Wednesday’s Tea #6

How to Prevent Writer’s Block

     First off, there is a difference between Writers’ Block and Lack of Inspiration or Imagination.

     Writers Block according to Merriam-Webster  is defined as the problem of not being able to think of something to write about or not being able to finish writing a story, poem, etc. : a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece.

     Inspiration according to Merriam-Webster is defined as something that makes someone want to do something or that gives someone an idea about what to do or create: a force or influence that inspires someone

     Now that we got the literary part of our program over with, let’s look at some of the most effective ways to prevent Writer’s Block.

     The reason why I wish to look at prevention in place of a breakthrough of being stuck is prevention would practically eliminate Writer’s Block. The word I wish to stress strongly is PRACTICALLY. The reason why I say practically in place of completely is because there are always variables involved. Let’s get started with the three areas of preventing writer’s block, and they are Research, Collaboration, and (my personal favorite) the Shoebox Method.

Research
     This works especially well with non-fiction, but is also useful with fiction. 

• ·         Non-Fiction research when conducted with an outline of the subject that is the sole bases of a manuscript (book) are pretty cut and dry. First explain what the main subject is, all supporting documents, and a bibliography of the source of the documentation used. Depending on the size, type, and subject will determine the amount of research that is needed. With you not reinventing the wheel, the only cause of Writer’s Block is to show association from one fact to another.
• ·         Fiction research would be less stringent by the nature of the subject and how much it is grounded on actual principles, locations, and even people. As it is said, some of the best lies have a bit of truth in them. This is the basis for fictional research in a nutshell. Just be aware that in some cases, fact is stranger than fiction and fiction have been known to become fact. I believe the Star Trek flip communication device had actually become a real item (Flip Phone). The Dick Tracy communication watch is here. And let us not forget how many movies and TV show that had shown the computer in its many different reincarnations.

Collaboration

• ·         This in it of itself lessens the possibility of Writer’s Block from the start with the number one and more so as more thoughts are combined to share the load of navigating through a given subject. This isn’t foolproof, but having the ability to rely on others to share the load of coming up with new and innovative ideas or as a sounding board, makes for a less stressful and enjoyable experience. Although the benefits of collaboration are obvious, there is one drawback that should be considered with much thought. 
• ·         Collaboration by its nature is supportive and at the same time combative. With no two people thinking alike, there are numerous opportunities for disagreements and different perceived focus. One person may feel strongly about an idea and yet the other person’s perception or point of view of that same idea may be the complete opposite may cause delays. As long as there is give and take along with professional courtesy, there’s no problem. Leave the No Divas Allowed sign on the door.

     And the final entry into this wonderful world of prevention of having a blank screen or piece of paper studying you is the Shoebox!

The Shoebox

     The Shoebox is a simple concept and is in three parts. However it does takes a considerable amount of time to accomplish correctly.

• ·         Part 1.  As ideas about your book comes to mind, right it down on small scraps of paper. Write down enough information that it will jar your memory to recollect the entire thought. This may be a bit hard to do at first, but over time, it will become extremely easy. If you have more than one book in mind along with random thoughts to match, use more Shoeboxes and label each according to the subject of your thoughts.  After about 4 to 6 months, open your Shoebox (s) and move on to Part 2.
• ·         Part 2. Once you have a considerable amount of ideas you are next going to place them onto a storyboard. This should have you both laughing and pulling out your hair. What makes this worth the while is now you can place your thoughts in the best order to tell your story. The greatest benefit to this you would now be able to see holes in your story and instantly fill them up or take the story line in a different direction to improving the flow of the overall story. The downside to Part 2 is to determine the beginning and deciding which one of the numerous endings would be best. For some reason I always find three of four different endings in my Shoebox each time. Once your storyboard is complete, next comes the final step Part 3.
• ·         Part 3. With all of your numerous ideas are laid out on a storyboard and you have the roadmap with all the twist, turns, tears, and smiles right before you. All that is left is to get started and enjoy the experience of your first draft (or abbreviated edition), your second draft (expanding on the overall concept), your third draft (clearly define people, places, and things), and then the final draft (all the other crap you want to put in). Now all you have to do is have your work edited and test read. 

     As you can tell the Shoebox method can be very effective in reducing having to come up with one idea after another. The only heavy lifting is during the storyboard phase, but even then, it’s much easier coming up with ways to connect major ideas than it is to come up with them with no idea as where the next thought will take you or if it will work with the one that follows. The biggest bonus of them all is having mutable endings that can accommodate change in storyline direction or helps with thoughts of a sequel. Let’s end this topic here and start thinking of ways to use one or all three in your next project.

     I hope these thoughts and ideas will help you head off Writer’s Block before it has a chance to cause you to have an unpleasant experience writing that may affect your readers enjoyment you wish them to have. SD

Would you like to have your topic discussed? Would you like to get an opinion on something that bugging you? Have you ever wonder about what makes an author pull out their hair?  Well, let's sit down for a cup of TEA or a nice healthy shot of CAFFEINE.

 
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