Lora Andrews
Great question. I deal with writer's block often, so I've given the subject quite a bit of thought. For me, it's usually tied to one of two things: a plot/story issue or my insecurity.
The former (a plot issue) is the easier of the two for me to work through. When it happens, I tend to write around the block. For example, if I'm having a hard time with a particular scene, I'll work on the next. Or choose a scene that very clear in my head. Sometimes, I'll write about the scene as if I'm creating an outline, or describing it to a friend. and half way through that free write, I find my way and the scene takes off. I tend to write laterally (one scene building on the other) so it's hard for me to move to far ahead in the story if I have an issue that's left unresolved, but this strategy has worked for me in the past.
Another trick, is to go for a walk, or take a shower. I find when I stop over-thinking, the solution appears. I've had quite a few of these "duh" moments in the past year.
Writer's block due to insecurity is harder for me to overcome. I think fear of judgment stifles my creativity. For example, sometimes I'll worry about how a particular part of the story will be received. Thoughts like, "Everyone is going to hate this," or "What are people going to think about me?" can plague a writer, especially when your working on sensitive scenes--like those hot and steamy moments in a romantic fantasy. But, the important thing...what I've had to learn the hard way--is to keep writing. Tell yourself no one will see it, and unleash your creativity. I make this deal with myself all the time, and for me, it actually works. It takes the pressure off. This was immensely helpful with my second Book, Blood Oath. I took some risks, and was so sure my editor would hate it, but her response was so positive. I hope readers enjoy that book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
So, as I work through book 3, Dark Truth, and I find myself having those same moments of doubt (trust me, its an almost every day battle) I just keep telling myself to keep moving forward. I think at the end of the day, if I'm laughing or crying with my characters, then I've done what I've set out to do.
Thanks so much for asking the question.
Happy reading!
Lora
The former (a plot issue) is the easier of the two for me to work through. When it happens, I tend to write around the block. For example, if I'm having a hard time with a particular scene, I'll work on the next. Or choose a scene that very clear in my head. Sometimes, I'll write about the scene as if I'm creating an outline, or describing it to a friend. and half way through that free write, I find my way and the scene takes off. I tend to write laterally (one scene building on the other) so it's hard for me to move to far ahead in the story if I have an issue that's left unresolved, but this strategy has worked for me in the past.
Another trick, is to go for a walk, or take a shower. I find when I stop over-thinking, the solution appears. I've had quite a few of these "duh" moments in the past year.
Writer's block due to insecurity is harder for me to overcome. I think fear of judgment stifles my creativity. For example, sometimes I'll worry about how a particular part of the story will be received. Thoughts like, "Everyone is going to hate this," or "What are people going to think about me?" can plague a writer, especially when your working on sensitive scenes--like those hot and steamy moments in a romantic fantasy. But, the important thing...what I've had to learn the hard way--is to keep writing. Tell yourself no one will see it, and unleash your creativity. I make this deal with myself all the time, and for me, it actually works. It takes the pressure off. This was immensely helpful with my second Book, Blood Oath. I took some risks, and was so sure my editor would hate it, but her response was so positive. I hope readers enjoy that book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
So, as I work through book 3, Dark Truth, and I find myself having those same moments of doubt (trust me, its an almost every day battle) I just keep telling myself to keep moving forward. I think at the end of the day, if I'm laughing or crying with my characters, then I've done what I've set out to do.
Thanks so much for asking the question.
Happy reading!
Lora
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