When I was young, I used to talk to myself. Long, drawn out, one-sided conversations. I didn't have an imaginary friend, I just talked to myself. My mother says that's why I became a writer: because of my overactive imagination. I admit she may be right. Those conversations currently get me through my worst cases of writer's block.
I have to laugh when I read articles on breaking through a writing slump. They always have tips like: go to the mall and make up a story about the people you see there..or..write down a dream you had the other night..or..think about the happiest moment in your childhood and write about it. You can even sign up and have a writing "prompt" emailed to you everyday. And I can't help but think, Does this work for anyone? I mean, really? I've come to discover that I'm not like the average author. The normal methods of combating writer's block do not apply to me. In writing mode, I can only concentrate on one novel at a time. I get distracted easily, so writing something on the fly only leads me down one path: The- Hey-I-Just-Came-Up-With-Another-Great-Idea-For-A-New- Book-So-I'm-Gonna-Drop-The-One-I'm-Currently-Angsting- Over-And-Start-A-New-Novel path. Believe me, it's happened before. I was young (seventh grade to be exact), just starting out, and I didn't know any better.
Now, I just put the novel away..and wait. The wait has been known to last six months to a year. Sometimes longer. For others, the time frame may be shorter, but eventually they will come. The inner voices, I mean. I no longer hold verbal one-sided conversations with myself. My characters have one-sided conversations with me..in my head. When they start talking to me about dialogue and plot, that tells me it's time to pull out the novel and jump in again.
So, go on. You try it: Open up your mind and listen to your inner voice. If we ever meet at a conference or a book signing and you tell me that you've been hearing voices, I won't think you're crazy. I promise.
Copyright ? 2004 ? Celise Downs. Reprinted with permission. Celise is a Young Adult fiction author and owner of Gemini Mojo Press. Her books, "Secrets and Kisses" (Mar 2004) and "Dance Jam Productions" (Sept 2004), are currently available on the publisher website at http://www.geminimojopress.com.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carAn island in the Mediterranean. A beach in Africa. The... Read More
My dad was wrong. I just discovered that I am... Read More
Someone once commented that there were no new ideas to... Read More
Writer's Block can strike like a King Cobra, paralyzing every... Read More
Building a new website can be extremely exciting. Seeing your... Read More
It's the funniest thing. When someone asks me what I... Read More
I recently read a book where everything was akimbo. Arms... Read More
We've all heard a politician on their soapbox, pushing for... Read More
Creative Writing Tips ?Our plotting stage is our testing area.Everything... Read More
FIVE MINUTES ... Is All You Need ........to phone a... Read More
As you set out to create your first niche non-fiction... Read More
If you have been online for any length of time... Read More
In the words of Aristotle, "happiness is self contentedness helping... Read More
How to Start Your Story with a BangThe purpose of... Read More
Typically when falling asleep in bed at night great thoughts... Read More
Far too many inexperienced writers create flat, stereotypical characters: the... Read More
Ever wondered how the most successful children's book writers get... Read More
Arrogance has a bad rap. We think of arrogant people... Read More
How do you choose a name? Do you put down... Read More
I have added a new word to my vocabulary. Logorrhea.... Read More
If you are like most writers, you're constantly searching for... Read More
Do you suffer from writer's block? Is there a pending... Read More
Many of us dream of writing a book. Why not.... Read More
As a professional copywriter, not only do I do a... Read More
PASSED, PASTPassed is the past tense of pass. Past means... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..If you are a serious writer who wants to publish... Read More
Since the headline is the first contact your readers have... Read More
All the famous writers I heard of could paper the... Read More
What is a freelance grant writer? These individuals have a... Read More
If your dream is to get published, the chance is... Read More
Boost Brain Power Through WritingHave you ever noticed what happens... Read More
Sit back, and imagine what it feels like to be... Read More
Editorial guidelines, also known as writer's guidelines, are the rules... Read More
Creating incredible characters can be easy if you know of... Read More
So many clients come to me as a book or... Read More
With the advent of email communications in the workplace, it's... Read More
Q. My writing sounds stiff and stilted. Help!A. Memories of... Read More
And a dreadful thing from the cliff did spring, and... Read More
Q. I'm staring at a blank screen with an equally... Read More
What is this annoying, insidious angst that permeates my psyche?... Read More
If you either want to write a book to help... Read More
Often, time is an enemy of writers. Sales seem slow... Read More
One of the most common weaknesses I see in day-to-day... Read More
I am sure that at in some era, at some... Read More
Writing engaging articles and energizing ad copy takes... Read More
Whether you're interviewing for a new job, trying to woo... Read More
Writing is a personal and introspective process. To share with... Read More
Beyond three and four act story structure, lies the Hero's... Read More
Punctuation, when used creatively, is powerful. Note, however, that when... Read More
While novels do not usually attempt to convey concepts about... Read More
Writing |