Sometimes we just don't feel like writing. It could be from a lack of inspiration, the fear of judgement, laziness, or a snag in a story line. Whatever it is, it needs to be worked through somehow.
A big factor when I find writing to be difficult is that I'm always in the same environment when I write and need a change of scenery, a place where my ideas flow like water-literally. I am quite outdoorsy during the spring and summer months. Getting out into nature is the doorway in which my ideas will come rushing back to me. I often go to the creek (my happy writing place) at my local park. In doing so I clear my head and once again become open-minded to the possibilities and any idea. I am rejuvenated and ready to set my mind to the task and succeed.
When I am away from my writing tools and dialogue, a scene, or an idea of any kind pops into my head,I use the voice memos on my iPhone to record myself so that I'm not trying to remember everything. Odds are I will forget it otherwise, an unfortunate casualty. Associating the idea with something else (thinking of an object or scene that is common) can be useful as well because it will "spark" the idea previously thought in case it has been forgotten. I use this method as well whenever it applies.
However, coming across and facing an issue with a story line is a bit harder to work out. This is a struggle I face almost on a daily basis for the type of fictional novel I am currently writing. They key in this situation is remembering that the first draft doesn't have to be perfect and allowing myself to leave notes in certain sections so I can further research what I am going to describe or the message I am conveying. It is a weakness in my writing because of my age and the lack of experience and knowledge I posses. Knowing the areas of weaknesses and strengths (and being honest about them) will help any writer hone in on their abilities and build upon the skills they lack, making them a stronger writer and all the better for it in general.
Writing is a craft; there's always room for improvement and learning if it's something a person wishes to take seriously. But it's still a lot of fun:)
What's your happy writing place? I'd love to know. Leave a comment or contact me via twitter (click the twitter icon at the top of the page).
Happy writing,
Katie
A big factor when I find writing to be difficult is that I'm always in the same environment when I write and need a change of scenery, a place where my ideas flow like water-literally. I am quite outdoorsy during the spring and summer months. Getting out into nature is the doorway in which my ideas will come rushing back to me. I often go to the creek (my happy writing place) at my local park. In doing so I clear my head and once again become open-minded to the possibilities and any idea. I am rejuvenated and ready to set my mind to the task and succeed.
When I am away from my writing tools and dialogue, a scene, or an idea of any kind pops into my head,I use the voice memos on my iPhone to record myself so that I'm not trying to remember everything. Odds are I will forget it otherwise, an unfortunate casualty. Associating the idea with something else (thinking of an object or scene that is common) can be useful as well because it will "spark" the idea previously thought in case it has been forgotten. I use this method as well whenever it applies.
However, coming across and facing an issue with a story line is a bit harder to work out. This is a struggle I face almost on a daily basis for the type of fictional novel I am currently writing. They key in this situation is remembering that the first draft doesn't have to be perfect and allowing myself to leave notes in certain sections so I can further research what I am going to describe or the message I am conveying. It is a weakness in my writing because of my age and the lack of experience and knowledge I posses. Knowing the areas of weaknesses and strengths (and being honest about them) will help any writer hone in on their abilities and build upon the skills they lack, making them a stronger writer and all the better for it in general.
Writing is a craft; there's always room for improvement and learning if it's something a person wishes to take seriously. But it's still a lot of fun:)
What's your happy writing place? I'd love to know. Leave a comment or contact me via twitter (click the twitter icon at the top of the page).
Happy writing,
Katie