Today's quick post provides the link to one of my favorite websites, copyblogger. This blogger's resource has tips on everything you can think of—and their solutions aren't just limited to the blog world. The link below is the perfect example, because its advice on overcoming writer's block (and overcoming fear—in all its various forms) can be applied to any writing project. Check it out!
www.copyblogger.com/writers-block/
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Showing posts with label writer's block. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writer's block. Show all posts
Apr 2, 2010
Weekly Wrap-Up
So, how has the writing exercise gone for you? In tonight's quick post, I want to touch base with you and see if you've been doing your homework. Well ... have you?
I'm really eager to find out if you've applied the exercise, and if so, how it worked for you. Personally, I have a little creative writing homework of my own to tend to (for my wonderful writer's group), and I may be giving the exercise another go, myself! In the meantime, here's how I converted the blog post on the exercise into an e-article (click the links).
Have a great weekend (especially if you celebrate Passover or Easter)!
P.S. - Here's that etymology lesson from last week, for those of you who haven't looked it up for yourselves by now:
Edentate comes from the Latin word edentare, to make toothless. It can be broken down as e (meaning to take away), dent (of or having to do with teeth) and are (the active verb form in that language). On that subject, watch out for all those bunny-shaped chocolates!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
I'm really eager to find out if you've applied the exercise, and if so, how it worked for you. Personally, I have a little creative writing homework of my own to tend to (for my wonderful writer's group), and I may be giving the exercise another go, myself! In the meantime, here's how I converted the blog post on the exercise into an e-article (click the links).
Have a great weekend (especially if you celebrate Passover or Easter)!
P.S. - Here's that etymology lesson from last week, for those of you who haven't looked it up for yourselves by now:
Edentate comes from the Latin word edentare, to make toothless. It can be broken down as e (meaning to take away), dent (of or having to do with teeth) and are (the active verb form in that language). On that subject, watch out for all those bunny-shaped chocolates!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 31, 2010
Stop Writer's Block: Put the Writing Exercise into Real-Life Practice
Summary: Today, I list some real-world examples of when you can use the writing exercise I shared with you last week. (Click the links if you need a refresher on the exercise, itself.) When does it work best for you?
Last week, I introduced you to an original writing exercise that uses self-awareness to center you and channel your creative energy. How has it been working for you?
I met with my writer's group over the weekend, where I chatted with some of the attendees about this process. We discovered that, when it comes to creative writing, "switching genres" (as Sabina described it) can be very helpful. Using an exercise like this one is ideal for such circumstances, because it takes your mind off the point where you're 'stuck' in your short story or novel, and moves it onto something new and organic. Once the creative block has been cleared, your brain is free to move fluidly into new ideas that you can use in your story. Try it for yourself and see how easily you can organize your thoughts after the emotional crisis of writer's block has passed.
Not writing something fictional? If you're working on a report for work or for school, you can come to the same point of confusion. Perhaps it's your outline that's really getting you down—as Kurt told me he often experiences. Knowing what you'll say next is vital, but planning this out can create the same frustrations as free-writing. How do you overcome it?
Again, try the exercise from last week. You'll be amazed at how it frees up your brain to organize thoughts that once were jumbled. If it doesn't work at first (and you can spare the time), try it twice. By then, you'll know that you can write coherently on any random subject, and you're sure to have the confidence you need to finish that outline in front of you. Finally, share your experience here. We all grow as writers and thinkers when we can honestly compare notes.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Last week, I introduced you to an original writing exercise that uses self-awareness to center you and channel your creative energy. How has it been working for you?
I met with my writer's group over the weekend, where I chatted with some of the attendees about this process. We discovered that, when it comes to creative writing, "switching genres" (as Sabina described it) can be very helpful. Using an exercise like this one is ideal for such circumstances, because it takes your mind off the point where you're 'stuck' in your short story or novel, and moves it onto something new and organic. Once the creative block has been cleared, your brain is free to move fluidly into new ideas that you can use in your story. Try it for yourself and see how easily you can organize your thoughts after the emotional crisis of writer's block has passed.
Not writing something fictional? If you're working on a report for work or for school, you can come to the same point of confusion. Perhaps it's your outline that's really getting you down—as Kurt told me he often experiences. Knowing what you'll say next is vital, but planning this out can create the same frustrations as free-writing. How do you overcome it?
