Research papers, book reports, thank-you notes and even poetry; I've always loved writing, hence me writing this article. Writing is something that comes fairly natural to me and I'm grateful to have it as a talent. However, one thing that has been fairly difficult to do, is beginning my book.
I've started three different books, all different plots, all vary in length--from a page to multiple chapters--and all represent different aspects of my life. But regardless of the many different characters, plots and settings, I almost always get writers block.
After searching for advice, the only thing people could tell me was to "keep writing, no matter what." So, I decided that I'd write down the first 11 thoughts I--as I'm sure many aspiring authors have, as well--have as I go through writer's block.
1. No...No...NOOOOO!
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When the writer's block starts creeping up on you...and you can't stop it.
2. Ok...let me go back and reread the last twelve pages and see if anything has changed
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You're silently praying something jumps out at you, giving you an idea to continue...when all it really does is cause you to go back and change everything.
3. Maybe if I leave the room and come back it'll hit me!
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...And it never hits you.
4. Maybe the cat knows?
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He doesn't know and he doesn't care.
5. Why can't Hemingway come down from Heaven, sit on my bed and give me the answers?
Now, that'd just be too easy.
6. That's it. I'm scrapping the whole thing.
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This stage happens many, many times.
7. Screw it. I'm throwing in aliens.
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That's one way to do it.
8. Why couldn't I have been good at math?
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If I added up the number of hours I spent with writer's block, it would cover half my lifespan.
9. Shall we check with the cat again?
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Different cat. Different computer. Oh, look, still doesn't know nor does he care.
10. I need coffee.
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Ask for extra shots of espresso...lots of extra shots.
Above all, just keep writing. One sentence turns into a paragraph, one paragraph turns into a page, a page into a chapter, a chapter into a book.
Sounds easy, right?
Now, stop reading and get back to writing. After all, the water can't flow if the faucet is turned off.
