If I'm struggling a little with any of my projects project, I also opt for some writing tasks unrelated to my current novel, such as writing articles like this one, but also e mails, planning out another story, creating a new word search puzzle for my website, making changes to my online pages, editing blog entries, sending invoices and other paperwork to schools or libraries in advance of an author visit or other general marketing, advertising and promotional work. Once I am actually tapping away at the keyboard, it eventually seems to get the creative juices flowing again. It's also a good idea to walk away from the computer every once in a while, just to take a break from your writing. I often work elsewhere in the house, such as at the kitchen table, for example, when I'm preparing a new workshop or residency, writing an outline and so on, usually with pen and paper. This can also involve editing a manuscript, if I'm at that point in the process and I need to see the novel on paper, so I often print off a copy and go elsewhere, away from the computer, simply for a change of scenery. I will also sometimes head to a coffee shop or some other similar establishment, working for several hours and invariably return home feeling refreshed. As writers, we spend so much time at our desks, engrossed in our projects and it's a good idea to take a break and recharge your batteries once in a while.
To combat the dreaded writer's block, another idea is to engage in non-writing activities and just walk away for a while. It might seem perhaps overly simple, but you'd be surprised at the ideas that come to mind or the clutter that can be removed from your thoughts when out walking the dog, for example. And even if you don't have a dog, get out in the fresh air and blow away those cobwebs. Maybe try driving whilst running errands, doing laundry or other housework, yard work in the summer or raking leaves in the fall. Meditating or relaxation exercises may ease the stress associated with the temporary impasse with your writing. Perhaps you also pursue other artistic endeavors like painting, completely unconnected to your usual projects, but this again may stimulate your creativity. You could even attempt something out of the ordinary or merely try something that is a genuinely new experience for you. If your particular writer's block has resulted in a lack of new ideas, attempts to spark creativity by going somewhere new or doing something different could prove very worthwhile. Reading, watching movies or plays, listening to music or similar activities might also bring inspiration.
Writing, particularly of fiction, can be a lonely experience, and spending too much time alone in front to the computer can make writers prone to depression. In addition, too much caffeine, lack of sleep, not enough exercise or neglecting your diet will sooner or later adversely affect your health, which will in turn damage your creativity. Writing is often a solitary occupation, but you don't have to live like a hermit. If you prefer not to join a critique group or some other writer's organization, be sure to occasionally meet up with friends for coffee or dinner, to chat about something unrelated to writing. The change of scene will most likely do you the world of good and who knows, inspiration may even strike in the most unlikely settings.
Simon Rose is the author of science fiction and fantasy novels for children, including The Alchemist's Portrait, The Sorcerer's Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic's Tomb and The Doomsday Mask. He offers a wide variety of workshops, presentations and Author in Residence programs for schools and libraries around the world, covering such topics as where ideas come from, story structure, editing and revision, character development, time travel stories, history and research and more. He is also available for presentations, workshops and public speaking engagements with a wide range of adult audiences, offers creative services designed for writers, including editing, critiquing, manuscript evaluation and a selection of online workshops for children and adults. He also offers freelance writing services, including website content and copywriting, for the business community. Details of school and library programs, plus online readings, excerpts from his books, reviews, and reader, student and teacher comments may be found at http://www.simon-rose.com/ You may also visit his blog at http://simon-rose.blogspot.com/
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