Luccia Gray
Writer's block, at least in my case, is related to a temporary insecurity or creative overload!
First, I try to calm down! I often take a short break from writing, for a day or two. I usually read or spend time with friends or family. I try not to think too much about my 'block'.
Then I go back and write. If I feel I cannot move the story on, I go for a walk and imagine a dialogue between the characters, or I ‘speak� to them myself about what could happen. Sometimes I go back and write the dialogue or the scene, even though I know it will not appear in the novel, but it helps me get back into the novel.
Surprisingly, I often dream with the characters and events, and I write it all down when I wake up, before I forget! There is a strong subconscious component in writing which helps me move my stories on. I love Michelangelo’s quote, ‘I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free�. I often feel that is just what I am doing. Words are an author’s marble, and I have to combine them in the perfect way to disclose, or set free, my angel, or story. The story is there already. My role is to write until I release it.
Finally, it also helps me to talk to someone about how I feel and try to work it out. In my case, it has to be someone who knows me well and understands my characters and story. It is usually my daughter, who is a great reader and plotter!
First, I try to calm down! I often take a short break from writing, for a day or two. I usually read or spend time with friends or family. I try not to think too much about my 'block'.
Then I go back and write. If I feel I cannot move the story on, I go for a walk and imagine a dialogue between the characters, or I ‘speak� to them myself about what could happen. Sometimes I go back and write the dialogue or the scene, even though I know it will not appear in the novel, but it helps me get back into the novel.
Surprisingly, I often dream with the characters and events, and I write it all down when I wake up, before I forget! There is a strong subconscious component in writing which helps me move my stories on. I love Michelangelo’s quote, ‘I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free�. I often feel that is just what I am doing. Words are an author’s marble, and I have to combine them in the perfect way to disclose, or set free, my angel, or story. The story is there already. My role is to write until I release it.
Finally, it also helps me to talk to someone about how I feel and try to work it out. In my case, it has to be someone who knows me well and understands my characters and story. It is usually my daughter, who is a great reader and plotter!
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