Keys to Breaking the Block

You're writing, writing, writing, then...


via GIPHY

BAM! Writer's block. Why are my characters here? Where are they going? And how do they get there?

Fear not! Writer's Block is all in your head - and so are the answers to each of the above questions. Instead of forcing them out, try these easy steps to clear your mind...

from yarn

Then, when it's prodigiously empty enough, the words will flow again!

Breaking the Block:

1. Take a walk
2. Have a snack
3. Phone a friend
4. Read
5. Watch a movie
6. Take a nap
7. Work on something else
8. Clean or organize
9. Play a game
10. Draw or doodle

There are so many distractions that can take your mind off your Block. It's like when a couple is trying so hard to have a baby, then they give up, maybe even adopt one, and Bang! Preggers! (I have several friends who've had this happen) It's because the stress is gone. Relax, stop worrying, and good things will come.

Please note I didn't say get on social media. I never recommend it for inspiration. Social media is like a narcotic painkiller - it's okay in small doses, but use it too much and it's addictive leading to abuse.

Now back to our Blockage. If you've tried a few of these things and you're still stuck on how to proceed, here are some methods for figuring out your characters' next moves...

• First, how far are they from the goal? Do they need to overcome more obstacles? Have you tortured them enough? If not, go to extremes. What's the worst that could happen? You will either argue with yourself or you'll use it.
• Next, ask some random questions, like: What's going on around them? Do they need to lose or find something to move on? How do they feel? Are emotions getting in the way? Do they need a surprise or shock?
• And lastly, ask yourself: What would you do if you were with them? Would you be snarky? or helpful? or tricky? or encouraging? or what?

Questions, What Ifs, Trial and Error - those are a Writer's Block's worst enemy. Ask enough questions and you'll be back into your story in no time!

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Now for this week's shout out...

L. Diane Wolfe

Diane is insanely talented and hard-working! She conducts seminars on promotion, leadership and goal setting. With loads of experience and credentials, she travels the East Coast for interviews and speaking engagements, maintains several websites & blogs, offers book formatting consultation, and does sessions for schools.

Her latest guidebook is How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now! She also recently published an an inspirational self-help book Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting with seven other authors which features the five keys to success.

“With a positive attitude, any goal can be achieved!” 

- L. Diane Wolfe, Owner of Dancing Lemur Press and Freedom Fox Press

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Before you go--I have to tell you about these 2 GIVEAWAYS!

To celebrate my just-signed contract for Beast World #3 - WINDY HOLLOW, I set up a Giveaway on Amazon for 2 winners to receive paperback copies of #2, CRADLE ROCK. But naturally, that was over in less than an hour. I don't know how that happens!

So, since I haven't done a Rafflecopter in a long while, I thought I'd do one of those too. This one has loads of prizes and will be open for a month.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

(Or if you'd like to review it, I'd be happy to send you a free e-copy. Just ask!)

Thanks for stopping by!

#WritersLife Survey 6 Results & Trying new things

Teens are clueless, reckless, and thoughtless. I ought to know, I'm an 8th grade teacher and I live with 3 teens myself! But they can't help it. Their brains don't get enough exercise because their bodies are going through so much change. So I try to cut them some slack.

Teens are also great to write about because of all the turmoil - they're dramatic, unpredictable, and funny!

But teens aren't the best audience. They're very judgy, relentless teasers, and hard to impress. And most of them don't like to read. So it's going to be tough doing a presentation for them next week... Wish me luck!

Well, that's my IWSG post for this month. I'm facing a daunting group of traumatizing teens. It's going to be worth it as it should lead to more presentations and more books sold!

I hope you are trying new things too!

Thanks to Alex and his Crew for giving us insecure writers this supportive venue.

And now for the results from Writer's Life Survey #6 - Inside a Writer's Head

Which of these describes you?

Do you keep a journal?

How do you deal with writer's block?

With which character do you identify most?

• Specifically, can't think of one, but any that suffer great loss, are feel isolated or alone can hit triggers. Loved Harry Dresden, Harry Potter, Dallas J.D. Robb.
• Pippin from LOTR
• Anyone who's bookish and quiet
• Alanna the Lioness (from a quartet of books by Tamora Pierce)
• geeky heroes
• Hmm. I never thought about that. I tend to write characters who can be what I'm not.

How did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I don't know that I thought it I have just always done it. I did think maybe I want to be a professional writer and began the journey to learn what it takes in 2011--was already deep into learning and taking writing craft courses and reading about since the in high school, writing since age 9 stories.

Didn't ... it happened late in life

It's my earliest childhood desire

When I picked up a new book called The White Dragon, it hit me - I want to be an author.

I've been doing it since age four. It's just something I've always done.

I wanted to be the one making the magical things on the shelves that I loved.

I've been writing stories since before I was five! I didn't want to be a writer, I have always been one.

I like writing stories...

Just always have.

Awesome responses! I enjoyed hearing what makes my author friends tick. I hope you did too! Join me in a couple of weeks when I put out the next Writer's Life Survey - Dealing with TIME!

Can't believe it's May!

#WritersLife Survey 6 - Inside a Writer's Head

Hoppy Easter!
Hope your spring is in full swing. Here in the Midwest, we are enjoying flowers and baseball and warmer temps!

I also got to go to Ohioana again, my fourth time, with my book event buddy, Julie Flanders! We didn't get to sit together, but we still found time to chat. I know we'll do another event together soon.

And now, here's the latest Writer's Life Survey #6


I wondered how that "character" question might come across.
Here's my answer: I associate most with Monica Gellar (Courtney Cox) fiesty and loud, thinks she's right and a total geek, and rubs some people the wrong way... but I definitely don't cook!