Overcoming Writer’s Block
All writers seem to suffer from the affliction known as writer’s block at some stage in their careers. I’ve even written about it myself here.
For a light hearted look at the problem, and some easy solutions try reading the hints in this article:
- Shut up and write – written by Eli James on the Novelr blog.
Top 5 Writing Hints
Darren Rowse on his ProBlogger site has challenged his readers yet again with his Top 5 Group Writing Project. This time around there is a single prize of $1001 to some lucky contributor to the project. This writing project has inspired me to write this article on what I consider to be five top writing hints. This post will NOT be entered in Darren’s writing project; my entry on a totally different topic has been posted on my Birding Blog here.
Top Five Writing Hints:
- Read every day: writers are readers. This is a vital part of your apprenticeship. Read my articles called “Lurking with books” and “The importance of books.”
- Write every day: writers write. Even if you only write a few paragraphs a day, every sentence will go towards improving your skills. Read my articles called “Practice every day” and “Write every day.”
- Rewrite what you write: very rarely will that first, rough draft be your best work. Rewrite, rewrite rewrite until you get it just right.
- Edit your writing: no matter how careful you are, errors will creep in. Edit your working meticulously. Then get someone else to check your work with fresh eyes. Read my articles called “Proof Reading” and “The importance of Proofreading.”
- Set realistic goals: remember to set goals that are achievable and measurable. Read my article “Aiming for the stars.”
Movies about writers: The Notebook
Last night I saw the movie called “The Notebook” for the first time. I found it a very enjoyable yet thought provoking story. With the enduring nature of true love as its main theme, the story seems lighthearted enough but with many poignant moments, especially the ending.
While the movie only mentions writing and poetry in passing, the whole story revolves around the reading of what is a journal like notebook. The story it relates is both joyful and deeply touching, especially in its sadder moments. To me it illustrated the importance of the written word in holding on to treasured memories and joyful moments.
Getting back into writing
No Comments »3rd May, 2007; Category: The Writer's Life
As I explained last week I needed to take a break from writing for a little while. Life does this from time to time by interrupting our normal routines. Things seem to be getting back on track now but I realise that I’ve lost a little momentum with my blogging.
Routines are well and good, even essential if you want to be a productive writer or blogger. Any interruption can throw the balance off centre for a while. Just like a locomotive that is hard to get started so can getting back to writing again after an enforced break. Everything seems a struggle, all seems too hard. The words do not flow as easily, the thoughts are random and not focussed.
But once a locomotive is under way and it gains some momentum, the task of keeping it moving forward steadily is nowhere near as great. I used the break to do some reading and to write extensively in my journal. The pace was slow and thoughtful as I reflected on a few recent events. Steadily I have picked up momentum once again concentrating first on my other two blogs (see the links) and now turning back to this blog with some new perspectives and ideas.
The train has left the station.
It is steadily picking up speed.
Cockle Train, Goolwa, South Australia