Ask the Author: C.L. Perry
Answered Questions (3)
C.L. Perry
If I have writer's block then it's usually due to 1 of 3 things:
1. boredom with what I'm writing. In this case, I just stop writing that chapter and move on. It's easier to finish a boring chapter when it's the only thing delaying the release. Sometimes I'll just delete the boring chapter if it's not needed; after all, if it's boring for me to write, it's probably boring to read.
2. burn out. If I've been working too much on the book then I just step away from it for a few days. I'll go hiking or hang out with friends and then come back to the story refreshed and ready to go.
3. lack of detail in my outline. In this situation, I'll work on my outline to make it more detailed so that I know exactly where I'm going with a scene-by-scene breakdown. That also allows me to see if there's other issues holding me up (such as #1 - it's boring).
1. boredom with what I'm writing. In this case, I just stop writing that chapter and move on. It's easier to finish a boring chapter when it's the only thing delaying the release. Sometimes I'll just delete the boring chapter if it's not needed; after all, if it's boring for me to write, it's probably boring to read.
2. burn out. If I've been working too much on the book then I just step away from it for a few days. I'll go hiking or hang out with friends and then come back to the story refreshed and ready to go.
3. lack of detail in my outline. In this situation, I'll work on my outline to make it more detailed so that I know exactly where I'm going with a scene-by-scene breakdown. That also allows me to see if there's other issues holding me up (such as #1 - it's boring).
C.L. Perry
My second novel, which will feature an abused wife, the beaches of Antigua, romance, and more suspense.
C.L. Perry
You have nothing to lose by trying! I always wanted to be a published author but didn't think I fit the stereotypical image of a writer furiously typing away at their typewriter in their log cabin retreat. I allowed my own preconceptions of writers to intimidate me out of trying to be one!
I tried to write romance novels but between my full-time job with crazy hours and all my hobbies, I rarely found the time for the long writing sessions I had convinced myself I needed. I got tired of my excuses and committed to writing for just one hour per day 7 days a week. If I wanted to continue writing after finishing the hour then I could. In reality, I only wrote for 3-4 days a week but in just a few months, I had 45,000 words finished. To translate a French saying, 'Little by little, the bird builds its nest.' If writing long intimidates you, break the story up into smaller chunks and time commitments.
I tried to write romance novels but between my full-time job with crazy hours and all my hobbies, I rarely found the time for the long writing sessions I had convinced myself I needed. I got tired of my excuses and committed to writing for just one hour per day 7 days a week. If I wanted to continue writing after finishing the hour then I could. In reality, I only wrote for 3-4 days a week but in just a few months, I had 45,000 words finished. To translate a French saying, 'Little by little, the bird builds its nest.' If writing long intimidates you, break the story up into smaller chunks and time commitments.
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