For the first time since I began writing I'm suffering from a serious case of writer's block. It could not have come at a worse time as our analogue tv transmission was switched off yesterday and we haven't upgraded our tv or brought a set-top box, meaning we now have no tv. This feeling of being drained reminds me of the way I felt when I left teaching. I'm not liking anything that I write and finding it hard to come up with ideas, so I think this is a good indication that it's time to take a break and refresh.
Since I began writing seriously about 18 months ago I've had two full-length novels published and I've self-published four 15,000+ word novellas. I also have another 30,000 word suspense novella that I'm about to upload to Amazon, and on top of that I've got three novellas that are half finished and I've written a few short stories. I think I may have overdone it just a bit! Some people are amazingly prolific, but I'm not one of them and this pace has been a little too intense for me.
One of the things I find most frustrating about writing is the fact that I can't read while I'm working on something. I don't know why, but whenever I start to read a book it just makes me want to get back into my own writing. Maybe now is a good time to tackle some of the great novels in my TBR pile. Hopefully this will provide some inspiration and help me enjoy writing again because that's what it comes down to. Although I have dreams of fame and fortune, I'm realistic enough to know that writing will only ever be a hobby for me, and there's no point doing it when the joy is gone.
I'd be really interested in hearing about other's people's experience with writer's block and how you cope with it.
I'm sure this is how my long-suffering husband feels!
I just started a sequal to a novel. I've been waiting for this book to come out for easily two years. Three pages in I quit the book and started writing--so I absolutely feel you there! Good luck with the block, hope it clears up soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the sympathy. I hope your inspiration comes back soon Randi Lee because it's a very frustrating feeling when you can't write!
DeleteYeah, good luck! I hate writer's block!!
ReplyDeleteSIK Book Reviews
Thanks Sam, it really isn't much fun having writer's block.
DeleteI was suffering from writers block myself a few days ago. The best remedy so far has been for me to outline every major point in the story. Where I want the book to go and how. So far it's worked. Good luck. :)
ReplyDeleteGood advice Julie. Thanks. I can see how this would help to overcome writer's block.
DeleteI'm not a writer so I have no advice, but I hope your thoughts are flowing free again soon! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's slowly coming back to me, which is a big relief! Thanks Pam.
DeleteI experience writer's block a lot, especially during times when I'm under pressure. Just relax, and good luck with your writing! :)
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award. http://todaytomorrowforever3.blogspot.com/2012/06/liebster-blog-award.html Check it out if you're interested. :)