Jennifer Skogen
Writer's block usually happens when either I'm bored with my story, or my plot is asking me a question that I'm not prepared to answer. I have a couple solutions for this:
1. I stop working on this particular book and go watch cat videos for the next year.
or
2. I try to write "around" the boring part or the problem by focusing on a different aspect of the story. Maybe I'll try writing a chapter from the POV of a different character. Maybe I'll write a scene from a later point in the story. The most important thing is that I keep writing.
Sure, sometimes I need some space from a book so I can come back to it with fresh eyes. However, usually I'm just scared to push past a roadblock because what if the story I end up writing really, really sucks? But the thing I've have to accept is that, generally, first drafts suck. They suck bad. They are embarrassing and sloppy, and sometimes the name of a character changes for no reason at all half way through the book. Or the entire plot changes. Whoops!
So, don't let fear (or cat videos) win! If you are blocked, keep writing. The worst thing that might happen is you'll end up with a sucky first draft; but guess what? Then you'll be in the same boat as everyone else. Congratulations.
1. I stop working on this particular book and go watch cat videos for the next year.
or
2. I try to write "around" the boring part or the problem by focusing on a different aspect of the story. Maybe I'll try writing a chapter from the POV of a different character. Maybe I'll write a scene from a later point in the story. The most important thing is that I keep writing.
Sure, sometimes I need some space from a book so I can come back to it with fresh eyes. However, usually I'm just scared to push past a roadblock because what if the story I end up writing really, really sucks? But the thing I've have to accept is that, generally, first drafts suck. They suck bad. They are embarrassing and sloppy, and sometimes the name of a character changes for no reason at all half way through the book. Or the entire plot changes. Whoops!
So, don't let fear (or cat videos) win! If you are blocked, keep writing. The worst thing that might happen is you'll end up with a sucky first draft; but guess what? Then you'll be in the same boat as everyone else. Congratulations.
More Answered Questions
Kimberley B Pinzon
asked
Jennifer Skogen:
My middle school students are reading your book Shattered during sustained reading time. They are curious about you and have a couple of questions: 1) What gave you the idea to write Shattered? 2) What is our favorite memory from middle school? 3) Do you have an author website they can visit? We know you must be quite busy, so we appreciate any time you can spare us to answer our questions. KBP Read 180 Teacher
SALLY
asked
Jennifer Skogen:
Hello Jennifer, I'm a sixth grade student who goes to Middle School in Colorado and I have recently read your book Shattered, and now I'm doing a book report about Shattered and you, the author. I was wondering if you could answer these questions I have about you to use for my report 1)Where were you born/Where did you grow up? 2) When is your birthday? Thank You for taking the time to read this.
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