

I, sometimes, wake up with them in my head. Maybe, I dreamed them. Sometimes, the ideas come from things I see or hear. The world is full of possibilities. There a photos, artwork, nature, people, animals that can inspire. So pay attention to your surroundings. Sometimes, you may need to choose to write a story using something particular for your inspiration. Not everyone has the voices in there head, but all writers have the stories in there somewhere waiting to come out.

1. Join groups that give prompts. Not all of the prompts will inspire you, but some may. Still, try to write as many stories as you can using those prompts.

2. Use your photos to write stories. Perhaps, you have that photo that was a mistake. Like mine taken of a child's neck that inspired a poem. Or use the photos from your vacation and write a story. Sometimes, now that I have gone digital, I take unusual pictures to use. Here is one of them. Maybe you can write a story using it.

3. There is so much artwork on the web now. Pay attention. There is something out there that will inspire you. Whether it is a drawing of a dragon, or a painting of a girl with flower or maybe it's that abstract painting. Whatever, inspires you, look for these things.

4. People- The world is full of interesting people. Get out and observe. Write down quirky characteristics. At the writers conference on Saturday, there was this lady in a red straw cowboy hat. She said she had 'hattitude.' Write these things down. Maybe, they will be your next character.

The point I am making is there is inspiration everywhere. Use my prompts if you can't think of anything on your own. I have some listed on the side of this blog. Get inspired and write!