Ask the Author: Gregory Harty
Answered Questions (6)
Gregory Harty
I don't have a set prescription. I'll either choose an activity where I can focus on the story problems that have me blocked, like taking a walk, or meditating, or I do something that will completely occupy my mind for a certain amount of time like playing a video game, or going out with friends, so that I can come back with something of a clean slate.
If it's really bad, I know that for me, it's because I'm having trouble making my story work, so I'll go to extremes re-writing, sometimes taking the plot back to an outline (never throw stuff away, just put it aside, maybe that scene works somewhere else).
The bottom line is whatever you do, make sure when you're done, you sit back down and get to work. Writer's block is especially damaging if you let it string you out.
If it's really bad, I know that for me, it's because I'm having trouble making my story work, so I'll go to extremes re-writing, sometimes taking the plot back to an outline (never throw stuff away, just put it aside, maybe that scene works somewhere else).
The bottom line is whatever you do, make sure when you're done, you sit back down and get to work. Writer's block is especially damaging if you let it string you out.
Gregory Harty
I enjoy creating the actual story, trying to come up with the best descriptions of a character, the most pleasing way to turn a story. And, guilty pleasure: when you get good feedback about the work from a stranger, who has no bias for/against you, it's really satisfying.
Gregory Harty
They've heard them all before, but that's because these tips work:
1. Keep writing
2. Write because you enjoy it, not for any other reason.
3. Recognize that your work is not as bad or as good as you may think it is.
4. Finish projects. Even if you know it needs a re-write, put the last period in and put it down as a finished project, it's good for the ego and the sanity. It also separates you from 99% of amateur "writers" out there who never finish anything.
1. Keep writing
2. Write because you enjoy it, not for any other reason.
3. Recognize that your work is not as bad or as good as you may think it is.
4. Finish projects. Even if you know it needs a re-write, put the last period in and put it down as a finished project, it's good for the ego and the sanity. It also separates you from 99% of amateur "writers" out there who never finish anything.
Gregory Harty
Not sure yet, I never know which project I'll focus on until I weed it out. Right now, I'm drafting six different outlines, ranging from sci-fi to crime-comedy. As I flesh them out, I'll figure out which one is most "ready," then go from there.
Gregory Harty
Reading good books and watching good movies. Bad stuff leads to a lousy attitude: "I can probably write something better..." Good stuff makes me hungry to improve my work.
Gregory Harty
Started as a story about a professor brainwashing his students into the occult. My ideas frequently mutate as I flesh them out. In this case, a lot of the changes were made as I switched genre from horror to comedy.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more