Chasing That Figure Down the Dark Alley: What To Do With Writer’s Block
July 10, 2008
Um… Yeah, I got nothing.
I can’t think of a single interesting topic for this week’s post. So, what does that lead me to, naturally? That’s right! Writer’s block.
What’s with writer’s block, anyway? What weird mechanism in the human brain allows for the stoppage in the flow of ideas and inspiration? And why does writing about writer’s block seem to be one of the sure-fire ways around it?
I think it’s because you’re writing something even if it’s only to complain about not being able to write. Eventually all the trite metaphors about writer’s block make way for an actual idea.
That reminds me of reading Reader’s Digest at my grandparents’ house, when I was much younger, and stumbling upon a short article about laughter being the best medicine. Something we’ve all heard before, I’m sure. And something about – because it’s all very vague now – mimicking laughter even if you’re feeling sad. That the physical cues of laughing would cause the real laughter to follow. It worked for me.
But then, so does saying, “Wookie Cookies” – don’t ask.
This must be why it’s okay to write, for pages on end, “I don’t know what to write.” Eventually it should lead to something resembling real writing – right? Gosh, I hope so, because all I keep seeing in my head is a trench-coated figure disappearing ‘round the corner of a red brick building, and I’m really tired of chasing him down the alley.
So, instead of having a Shining-like moment, maybe I should just fake laughing? What do y’all do when you get stuck? I know I wrote about inspiration last time, but there’s got to be other (more interesting?) ways of getting past writer’s block. Help!
-Jenn
Entry Filed under: Opinion, Writing. Tags: inspiration, laughter, Reader's Digest, The Shining, writer's block, Writing.
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1.
zoeforce | July 11, 2008 at 12:44 am
Sometimes going into a self induced trace (self hypnosis) you are able to come away after 5-10 minutes refreshed in a state of creativity. The answers to your block are usually the first things you think about when you aren’t trying to think at all.
Writing from a prompt is also a good way to open a doorway you weren’t looking for. “1% Inspiration, 99% persperation”
Good Luck!!
2.
jennhandy | July 11, 2008 at 1:23 pm
That’s excellent advice! I’ll give it a shot the next time I have a severe case of writer’s block. Thank you!
Jenn
3.
angiekp | July 11, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I’m sorry Jenn, but I have to ask: “Wookie Cookies”? I don’t believe I’ve heard of that one …
4.
jennhandy | July 11, 2008 at 2:47 pm
Oh, my goodness… A long time a ago, I worked at an independent bookstore in Meredith, NH. Lucas was releasing the digitally re-mastered and altered prints of the original Star Wars trilogy into theatres. As a result, there was a ton of extraneous SW material being put out there, including a SW cookbook. One of the recipes was “Wookie Cookies” - I don’t even know what was in them. Makes me laugh every time I say it!
5.
angiekp | July 11, 2008 at 5:29 pm
That’s incredible! I love it!
6.
yvonne | July 15, 2008 at 6:35 pm
I am a 16 year old writer I hope to be a a real novelist in the fututre I love writting about fiction, I don’t have a type I specially like to write…i write all kinds whatever pops into my 16 year old head. hehe i was just wanted to know how in publishing with this company benefets me??
I already know I have to have a guardians permission to publish my work, and I don’t have any problems with that…My only concern is? Will it help me sell my books through out stores. I do not expect any one to sell my work and assure me it will sell, I know if it isn’t good enough it will not sell. that is the choice of the buyers,as well in fate, but I do know for it to at least to catch the eye of the buyer I need a good publisher as well, as a good promotioner. i was wondering what type of publishing do you have or do you do? As well as in what type of ties do you have with book selling companies?
7.
jdimos | July 16, 2008 at 9:14 am
yvonne,
First and foremost, thanks for your interest in Wordclay, and I’m glad to hear you’re thinking about your writing career at such an early age.
As for your questions, I can give you some general feedback, but you might want to check out http://www.wordclay.com or connect via Live Chat with a Wordclay representative for more thorough information.
That said, the two major benefits publishing with Wordclay are control and options. You can use the free publishing wizard to lay out, design and publish your book, maintaining control of your royalties and your finished product.
What it sounds like is that you’re thinking ahead to book marketing, which is great to think about now. Since we’re a self-publishing company, we don’t take over the publicity of your book. Instead that’s up to you, so you can decide how to promote your title, which makes distinct sense, since you’re the one who knows all the angles about your book. We do offer promotional services, like press releases and returnability, which will generate a buzz about your book as well as pique the interest of bookstores should you arrange events at their locations. In addition to promotional services, we offer professional cover design for a fee as well.
What I would advise is to check out our Services Store, think about how you want to market your book, consider your intended audience and budget, too.
Of course there are other options should you choose to wait on publishing. Perhaps submit some short stories to literary magazines, think about peer workshops you can attend and maybe join an online writing community, if only to get some feedback on the work you’re thinking of publishing.
Thanks again for your curiosity, and keep writing!
-Justin
8.
deidy | September 4, 2008 at 10:46 am
hello, I’m looking into getting a tattoo.. and I love this font and would really like to use it. What font is it?
9.
jdimos | September 4, 2008 at 2:32 pm
I believe this font is Garamond. Hope that helps, and good luck with the tattoo!
10.
jennhandy | September 4, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Garamond’s a great font for a tattoo, but I’ve always thought that Warnock Pro would look awesome, as well. For an idea of how that font looks go to: http://www.identifont.com/find?font=warnock+pro. Thanks!
11.
deidy | October 23, 2008 at 10:49 pm
thank you so much!!
12.
jdimos | October 24, 2008 at 8:58 am
Glad to help, deidy.
Let us know if you have any questions about writing, publishing or marketing whenever you want!
-Justin