Again, try the exercise from last week. You'll be amazed at how it frees up your brain to organize thoughts that once were jumbled. If it doesn't work at first (and you can spare the time), try it twice. By then, you'll know that you can write coherently on any random subject, and you're sure to have the confidence you need to finish that outline in front of you. Finally, share your experience here. We all grow as writers and thinkers when we can honestly compare notes.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 29, 2010
PHRASE OF THE WEEK: Writer's Block
Summary: Continuing our series on writer's block, this week's featured vocabulary word is actually a list of synonyms for the very phrase we're exploring. Can you come up with others? (Remember: Click on the pronunciation links to hear how each word sounds when spoken.)
Writer (RY - ter) - (n.) one who physically scribes or pens words onto a page; one who creates or compiles stories, technical manuals or other written work; an author. Writer's (RY- ters) - (poss. n.) of or belonging to a writer. Block (blahk) - (n.) in this case, an obstruction or stoppage. The phrase "writer's block" was first coined in 1950 by the psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler, who was himself a prolific writer on the subject.
Here are some synonymous phrases:
Author's handicap
Composer's deterrent
Penman's impediment
Recorder's trammel
Formulater's fetter
Crafter's snafu
Bard's encumberence
To hear pronunciations or read further definitions or etymologies for any of these words, follow the links to my previously posted lists of online dictionaries. In addition to educating yourself, you're sure to kill some time and forget about your scribbler's hurdle for awhile! And if you still need more time away from that empty page, you can always get your creative juices started by seeing what phrases you can add to today's phrase list ...
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Writer (RY - ter) - (n.) one who physically scribes or pens words onto a page; one who creates or compiles stories, technical manuals or other written work; an author. Writer's (RY- ters) - (poss. n.) of or belonging to a writer. Block (blahk) - (n.) in this case, an obstruction or stoppage. The phrase "writer's block" was first coined in 1950 by the psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler, who was himself a prolific writer on the subject.
Here are some synonymous phrases:
Author's handicap
Composer's deterrent
Penman's impediment
Recorder's trammel
Formulater's fetter
Crafter's snafu
Bard's encumberence
To hear pronunciations or read further definitions or etymologies for any of these words, follow the links to my previously posted lists of online dictionaries. In addition to educating yourself, you're sure to kill some time and forget about your scribbler's hurdle for awhile! And if you still need more time away from that empty page, you can always get your creative juices started by seeing what phrases you can add to today's phrase list ...
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 28, 2010
Overcome Writer's Block with This List of Creative Resources
Summary: This special weekend post contains a list of links for the 'stuck' writer who wants to overcome writer's block.
After meeting with my writers' group yesterday (where we had a serious discussion about writer's block--something most of us have suffered from), I decided to compile a little list of resources this weekend. Here are some wonderful links to get you through writer's block any day of the week, so you can always speak your truth.
Tama Kieves' "Inviting Grace" guided meditation CD/audio file - In this guided meditation, career coach & author-speaker Tama Kieves leads you through an inner journey to the place where your creative self resides. A personal favorite of mine, it has helped me through many 'stuck' moments. She reminds the listener of the truth: "You are creative."
AwakeningArtistry.com - Tama's website also has a number of other resources, including other CDs and audio files, books, article links and workshops--all designed to help bring you closer to your deepest desires and overcome any roadblocks to success.
ScribblePlay.com - Hollywood script reader-turned-online writer Christopher Rice (who has added his own two cents on writer's block to the Beyond Talk blog series on the subject) created this web community for writers of all types to meet, connect and most importantly, share their work.
GoArticles.com - In addition to my forthcoming article on the subject, GoArticles has a nice collection of videos about overcoming writer's block.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
After meeting with my writers' group yesterday (where we had a serious discussion about writer's block--something most of us have suffered from), I decided to compile a little list of resources this weekend. Here are some wonderful links to get you through writer's block any day of the week, so you can always speak your truth.
Tama Kieves' "Inviting Grace" guided meditation CD/audio file - In this guided meditation, career coach & author-speaker Tama Kieves leads you through an inner journey to the place where your creative self resides. A personal favorite of mine, it has helped me through many 'stuck' moments. She reminds the listener of the truth: "You are creative."
AwakeningArtistry.com - Tama's website also has a number of other resources, including other CDs and audio files, books, article links and workshops--all designed to help bring you closer to your deepest desires and overcome any roadblocks to success.
