Ask the Author: Barbara Copperthwaite
Answered Questions (5)
Barbara Copperthwaite
Getting to do the thing one loves for a living! The excitement of creating something. The buzz of terrifying nerves at putting something out there for the world to judge. Hearing through reviews that people 'got it' and enjoyed it...
Barbara Copperthwaite
The only real way through is to make yourself write through it. Writer's block doesn't really come from lack of ideas, I believe; it comes more from fear. Fear of the blank document, fear of failure...fear that what you write will be awful!
So the only way past it is to make myself get on with it. Sit in front of my computer and type, something, anything, even if it is simply writing down my feelings at that moment, or describing the weather. I start with something simple, and before I know it the words will flow again.
So the only way past it is to make myself get on with it. Sit in front of my computer and type, something, anything, even if it is simply writing down my feelings at that moment, or describing the weather. I start with something simple, and before I know it the words will flow again.
Barbara Copperthwaite
Write. It might seem like a flippant reply, but it really isn't. It's easy to find reasons and excuses why you shouldn't write - it won't be any good, you probably wont finish it anyway, no one will want to publish it, the kids need feeding, the dog needs walking, I'm tired... I could go on! Ignore all that and just get on with it.
The same goes for writer's block. If you're prevaricating, just make yourself write something, anything, simply to get past it. The scene in front of you, how you're feeling right at that moment, your dream holiday, whatever... It may not be usable, but it will get you past the irrational nerves and fear you may be feeling and get those words flowing again.
Good luck! x
The same goes for writer's block. If you're prevaricating, just make yourself write something, anything, simply to get past it. The scene in front of you, how you're feeling right at that moment, your dream holiday, whatever... It may not be usable, but it will get you past the irrational nerves and fear you may be feeling and get those words flowing again.
Good luck! x
Barbara Copperthwaite
Writing is something I simply have to do. I can't imagine NOT writing. Ideas and inspiration come from all around me - and sometimes I'll simply be walking my dog when something will pop into my head! I have notebooks all over the place, and documents on my laptop which are filled with random ideas that have come to me. I jot everything down, because you never know when it'll come in handy.
Barbara Copperthwaite
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