Comments on: Writing Inspiration: How to Break Through Mental Barriers

By: Brad’s Reader » Blog Archive » Friday Link Love 11/14

Brad’s Reader » Blog Archive » Friday Link Love 11/14 — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:36:02 +0000

[...] Writing Inspiration: How to break through mental barriers [...]

By: Do You Feed Your Muse Well? | Men With Pens

Do You Feed Your Muse Well? | Men With Pens — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:01:30 +0000

[...] try the usual tricks to combat periodic flashes of writer’s block. I go outside to play in the sun. I white noise stirs up THE BIG ONE. I drive my car in wide open [...]

By: Julia

Julia — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 05:12:05 +0000

Wow, the guy in that photo needs a pedicure! Yuck!

By: Liz

Liz — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:07:54 +0000

I mostly write on deadline so mostly I simply have to start, even if I’m not inspired. One of the things I tell my own kids, when they’re stuck with their writing a paper for school, is if you can’t find the beginning, skip to another section. Start in the middle; the opening will come later. That’s very difficult for beginners to do, I’ve found, but it really does work for me.

Rejection is a part of most writers’ lives, too, and I have come across a web site that sort of celebrates that. It’s My Dream is Dead but I’m Not and it was created by a writer whose book has been rejected by many, many NYC publishers. She’s holding a funeral for her unpublished book! Finally, a burial ground for all the phenomenal books out there that are killed, instead of published.

By: Grace

Grace — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:10:08 +0000

Sometimes it helps to have a list of categories? Each week I have set the challenge to write about five different things: Relationship with self, other people, lifehacks, the Earth, and Words.

Then each Sunday I sit down and sketch out the basics of each post. Knowing that I’ve given myself permission NOT to write on that day somehow frees up the flow. Doing that I’ve got a prompt when I do start in earnest.

I’ve also found that old advice of ‘gum glue’ really helps when I write. If I’m THERE, somehow it always happens.

Good post! Thanks! Grace.

By: Tabitha (From Single to Married)

Tabitha (From Single to Married) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 17:40:19 +0000

In reading your post I realize that I am guilty of sometimes writing with the reader in mind rather than writing what I want to say. I think it’s important to write for your intended audience of course, but it’s equally important to relay the message that speaks to you as a writer. With this in mind, it’s easy to get stumped and lose focus so I appreciate your words and suggestions.

By: Susan Cogan

Susan Cogan — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:56:12 +0000

I’ve never found the advice “go for a walk” or “take a break” helpful. I once took a break that lasted almost 10 years. Breaks are easy. The only way to attract Inspiration is to be sitting in front of the page when she shows up. The best ice breaker for me is to type aimlessly. Type anything. Don’t try to write the story, gossip about the characters. Fantasize about the setting. I think–at least for me–since I am a writer writing is the only way to break up writer’s block.

By: Ross

Ross — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 13:52:35 +0000

Hi, thanks for these ideas – they are quite different to the traditional school of thought: “just take a break and get your mind off it” etc – I’ll be referring back to this post for several re-reads, I’m sure! Cheers.

By: Mel T

Mel T — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 05:29:12 +0000

Stumbled James. Fantastic advice!

Although my problem isn’t inspiration, it’s getting my writing completed quickly and efficiently.

By: Jim Bessey

Jim Bessey — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:09:27 +0000

James, this is great advice. Only half “mumbo-jumbo” and the other half “this really works.”

I’ve found the best inspiration for writing on the calmest, loneliest mornings of summer. No interruptions, no distractions, a soft breeze in the trees, and a hot cup of coffee on the metal table by my camp chair. Those are the times I believe in myself as a writer and the words just flow.

Too bad summer’s so short and mornings like that are so fleeting. Thanks for some great block-breakers for all the other times.

~Jim, at Just Camping Out