Michael Scott Bertrand
I jump around when I'm writing - a LOT. If I'm stuck somewhere, I'll take a break, then come back and work on an entirely different section. Maybe I'll skip to another chapter, or some action scene that is more fun to work on, or even to the final chapter. I find that forces me to focus on my entire story, not just "what comes next."
Think of how a filmmaker works: she/he breaks the story down into components, then figures out how best to film those individual scenes. Rarely does a filmmaker shoot scenes in sequential order (yes, there are some very famous exceptions), and it is only in editing and post-production that the big picture comes together.
I'll add that there are times (too many!) when the gods of prose abandon me altogether. When that happens, and you can't come up with a good sentence to save your life, don't force it. Do some research, make some notes in your manuscript, and pat yourself on the back for moving the ball forward. Live to write another day.
Think of how a filmmaker works: she/he breaks the story down into components, then figures out how best to film those individual scenes. Rarely does a filmmaker shoot scenes in sequential order (yes, there are some very famous exceptions), and it is only in editing and post-production that the big picture comes together.
I'll add that there are times (too many!) when the gods of prose abandon me altogether. When that happens, and you can't come up with a good sentence to save your life, don't force it. Do some research, make some notes in your manuscript, and pat yourself on the back for moving the ball forward. Live to write another day.
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