Got stuck? Time to brainstorm.
Getting stuck. It happens to all of us. It especially happens when you're on a tight deadline and the pressure is on to produce--now. At the moment, I'm not stuck. (Thank you, God.) But getting bogged in the quagmire could happen at any time (and it usually does at least once a week). What do I do? Two things.
1. Step away from the computer and brainstorm using paper and pen. Without my computer, I don't have access to my notes. And sometimes this is a good thing. No notes means no sidetracking, no confusing the core story with things I thought I might need to include. That makes for a crowded brain; and for me, a crowded brain is an unproductive brain. I just use the notes between my ears. Sometimes it's an empty, cavernous place with the sound of crickets; sometimes there's actually something in there that I can use.
Writing longhand also keeps me focused on the scene I'm writing, which helps immerse me into the scene, so I can get honest, genuine dialogue, and dig deeper into the story rather than skimming the surface by trying to fit in everything my notes say I should. Having no notes to refer to also makes it harder to put words in my characters' mouths (which is a big no-no). It makes me shut up and listen. And when I truly listen, I find myself in the writer's "sweet spot" -- where I'm not writing dialogue, I'm taking dictation. : )
2. Step away from your computer. Period. Sometimes it just helps to get up from your desk and walk away. Take a walk if you have time. Take the dog(s) with you; they'd love it. (Or the kids for those of you who have the two-legged variety.) If you want to feel more productive while your writing's being non-productive, do something around the house that needs to be done, like throw in a load of laundry. Laundry always needs to be done. It gives your brain a break, and you get a chore done. I think it's cool. My husband just shakes his head. He doesn't understand why I can't just sit down and do nothing. Unless I have a computer or a book in front of me, I don't sit well. He knew this when he married me. ; )
Most of the time when I step away from the computer, what I'm trying to write comes to me like I'm eavesdropping on a conversation. Take time, step away, and take the pressure off yourself, it'll do wonders.
In tomorrow's blog, I'll post pics of something cool I got in the mail yesterday.
And on Thursday, I think I'll find a scene from The Trouble With Demons to post for you all to read.
Lisa
1. Step away from the computer and brainstorm using paper and pen. Without my computer, I don't have access to my notes. And sometimes this is a good thing. No notes means no sidetracking, no confusing the core story with things I thought I might need to include. That makes for a crowded brain; and for me, a crowded brain is an unproductive brain. I just use the notes between my ears. Sometimes it's an empty, cavernous place with the sound of crickets; sometimes there's actually something in there that I can use.
Writing longhand also keeps me focused on the scene I'm writing, which helps immerse me into the scene, so I can get honest, genuine dialogue, and dig deeper into the story rather than skimming the surface by trying to fit in everything my notes say I should. Having no notes to refer to also makes it harder to put words in my characters' mouths (which is a big no-no). It makes me shut up and listen. And when I truly listen, I find myself in the writer's "sweet spot" -- where I'm not writing dialogue, I'm taking dictation. : )
2. Step away from your computer. Period. Sometimes it just helps to get up from your desk and walk away. Take a walk if you have time. Take the dog(s) with you; they'd love it. (Or the kids for those of you who have the two-legged variety.) If you want to feel more productive while your writing's being non-productive, do something around the house that needs to be done, like throw in a load of laundry. Laundry always needs to be done. It gives your brain a break, and you get a chore done. I think it's cool. My husband just shakes his head. He doesn't understand why I can't just sit down and do nothing. Unless I have a computer or a book in front of me, I don't sit well. He knew this when he married me. ; )
Most of the time when I step away from the computer, what I'm trying to write comes to me like I'm eavesdropping on a conversation. Take time, step away, and take the pressure off yourself, it'll do wonders.
In tomorrow's blog, I'll post pics of something cool I got in the mail yesterday.
And on Thursday, I think I'll find a scene from The Trouble With Demons to post for you all to read.
Lisa
posted by Lisa Shearin at
7:56 AM
6 Comments:
Oooo.. can't wait for Thursday!
Oh my goodness! I just read that review that you e-mailed us about. Every single thing I find out about A&M makes me exponentially more excited to read it!!! And of course I freaked out at (I bet you could guess even if I didn't tell you) this sentence: "but things absolutely crackle between Raine and Tam, the goblin with a pension for showing up in unexpected places at unpredictable times with electric results." :-)
LOL!! I immediately thought of you, Otto when I read that part. ; )
I meant to comment on this yesterday. Actually, I did comment on this yesterday, but Blogger ate my comment and would not give it back. I didn't have time to re-write it.
I found this to be so true. Yes, being away from the computer helps and using pen and paper to write ideas is sometimes the best thing to do. It forces you to take the time to think. When I had trouble with one of my novels, I spent three days of thinking, came up with a plan, then spent weeks of furious writing immediately afterward.
Right now I'm torn between two novels. I have one to finish but another one--which a much "bigger" idea, in my own opinion--is clamoring to be written.
I know what you mean. I've got an urban fantasy that's been dormant for a while, but is starting to wake up and clamor for attention again. ; )
I write with pen and paper when I get stuck too. Something about the physicality of it gets things moving in my brain again!
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