#IWSG: How to get past writer’s block?
The purpose of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is to share with and encourage other writers. This month I chose a topic with which I’m currently struggling.
I’ve been working on a cozy mystery for a long time and I can’t seem to get past a certain point. I did a rough outline when I first began and am past the introduction and progression of the main plot. I’d say I was in the middle third of what I hope is a novel-length manuscript. I know how I want the book to end but it’s the middle that I want to make sure is engaging and keeps the reader interested.
One of my writer friends says that when he is having writer’s block, he asks himself the question, “and then, what if …” and he starts throwing out ideas. Nothing is set in stone and nothing is too quirky. When he lands on the right “what if,” then he’s able to progress with the story. If he gets stuck again, he goes through the same process. I can’t get passed the “what if.”
I’ve thought about purchasing this resource, the “Plot Whisperer.” Has anyone used this book to help them with creative ideas? Do you have a resource that has helped you get past writer’s block? What helps you get the creative juices flowing and helps you move your story along?
dmweiden@gmail.com
I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!
6 Comments
Janet Alcorn
Writer’s block is awful. I’ve found 3 strategies helpful: 1) talking it through with someone else (In my case, it’s Long-Suffering Husband. Sometimes just explaining my story and where I’m stuck is enough to get me unstuck, and sometimes he’ll toss out an idea that triggers another idea, and I’m off and running.); 2) brainstorming. I’ll start listing plot possibilities as fast as I can, with no regard for whether or not they’re plausible or even make sense. 3) freewriting. I use my journal for this. Sometimes I’ll write in a character’s voice, but usually I just start writing out ideas (similar to brainstorming but it’s in paragraph form rather than a list). Options 1 and 3 are my favorites.
Good luck!
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for the 3 suggestions. Perhaps your long-suffering husband is hirable? My husband prefers non-fiction over fiction so I’m afraid he’d be asleep long before I told him the problem 😉 He’s a good listener in other areas so I give him some slack. I like the idea of writing in a character’s voice. I think I’m so focused on plot sometimes that I don’t stop long enough to think what the actor in my story would think/feel/do. Thank you for visiting my blog. Happy writing this month!
Natalie Aguirre
Taking a break has helped me sometimes. I like to read and watch TV for inspiration. Sometimes I just set a short goal to write, like 15-30 minutes to get going again. Good luck with your cozy mystery. I’d like to write a YA one some day.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Setting a short goal is a good idea. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Good luck with your writing pursuits in March!
Sonia dogra
Hi. Thanks for visiting. I know where you’re coming from. I have only one full length ms and I’m stuck at not one, but many points. And some places seem such a dead end. Maybe I should ask ‘what if’.
dmweiden@gmail.com
Thank you for visiting back! That’s awesome that you have a complete ms! Now the fun begins, right? Congratulations on all the hard work.