Where the Hell is my Muse?
Writer's
block... it can creep up when you least expect it. Hiding in
the shadows, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike. A day
when you've cleared your schedule, the kids are gone for the weekend,
hubby is on a fishing trip, the house is quiet and there you are,
staring at a blank screen or sheet of paper. Great. Now what? Where's
a muse when you really need one? Six hours have passed and you only
have two words that you can actually use — Chapter One.
Yes.
This has happened to me, time and time again. This thing called
writer's block will
halt my plans in obtaining my goal of writing 50,000 words for the
month, and have me snuggled on the sofa drinking green tea and
watching Netflix. Yes, this has happened to me. But what is this
thing called writer's block,
and why has it invaded my world?
Writer's
block is nothing more than a lack of inspiration and imagination at
the time when you should be writing your compelling story. The only
thoughts you have on your mind are, what happened the day before,
what happened last week, what will happen next week, the secret your
sister told, and a song by Fergie.
What a combination. But how do you get rid of writer's block? By
getting rid of the unnecessary debris in your life... if only for a
short while.
Stress
in one of the most hindering problems for a writer. Your thoughts are
all over the place, but yet nowhere. If it can't be resolved today,
then cast it aside for today. If it is a problem that is completely
out of your control, why think about it at all? Hand it over to a
power greater than you. If it is a problem that can be resolved and
will be resolved, why ponder it? Let it go. If you do not have
stress, yet your mind is still overwhelmed, turn off the news and
don't listen to any sad news whether it be from television or in
person. Unless you're a writer on current events, daily watching of
mainstream news can invade your imagination and inspiration, leaving
you with a new friend called writer's block.
Speaking
of friends, God bless them, sometimes you have to closed the blinds,
don't open the door, turn off the phone, there's no one home. I know
it's a little harsh, but it's perfectly okay to say, “Not today.”
If they're your true friends, they'll be around tomorrow, but in the
meantime, if you have set aside a day to write, then that is what
you'll do — write. This doesn't mean we cast our friends aside. No
way! As writers, we still interact with our friends. After all, some
of our inspiration comes from being around others and observing
others, and if you are a comedy writer, much of your inspiration is
from being around others. The main objective is, set your priorities
when it comes to your friends, to not add another friend called
writer's block.
So,
what do you do when all else fails and writer's block is now your new
best friend? As I mentioned in Writing Tips for African Americans, I read teen books for fresh ideas. Hey, don't knock it until you've tried it! You'll be surprised how many
adults read teen books to get inspired. A favorite of mine is Auggie
& Me by R.J. Palacio. This
particular book is from her Wonder
collection. I usually do not have to read the entire book again,
usually a few chapters will spark my imagination allowing fresh ideas
to flow effortlessly. This happens with any teen book I choose to
read. There's something about teen, young adult, even children's
books that will get a writer in the zone to do what he or she loves —
write.
Still
doesn't work for you? How about this. Will you find your
characters in a cheeseburger? Probably not. Did you know that certain
foods can kill your writing mood? It's true. You've heard the saying,
“You are what you eat.” When was the last time a pig or cow wrote
a book? Fresh foods, healthy foods, stimulate the brain, bringing
fresh ideas that turn into fresh stories, and memorable characters. It's true! So, next time you're experiencing writer's block, try eating some
fresh fruits and veggies. It really works!
Well, I'm
sure you have other ways of ridding yourself from writer's block.
Whether you're a novel writer or a songwriter, writer's block can
sneak upon us all. How we deal with it is the question. What's your solution?
Until
next time,
Happy
Writing