Today, I’m pleased to welcome fellow author Donna Shields to the blog. She’s here to talk about writer’s block and her latest release, Secrets of Jenkins Bridge. Take it away, Donna!
Writer’s Block. The two words strung together that no author wants to hear or experience. Unfortunately, we’ve all had to deal with writer’s block. Luckily, I haven’t had to deal with it while under pressure of a deadline. I can’t even imagine what that must be like. And it’s not just us newbies. I’ve read well seasoned authors who experience the block also.
What’s the secret to unblocking the mind when staring at the blank computer screen? Is there maybe a specific ritual to follow? Maybe a rule order?
Nope. I hate to say it, but there is no A to B to C instructions on how to overpower this evil creature. Everyone is different. What works for one individual may not work on another. However, I can give some suggestions as others have done in the past. These are my ways and not necessarily cures for others. If something works for even one person, then I know I helped someone.
1. Read a book. Believe it or not, this will take your mind off that empty white page. Read a couple of chapters. Indulge in some chocolate, which certainly can’t hurt either. After all, this is stressful and we deserve something sweet.
2. Jump on a treadmill. Or go outside for a walk or run. This has double benefits. Not only will my mind wander, usually running into overdrive within the first fifteen minutes, I’m getting some great exercise. (To work off that chocolate!)
3. Sometimes when I’m driving, I’ll start thinking about where my story is at that moment and I’ll begin thinking of different scenarios to help unblock my mind. Even if they are outlandish, it gives my mind some exercise.
4. I’ll write about the writer’s block. It goes something like this (PG here of course)…this dang nab stupid block. What’s causing this? Why can’t Trent just shut that big mouth of his before he shoots himself in the foot? Why does Ciarra even put up with him?…Sometimes, this works the block out and suddenly have a new idea or direction to go in.
As I said, these may not work for you. Writer’s block is every author’s nightmare. But, you can move on from it eventually. Just give it a try. Walk away from that screen or paper. Give your mind a break for a while. Don’t forget to find some chocolate.
About Donna:
Donna Shields grew up on romance and scary stories. With her love for suspense and the slightly unusual, she enjoys tying these elements together to create stories full of love, danger and the paranormal.
She lives in the beautiful upstate of South Carolina with her husband, her children, and some great haunts. She’s a mom, a ‘gramma’, a wife, a friend, an avid reader and writer. When she’s not occupied with all that, she loves traveling to Playa del Carmen and Jamaica.
Blurb:
An FBI agent discovers more than embezzling and murder when he takes on the kidnapping case of a daughter he never knew he had.
Hunting down a dangerous mob boss has brought FBI agent Mitchell Donovan home, reawakening an old flame, resurrecting a dead best friend, and discovering fatherhood. As if those aren’t enough, his new case will push everything else aside: finding the kidnappers who took the daughter he never knew he had.
Katherine Delaney never forgot the heartbreak Mitchell had caused with his abrupt departure all those years ago. With her dead ex-husband accused of murder and her daughter kidnapped, she will place her trust in the one man who could trample her heart again if she gets too close. But, will the resurrection of Katherine’s ex-husband and Mitchell’s chase for a killer destroy their second chance at love and happiness?
Links:
Blog: http://donna-realworldwriting.blogspot.com
On facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/shieldsdonna
On Twitter: @Donna_Shields
On SMP’s Author Blog: http://smpauthors.wordpress.com/
You can buy Secrets of Jenkins Bridge at: http://soulmatepublishing.com
Coming soon to Amazon and Barnes and Noble also
After reading The Swan Cove Murders, I look forward to your new release, Donna.
For those who have not read her first book, be sure and pick up a copy today.
Best of luck with your books and future releases.
Thanks BJ! Glad to have you stop by.