ScribblePlay.com - Hollywood script reader-turned-online writer Christopher Rice (who has added his own two cents on writer's block to the Beyond Talk blog series on the subject) created this web community for writers of all types to meet, connect and most importantly, share their work.
GoArticles.com - In addition to my forthcoming article on the subject, GoArticles has a nice collection of videos about overcoming writer's block.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 26, 2010
Bust Writer's Block with This Whole-Being Writing Exercise
Summary: This basic writing exercise puts you in touch with yourself to help you easily overcome writer's block—and boost your writing skills and self-awareness in the process.
The powers of observation are wondrous. When you harness them for yourself, you can accomplish so much more in your life than you can without them. You can be more self-aware and more self-honest, which in turn means you can be more honest with others in a positive way.
Today, I'd like to share with you an exercise that can help you be more aware in general. And as an added bonus, this trick is great for overcoming writer's block—no matter what you need to write about, whether it's basic or esoteric. I'll share with you some practical steps you can take in every situation you encounter, using this simple written exercise. (If you can think of other situations that I don't address in this blog post, let me know! I'll gladly share with you a customized version that's sure to help solve your problem.)
Written Exercise
Using a writing instrument (pen and paper, computer station, tube of lipstick on whatever flat surface you can find—your choice), gaze upon the object nearest to you. Pick something basic and simple, like your coffee mug or computer keyboard. After about a minute or less, begin writing whatever comes to mind that describes this object.
First, write a physical description: "My coffee mug is off-white in color and made of heavy stoneware material," etc. Be as specifically detailed as you can be, and take as much time as you like. Remember, the idea is to write more, rather than less.
After you have filled a minimum of half a page (or its equivalent), begin to write about what feelings this object—or anything in the sentence you've just written about it—brings up in you, physically or emotionally. (Both is even better.) Start writing this next segment immediately; don't pause! It's perfectly acceptable to write associatively here: "When I think of coffee mugs, in general, I always remember my grandfather, who had a pot brewing at every visit. This makes me feel sentimental and a little sad that he's no longer around to give me his words of wisdom over the rim of his cup." It's also okay to stay literal: "This is my favorite mug, because it always feels warm in my hand—not so hot that it burns me, like the ceramic ones in the cabinet." Try to write more than a page.
Finally, see if you can bring the writing to a close, coming full circle by mentioning whatever you started with—even if you have to do this by mentioning how unrelated the two ideas are, in segue. For example: "My grandfather never owned a plain coffee mug like the one I drink from today" or "It's the stoneware that makes the difference." Just closing the loop between the beginning and the ending of your written piece is enough to end the exercise, and still makes for good practice in writing.
This exercise can jump-start anything—from an introspective journal entry to a dryly fact-based report. It helps your creative synapses begin to fire and helps you start to draw connections where you wouldn't as easily otherwise. Try it and see for yourself.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
The powers of observation are wondrous. When you harness them for yourself, you can accomplish so much more in your life than you can without them. You can be more self-aware and more self-honest, which in turn means you can be more honest with others in a positive way.
Today, I'd like to share with you an exercise that can help you be more aware in general. And as an added bonus, this trick is great for overcoming writer's block—no matter what you need to write about, whether it's basic or esoteric. I'll share with you some practical steps you can take in every situation you encounter, using this simple written exercise. (If you can think of other situations that I don't address in this blog post, let me know! I'll gladly share with you a customized version that's sure to help solve your problem.)
Written Exercise
Using a writing instrument (pen and paper, computer station, tube of lipstick on whatever flat surface you can find—your choice), gaze upon the object nearest to you. Pick something basic and simple, like your coffee mug or computer keyboard. After about a minute or less, begin writing whatever comes to mind that describes this object.
First, write a physical description: "My coffee mug is off-white in color and made of heavy stoneware material," etc. Be as specifically detailed as you can be, and take as much time as you like. Remember, the idea is to write more, rather than less.
After you have filled a minimum of half a page (or its equivalent), begin to write about what feelings this object—or anything in the sentence you've just written about it—brings up in you, physically or emotionally. (Both is even better.) Start writing this next segment immediately; don't pause! It's perfectly acceptable to write associatively here: "When I think of coffee mugs, in general, I always remember my grandfather, who had a pot brewing at every visit. This makes me feel sentimental and a little sad that he's no longer around to give me his words of wisdom over the rim of his cup." It's also okay to stay literal: "This is my favorite mug, because it always feels warm in my hand—not so hot that it burns me, like the ceramic ones in the cabinet." Try to write more than a page.
