Writer’s Block – Tips and Tricks – Lindsey Rayner Barnes

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of lots of laughter, love, family, and, of course, tons of turkey! If you’re anything like me, Thanksgiving put you in a turkey coma that took a while to come out of. Now NaNoWriMo is over, the Thanksgiving stupor has passed, and there’s the holidays to add to your overflowing plate of reasons not to write. Don’t worry! We all have those days, all that matters is that you try and make the best out of the time you have and write when you can.

Maybe the holidays have blocked those creative juices with a wall of gingerbread and eggnog, don’t worry I’m right there with you! If you’re one of the many writers experiencing holiday induced writer’s block (or just writer’s block in general), keep reading for some tips and tricks to help you end 2017 strong and start your 2018 with a bang!

The best tip I can give you is to try and write every day. Even if it’s just in your diary or you’re just writing some general ideas about the novel that you are currently working on, just write. Writing every day will help prevent the gingerbread walls from getting too thick and will make it easier for your candy cane soldiers to fend off the writer’s block. They will also help inspire new ideas that can take on lives of their own and destroy those walls all together, leaving you to furiously type away all of your new ideas.

If you are still having a dry spell, one where you can’t even think of small details to scribble about your plot or character development, then try a writing prompt. I have plenty on my website, and will continue to post more as I come across them. This will provide you with a little nudge and guidance to get you on the path of creativity again. If you use the line or two given in a prompt to start writing, often those walls will crumble and the lines will take on a life of their own and will form a full-fledged story – and who knows, maybe it’ll be your next novel!

Are none of the above options appealing to you? Then grab a book and just read. This way your creative side won’t dry up and you’ll see other ways to help keep your creative genius alive. Reading will help to broaden your vocabulary and keep your creativity alive even when you’re not writing since you are now immersed in another fictional realm where your brain is bringing the words of a fellow author to life. This will give your creative brain a break and keep you immersed in the realm of the written word. I always find it inspiring to read published works since it makes me that much more determined to bring my own work to life and make it available for the world to enjoy.

Another way to read, but keep your creativity sparked in a whole new way – do a manuscript swap! You all have undoubtedly heard me say this a million times before, but I LOVE manuscript swaps! I am able toimmerse myself in the world of writing, editing, and the steps toward publication, while also giving myself a break from my writing so that my creative brain can rest and recharge. Bonus – I’ll have an edited manuscript at the end of it with wonderful notes on how to solidify it and get it tight and as perfect as possible before publication!

No matter what the reason for your writer’s block is, or how long it lasts, NEVER stop believing in yourself! We all have dry spells, the important thing is to not let them defeat you.

Whether or not you’re planning on going the traditional route or self-publishing, having a polished manuscript that is as ready for publication as possible before an agent or publisher ever sees it is crucial. The best way to do this is through an editor. If you’re ready for that next step, check out how I can help you by visiting my website to learn more about my editing services!

Make sure to check back next month to learn more about self-publishing vs traditional to find out what’s right for you!

Have a very Merry Christmas, the happiest of holidays, and a fantastic New Year’s!

🎄 🎁 📚 🎅🏻 🤶🏻 ❄️ 🤴🏻 👸🏻 🗡 🏰 ☃️

*** Have some questions you want answered to help you with your publishing dream or want to let me know how your writing dream is going? Tweet me @LindseyRBarnes or send me a message on Facebook @LindseyRaynerBarnesWriter! 😊