I really like this, Graham, thank you. As someone who has suffered his fair share of so-called writer's block, I'm always looking for fresh ways to get/keep the writing flowing. Trying too hard to control what I'm writing is a sure way to snarl things up, so your EFFing writing prompts are sure to come in handy!
Yes, I agree -- I've been in positions myself where I sit down to do "serious" writing. That's about the time everything dries up. I find that loosening up and having more fun with it helps.
I think I do versions of this unconsciously. I have my book I'm writing, but when I get stuck, I journal, or start an essay on something I've been thinking lately like "Humans shouldn't be allowed to drive cars." Then I come back. I'm still struggling, but words do come out, one way or another.
Ah yes -- that's another way to get into the subject!
I guess ultimately, what we're doing is finding a sideways way to get into the subject matter. It sounds like dodging it, but I think what's really happening is that we're finding new and more creative perspectives on it. Working on other things lets our subconscious play with problems while we think about something else. And when our brain gets to play, good things happen...
Thanks Graham, I think Karen's story also resonated with me because I've also spent big chunks of time living in foreign lands. I wrote a memoir about a year I spent in Paris but haven't managed to publish anything yet. My Substack is my attempt to break down some of the mental barriers around sharing my work, thank you so much for subscribing!
I wrote poetry for many years before I started writing fiction. If I don't feel at least one scene deeply, I don't start writing a story. Now I know why: I need the poetry. Thanks for this article!
Sounds like you found a way into the emotional side of your writing naturally. I'm not a naturally emotional guy, in writing or otherwise, but I'm working to get better. I find this approach is helps.
I really like this, Graham, thank you. As someone who has suffered his fair share of so-called writer's block, I'm always looking for fresh ways to get/keep the writing flowing. Trying too hard to control what I'm writing is a sure way to snarl things up, so your EFFing writing prompts are sure to come in handy!
Thanks T K -- glad you liked it!
Yes, I agree -- I've been in positions myself where I sit down to do "serious" writing. That's about the time everything dries up. I find that loosening up and having more fun with it helps.
Good luck with your writing!
I think I do versions of this unconsciously. I have my book I'm writing, but when I get stuck, I journal, or start an essay on something I've been thinking lately like "Humans shouldn't be allowed to drive cars." Then I come back. I'm still struggling, but words do come out, one way or another.
Ah yes -- that's another way to get into the subject!
I guess ultimately, what we're doing is finding a sideways way to get into the subject matter. It sounds like dodging it, but I think what's really happening is that we're finding new and more creative perspectives on it. Working on other things lets our subconscious play with problems while we think about something else. And when our brain gets to play, good things happen...
Thanks for that, Shoni!
Thanks Graham, I think Karen's story also resonated with me because I've also spent big chunks of time living in foreign lands. I wrote a memoir about a year I spent in Paris but haven't managed to publish anything yet. My Substack is my attempt to break down some of the mental barriers around sharing my work, thank you so much for subscribing!
I wrote poetry for many years before I started writing fiction. If I don't feel at least one scene deeply, I don't start writing a story. Now I know why: I need the poetry. Thanks for this article!
Thanks Claudia -- glad you liked it!
Sounds like you found a way into the emotional side of your writing naturally. I'm not a naturally emotional guy, in writing or otherwise, but I'm working to get better. I find this approach is helps.