Finally, see if you can bring the writing to a close, coming full circle by mentioning whatever you started with—even if you have to do this by mentioning how unrelated the two ideas are, in segue. For example: "My grandfather never owned a plain coffee mug like the one I drink from today" or "It's the stoneware that makes the difference." Just closing the loop between the beginning and the ending of your written piece is enough to end the exercise, and still makes for good practice in writing.
This exercise can jump-start anything—from an introspective journal entry to a dryly fact-based report. It helps your creative synapses begin to fire and helps you start to draw connections where you wouldn't as easily otherwise. Try it and see for yourself.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 24, 2010
How Do You Overcome Writer's Block?
Summary: There are many ways to overcome writer's block. Some of my friends share their expert advice in this blog post. How does it work for you?
Whether it's the briefest of thank-you cards or the longest of essays—or any written piece in between—you can be stricken and stuck by the most dreaded of all terrors: WRITER'S BLOCK. And when you are ... what do you do about it?
Here are your options: (1) Stare determinedly at that blank page, note card or computer screen until you're totally frustrated and ready to give up entirely; (2) give up immediately.
But wait! You say you aren't a quitter? You're ready, even, to try whatever it takes? Well, it's a good thing you stumbled upon this blog, because I have a whole list of suggestions that I compiled from my Facebook friends. These are tried and true methods that really work for these people. What works for you?
Christine gets out into nature—either going for a walk or doing some yard work—and keeps a pencil and note cards in her pocket, she says, "to jot down brilliant bursts of insight."
Tracey takes a study break by watching something entertaining that also makes her think.
Roger engages in some physical activity. He says, "Lifting weights gives me a good balance."
Wes takes a creative approach to staying in the moment. He's found that just the simple act of writing down whatever occurs to him—even if it's a list of words with no sentence structure—helps him re-set his brain and get the writing juices flowing.
Me? I brainstorm. Drawing on a technique I was taught in sixth grade, I often write the word "brainstorm" at the top of a page (and even go so far as to draw little thunder bolts and storm clouds around it when I'm feeling really stuck). Then, similarly to what Wes does, I write a list of words on the page. Each word is a topic pertaining to what I might write about; occasionally, I may write a list of starter sentences for the topics, too, just to test how well the subject matter gets my juices flowing. When I've found the right one, I know it, because I begin writing right then.
Are you the type of person who needs to step away from the notepad to get a fresh perspective or do you need to give yourself that extra push in the right direction, right in the moment, to overcome writer's block? How do you know ...?
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Whether it's the briefest of thank-you cards or the longest of essays—or any written piece in between—you can be stricken and stuck by the most dreaded of all terrors: WRITER'S BLOCK. And when you are ... what do you do about it?
Here are your options: (1) Stare determinedly at that blank page, note card or computer screen until you're totally frustrated and ready to give up entirely; (2) give up immediately.
But wait! You say you aren't a quitter? You're ready, even, to try whatever it takes? Well, it's a good thing you stumbled upon this blog, because I have a whole list of suggestions that I compiled from my Facebook friends. These are tried and true methods that really work for these people. What works for you?
Christine gets out into nature—either going for a walk or doing some yard work—and keeps a pencil and note cards in her pocket, she says, "to jot down brilliant bursts of insight."
Tracey takes a study break by watching something entertaining that also makes her think.
Roger engages in some physical activity. He says, "Lifting weights gives me a good balance."
Wes takes a creative approach to staying in the moment. He's found that just the simple act of writing down whatever occurs to him—even if it's a list of words with no sentence structure—helps him re-set his brain and get the writing juices flowing.
Me? I brainstorm. Drawing on a technique I was taught in sixth grade, I often write the word "brainstorm" at the top of a page (and even go so far as to draw little thunder bolts and storm clouds around it when I'm feeling really stuck). Then, similarly to what Wes does, I write a list of words on the page. Each word is a topic pertaining to what I might write about; occasionally, I may write a list of starter sentences for the topics, too, just to test how well the subject matter gets my juices flowing. When I've found the right one, I know it, because I begin writing right then.
Are you the type of person who needs to step away from the notepad to get a fresh perspective or do you need to give yourself that extra push in the right direction, right in the moment, to overcome writer's block? How do you know ...?
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
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