Getting over the hump…

Yep, it’s Wednesday. The work week is halfway completed, but for a writer it’s a 24/7 job. Our minds can usually shut down the work thought process when we leave the office, but a writer carries the thought process everywhere. We can’t just shut it down. Well not usually. What happens when that thought process shuts itself down? Have a deadline and it just goes haywire because the writer’s side of your brain suddenly goes on vacation? 

Yeah, I’ve been there and it’s painful. You have the greatest story to get out and suddenly, oh no, you lose it! I don’t know about you, but this can be frustrating. Especially if you’re under a deadline. Even the thought of the dreaded shut down gives you the chills.

Here’s a couple of things I do when it happens to me and yes it seriously does happen to every writer at one time or another. The length it lasts varies, but it’s real.

1: If you do outlines for your books, then pull it out. This helps me to refresh my thought process. Most of the times it’s like hitting the refresh button on my laptop. If you don’t do outlines, you might want to at least scribble down a few things to help jog your thought process in case of emergency. Just sayin…

2: For me these times usually hit when I’m stressed over something outside my writing world. Since I’m a multi-tasker, I usually have several things going at one time. Like right now I have tax season in full swing. When I do finally get a little time to sit down with my WIP’s my brain is tired and I’m just pooped. I’ve started coming in from the office and just sitting quietly for a little bit. I spend a little time with the family and since the weather is beautiful for the moment, I walk a couple of miles to recharge myself.

3: If you write about Cowboys, Military heros, or even Pirates, then go over to Google Images and search out your inspiration. Sometimes this helps me. I’ll even go on Bigstock and work on the cover if it’s not already completed. It helps me to get my focus on the reason for the story.

4: Do some research. If you have other works in process, do the research. Maybe something in the research will snag a memory or two. 

5: Step away from the project that’s lost in your head. Maybe start something new you’ve had in mind, or maybe work on something you have started earlier. Sometimes it helps to step away from the work and come back a little later in the week. I’ve stepped away from one of my works in progress. When things pop into my head for it, I pen it into my outline that stays close by. 

These are just some of the ways I combat writer’s block. They may or may not help you, but it could give you some ideas.

As always, good writing and May God Bless You…