Jumpstart Your Writing

There are some writers who don’t actually believe in writer’s block. Or maybe they call it other names like “procrastination” or “writers’ stall.” But as both a writer of sixteen novels and a clinical psychologist, I know it lurks in the minds of most of us. I’d like to offer a few suggestions for moving along when you feel blocked.

Many experts believe that getting stuck has to do with fear: fear of success, fear of failure, fears about competition, fear of not being perfect, fear of writing crap—the possibilities are endless. I learned as a therapist that sometimes just the act of making our fears explicit helps us understand them and glide on by.

* Answer this question for yourself—and write it down. What am I most afraid of as I write?

Before I became a mystery writer, I was very interested in sports psychology. One psychologist I knew talked about the importance of having a big goal in the back of your mind. (This works just as well for a writer as it does for a professional golfer.) She suggested that our subconscious minds are looking for big opportunities. If we can put our big hopes and dreams into concrete words—or pictures, these words give our subconscious something to shoot for. Research has shown that people who write their goals down are more successful at reaching them.

*Identify your big goal or goals. Write them down. (This could be something like “I want to find an agent and have my book published by the end of 2018. Or, I want my book to land on the New York Times bestseller list and then get optioned by a Hollywood producer.)

*Make the goal into something visual–something that you can tape up behind your desk and then forget. But your mind will know it’s there!

Big writing goals have a downside too because they can freeze you in your tracks. For example, if my goal is to win the Edgar award for best mystery novel, I might weigh each word so carefully that I’m afraid to put anything down. Psychologists working with elite athletes know that goals have to be broken down into specific process, rather than product-oriented steps—actions that are under your control.

*Break your big goal into manageable steps. Write them down. For example: I’ll write 500 words a day for the next month. I’ll find a critique group or a writing class by January. Or I’ll spend half an hour on my novel on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays from 6:30 am to 7.

The most effective form of motivation or incentive is positive reinforcement. Anyone who’s spent time at dog obedience school and carried pockets full of treats knows that! What kind of treats will serve as incentives for your writing? Dessert after your goal is met? Coffee with a friend at the end of the week? A favorite movie or TV program? A massage?

*Make a list of possible reinforcements. Choose a few that look tempting and write them down. Schedule them into your writing plan.

Lots of my writing pals have little tricks to keep themselves going when the writing gets hard and the inner critic is working overtime. Award-winning mystery writer Hallie Ephron suggests this: “Hold your nose and write.” Hank Phillippi Ryan sets a timer and tells herself she only has to write for 45 minutes (or half an hour, or whatever you choose.) Usually by then, the juices are flowing and the urge to troll the Internet has receded. I also like jotting down some ideas about the scene I’ll be writing the next day—it’s so much easier than starting in the morning with a blank white page.

*Set the scene—and set the timer.

Writing is such a lonely profession. Most people need support and encouragement and often, an outsider’s perspective on their work. This can come from individuals or groups. Sometimes you can even find it on Facebook. It astonishes me how many Facebook friends are willing to noodle over a problem plot twist at the drop of a “help!” Who can you talk with when you get stuck or discouraged, wondering why you should even bother?

*Identify a few writing pals and jot these names down. Let them know they will be hearing from you!

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Lucy Burdette is the author of the Key West food critic mysteries. The eighth book in the series, DEATH ON THE MENU was published today by Crooked Lane Books. As Roberta Isleib, she has also written 8 novels in the advice column and golf lovers mystery series. Her books and stories have been short-listed for Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity awards. She is a clinical psychologist, average on the golf course and above average in the kitchen. You can read more on her website www.lucyburdette.com.

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Praise for Death on the Menu:

“There’s a lot to love about this series—deft plotting, likeable characters, and an ending that always satisfies. But one of the things I love the best is how the author transports her readers to Key West with every page, describing real landmarks and restaurants with such realism that I feel I’m actually there. Magical and delicious fun!”—Suspense Magazine

“Fascinating details about the Truman Little White House, Cuban American history and relations, Cuban food, and Hemingway’s years in Key West are woven through this atmospheric cozy.”—Booklist

“Burdette’s loving descriptions of food and the appended recipes are an added fillip for readers who enjoy some history and romance with their mysteries.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Tightly plotted, with plenty of island-style red herrings and mouth-watering food-prep descriptions, DEATH ON THE MENU is also full of friends helping friends, and the sweetness of love.” –Kingdom Books 

Lucy’s links:

Crooked Lane Books: http://www.crookedlanebooks.com/titles/death-on-the-menu/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lucyburdette

Instagram: www.instagram.com/lucyburdette

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/lucyburdette 

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/robertaisleib

Website: www.lucyburdette.com

Jungle Red Writers:  www.jungleredwriters.com

Mystery Lovers Kitchen:  www.mysteryloverskitchen.com

 

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: How To and Tips