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Three tricks to make writer's block disappear Editor's Notes #117 February 29, 2012 |
| Hello, --William Goldman In this issue: 1. Three tricks to make writer's block disappear 2. Tickled my funnybone 3. Interesting Web site ========== 1. Three tricks to make writer's block disappear Most writer's will experience writer's block at some point. Even if you are the eager beaver who can't wait to get to your writing, you may find yourself one day staring at a blank page with a blank mind, or worse yet, hunting dust bunnies or washing the car just to avoid sitting in front of the blank page. When that happens, use ABraCadabra (the magic ABC) to make your writer's block disappear. A is for Anytime and Anyplace but the usual. If you are in the habit of writing early in the morning, try writing at noon or at your usual bed time. If you usually work in the quiet of your den, head for the mall with a pad and paper. For many people, just this little change in time and place can kickstart the writing. B is for Brainstorm. There are whole books on brainstorming, but the basic activity involves writing down ideas without judgement. Every idea that pops into your head gets onto the paper. Depending on what I'm brainstorming, I make either a list in a column or a web with a main idea in the middle of the page with related ideas surrounding it. When you are struggling with writer's block, if the idea occurs during the brainstorm, it IS related even if the relationship isn't apparent right away. Keep brainstorming until an idea you want to develop hits you. None of this is wasted time, so keep going for as long as it takes. C is for Copy. Grab a book, any book. Open it at random. Begin to copy what you see. Continue until something you are copying sparks an idea of your own. Veer off and follow your muse. What magic do you use to make writer's block disappear? I'd like to compile a longer list of ways real writers banish the bogey man of writer's block, and you can contribute. Reply to this email with the technique that works for you when writer's block strikes. Tell me whether you are willing to have this shared with others and whether you want your name to appear as a credit for your contribution. I'll compile the techniques into a pdf file and share that with subscribers in the next issue. I would also like permission to share your ideas in other formats. I would contact you again for permission if I have another use for your idea. Please use this a fill-in-the-blanks to submit your ideas: Your technique to thwart writer's block: Your name: Do you give permission to use your technique in a pdf file to be shared with the next issue? Do you want your name included with your technique? Do you want to be contacted for future instances for sharing your technique with others? =========== 2.Tickled my funnybone Thurber: "I just finished a book" Ross: "Did you just finish reading a book or writing a book?" =========== 3. Interesting Web site If you don't want to reach for a hard copy, use the online version of this standard dictionary that includes a thesaurus, a Spanish/English dictionary, and a medical dictionary. http://www.merriam-webster.com/ =========== Join Writer's Helper Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WritersHelperEditor =========== If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue. If someone has passed this on to you, you can get your own free subscription by signing up at https://www.writershelper.com/newsletter.html |
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