Ask the Author: Gregory Josephs
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Gregory Josephs
When the words aren't flowing, I like to take my characters and put them in a really sticky situation so I can watch them work their way back out. It doesn't have to be anything to do with the plot of the larger work, though if it does, that's a bonus. I just follow their motivations.
At best, I end up with a new scene I can insert somewhere. At worst, I have the beginning of a short story. And even if I never use what I write during these exercises, the simple act of writing tends to un-block me so I can get back to work.
And on the rare occasion I don't have any characters I want to work with, I've achieved the same thing writing a random argument. Just take two people you invent on the spot with opposing views about something. Let them battle it out.
The important thing is just to get words flowing again.
At best, I end up with a new scene I can insert somewhere. At worst, I have the beginning of a short story. And even if I never use what I write during these exercises, the simple act of writing tends to un-block me so I can get back to work.
And on the rare occasion I don't have any characters I want to work with, I've achieved the same thing writing a random argument. Just take two people you invent on the spot with opposing views about something. Let them battle it out.
The important thing is just to get words flowing again.
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