Uncommon History

Blink, blink, blink…the cursor on the screen taunts you. It beckons you to write the next Great American novel, then promises you nothing but endless struggle.

Sometimes this is just how a writer feels when the inner muse seems to have fallen asleep. The creativity was there just a few moments ago, but now, facing a pure-white screen the ideas falter. For the season writer, this phenomenon is known as “writer’s block.” You are not alone in this struggle and there are techniques to help overcome writer’s block.

Typically, the first questions most writers face is, “What am I going to write about?” There are those times when this question doesn’t register at all and the fingers simply begin their dance across the keyboard.

Another question we ask is, “Why am I writing, or wanting to write.” This is another question that can often go unregarded.

Both of these questions are very valid, but should never hamper your efforts. The most important endeavor for any writer is to simply write. Few successful authors start out with a grand plan that has a concrete end goal. In future posts we will discuss this in more length, but for introduction’s sake, know that not everyone plots out the entire story before they begin writing.

Over the years I have tried several techniques to writing, and to be honest, the best method is to just begin writing. The first few minutes are usually filled with unprintable garbage, but one the mind is engaged and the thoughts begin to flow, intelligible words will emerge.

The trick is to realize that there is no one single formula that will solve every writer’s passions and expose their talents. Writing is, for the most part, a creative art. Too much scientific approach becomes apparent on the page and the reader will drift off to sleep. (That by the way, is not a good thing, unless you are writing a book to cure insomnia).

I say the place to start is right where you find yourself. Begin writing. You talent level and interest will expose themselves and it is at that point you can begin to determine what route you need to take to better your craft.

In the coming issues of “Wisdom of a Wayfaring Wordsmith” we will discuss in more detail the answers to the first two questions. Once we have accomplished that task, we will investigate a whole new universe of questions that may, or may not, arise.

So…overcome the blink and make that cursor work across the page until your fingers just can’t take it anymore.

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