Slumps come in a variety of disguises. Writer's block, fatigue, depression, busyness... they all lead to the same outcome: Non-productivity.
I've had my share of writing slumps, so don't let the advice I'm about to share fool you into thinking I've got it together! I may have mentioned a couple of times this year that I've been in a bit of a writing slump compared to previous years. A season of recharging is sometimes necessary, so I don't beat myself up too much. I'm happy to say I've regained my writing 'mojo' this summer, however, and am well on my way to polishing a current novel for submission. (Book 3 in the WIND OVER MARSHDALE Series)
Despite the ups and downs, there is one thing that has remained stable. My determination to NEVER GIVE UP. Quitting just isn't an option for me. I've been writing intentionally for about thirty years. (Unintentionally for much longer.) Call it tenacious or just plain stubborn, I can't imagine life without typewriter, computer, or journal.
Here are a few practical ideas that help spur me on to further productivity.
1. Just sit down and do it! When you don't feel like writing, force yourself to do it anyway for a minimum of five minutes. That's right. Just five minutes. Chances are, after the time is up, you'll want to continue. I've heard it said from more than one source that successful writers don't wait for the muse to hit. Instead, they summon the muse. In other words, don't wait until you feel inspired. Just sit down and start writing and ninety-nine times out of one hundred, you will want to continue after that first five minutes are up.
2. Allow yourself to write junk. Similar to the principle above, when the words aren't flowing the way you'd like, write anyway. Forget about the 'show not tell' rule. Forget about sentence structure and grammar and spelling and active voice and repetitive word choices and whether the thing even makes sense... Let your brain upload onto the computer screen without editing. You can scrap the whole thing later, but you may find that a few good ideas will come out of this type of session. Often, once you get going, the 'real' words start to flow again, too, and you'll be back on track.
3. Forget about chronological sequence. If you're bored with a scene or can't decide where to go next, skip it and move on to something that happens later. Skipping ahead usually helps me to work out the problem and I can go back to it later. This also works with non-fiction. If you have an idea for a paragraph or a section, go ahead and write it even if there are bits in between that aren't done yet.
4. Have more than one project on the go. Rather than skip ahead, sometimes I just switch to a different project. I always have more than one project in the works at any given time. If I'm bogged down with one story I switch to another, or I work on a stage play, or a blog post. It's hard to get bored when you've got multiple WIPs taking up space in your head.
I've found that all of these ideas work well for me. The first three are especially useful when trying to meet deadlines and are my go-to behaviours when I take part in 'Nanowrimo' every year. I don't always listen to my own advice, but when I do, any kind of writing slump is out the window.
Tracy Krauss lives in Tumbler Ridge, BC and is a full time high school teacher of Drama, Art and English. When she's not teaching someone to paint, waxing eloquent over a Shakespearean script, or directing a drama performance, she's holed up in her office trying to write the next novel or stage play. Visit her website for more info or to read about any one of her 36 titles.
I've had my share of writing slumps, so don't let the advice I'm about to share fool you into thinking I've got it together! I may have mentioned a couple of times this year that I've been in a bit of a writing slump compared to previous years. A season of recharging is sometimes necessary, so I don't beat myself up too much. I'm happy to say I've regained my writing 'mojo' this summer, however, and am well on my way to polishing a current novel for submission. (Book 3 in the WIND OVER MARSHDALE Series)
Despite the ups and downs, there is one thing that has remained stable. My determination to NEVER GIVE UP. Quitting just isn't an option for me. I've been writing intentionally for about thirty years. (Unintentionally for much longer.) Call it tenacious or just plain stubborn, I can't imagine life without typewriter, computer, or journal.
Here are a few practical ideas that help spur me on to further productivity.
1. Just sit down and do it! When you don't feel like writing, force yourself to do it anyway for a minimum of five minutes. That's right. Just five minutes. Chances are, after the time is up, you'll want to continue. I've heard it said from more than one source that successful writers don't wait for the muse to hit. Instead, they summon the muse. In other words, don't wait until you feel inspired. Just sit down and start writing and ninety-nine times out of one hundred, you will want to continue after that first five minutes are up.
2. Allow yourself to write junk. Similar to the principle above, when the words aren't flowing the way you'd like, write anyway. Forget about the 'show not tell' rule. Forget about sentence structure and grammar and spelling and active voice and repetitive word choices and whether the thing even makes sense... Let your brain upload onto the computer screen without editing. You can scrap the whole thing later, but you may find that a few good ideas will come out of this type of session. Often, once you get going, the 'real' words start to flow again, too, and you'll be back on track.
3. Forget about chronological sequence. If you're bored with a scene or can't decide where to go next, skip it and move on to something that happens later. Skipping ahead usually helps me to work out the problem and I can go back to it later. This also works with non-fiction. If you have an idea for a paragraph or a section, go ahead and write it even if there are bits in between that aren't done yet.
4. Have more than one project on the go. Rather than skip ahead, sometimes I just switch to a different project. I always have more than one project in the works at any given time. If I'm bogged down with one story I switch to another, or I work on a stage play, or a blog post. It's hard to get bored when you've got multiple WIPs taking up space in your head.
I've found that all of these ideas work well for me. The first three are especially useful when trying to meet deadlines and are my go-to behaviours when I take part in 'Nanowrimo' every year. I don't always listen to my own advice, but when I do, any kind of writing slump is out the window.
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| Selfie with the latest release - a stage play called MUTINY ON MT OLYMPUS |
Tracy Krauss lives in Tumbler Ridge, BC and is a full time high school teacher of Drama, Art and English. When she's not teaching someone to paint, waxing eloquent over a Shakespearean script, or directing a drama performance, she's holed up in her office trying to write the next novel or stage play. Visit her website for more info or to read about any one of her 36 titles.
"Summon the muse." I like that' We're in charge, not how we feel.
ReplyDeleteAnd I was struck by your delineation as to how long you've been writing intentionally. 30 years? I realize I only started 4 years ago. Wow. So much has happened, the best being all the people I count as my friends through ICWF. Love it!
I agree Bobbi. Inscribe has been such a wonderful inspiration
Delete"Allow yourself to write junk." I love that. It takes the pressure off and allows for the pure creative purpose of writing. Thanks for sharing these ideas!
ReplyDeleteYes, this is a good one. It's not original - i red it somewhere and it was a great relief
DeleteI am going to try the 5 minute idea to get out of my post-nano slump. :)
ReplyDeleteI find it is usually just about getting started, so five minutes is very 'do-able'
DeleteJust sit down and do it has worked for me before. I also refer to this as "bum glue." I will have to get back to that. I too am impressed by the fact you have been "writing intentionally" for 30 years, but I think I am most impressed by your accomplishments with 36 titles to your name. You are an inspiration, Tracy. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThanks Sharon. I suspect you have been writing just as long...
DeleteYes, I have been writing that long, but I am nowhere as prolific or productive as you, my friend.
ReplyDeleteExcellent ideas Tracy. I too like Idea #2. So freeing. I also do #4 and find that it helps me...but then sometimes I think I have TOO MANY projects on the go and I have to hone in my ideas. I'm glad I'm not the only one who does this. Encouraging post. Thanks.
ReplyDelete