Argh!
Stuck again in the swamp of writing defeat and word avoidance even though I love writing my stories. What’s up? I’ve been a writer for 38 years. Holy moly. Can’t I just sit down and write? Why do silly menial chores seem suddenly inviting?
But I have found, once I chain myself to the blank page and force words to be birthed, with a story in mind, I thrash but the engine thrums and starts. Those dang words begin to flow. I’m ready. I’m willing. I’m psyched. The story emerges—but only after a hell-of-a struggle.
And I have a method:
- I make an agreement with myself that I will write for one hour with no interruption. I set a timer. I turn the phone off. I don’t check email.
- After the hour is up I give myself the option to go outside in the garden and look at birds, bees, weeds, whatever. The important task is to move and get circulation back in my derriere.
- I allow myself 15 minutes of distraction then it is back to the chair for another hour commitment—still not checking email or voicemail. Both of those are alluring rabbit holes.
- Oh boy—another hour of diligent word-sculpting achieved! The carrot of the garden or yoga—some form of movement—is grabbed for another 15 minutes.
- The intrigue of my story—as it comes into focus on the page—draws me back. I’m over the hump and the opposite effect takes place. I need to force myself to walk away from the page(s) and keep my life rolling forward.
- Try this daily—or a few times a week. Your writer brain will hum with activity and the story will call you back to complete it.
Give it a try and see what happens for you.
copyright Lisa Alpine
Thank you for sharing, Lisa! Even the best can struggle with the swampy block.
Lori— When I hear a writer say they wrote their book in 2 weeks, I wonder—what drugs are they on?
Excellent advice – move that bod to keep the flow going:)
Yep, Pamela,
A winning combo—exercising both the brain and the bod!