Ask the Author: Jon Wasik
Answered Questions (5)
Jon Wasik
I have a scar on my right wrist that I've had for as long as I can remember, but I have no idea where it came from. My earliest memory of having it is at least as far back at 2nd grade. My parents don't recall me ever having an injury there, either. Pretty basic stuff, right? Until years later, we moved halfway across the country, and shortly after met who would become my best friend for life (20+ years so far.) About a year after meeting him, his parents took note of my scar, and pointed out that my best friend had the exact same scar in the exact same location. They don't have a clue where his scar came from, either. A lot of different stories could come out of that!
Another interesting mark on my body could be another link to a story - I have a mark on my head, that most of my life was covered by hair, but when I started buzz-cutting and then later shaving my head, my wife noted that it looks like Saturn. Am I a child of the stars? ;)
Another interesting mark on my body could be another link to a story - I have a mark on my head, that most of my life was covered by hair, but when I started buzz-cutting and then later shaving my head, my wife noted that it looks like Saturn. Am I a child of the stars? ;)
Jon Wasik
Perhaps the hardest part of overcoming writer's block for me was trying not to feel guilty about it. Whenever it would hit, I would feel like a failure and criticize myself, and that would start a downward spiral that would make the block last longer and make it harder to overcome.
As a writer, we're told (often by other writers) that to be a writer you must ALWAYS be writing. While it is true that the more you write, the better you become, the problem is that the more of a chore you make it, the harder it'll become to keep at it.
So start by acknowledging that it is OKAY not to write all of the time. If you have to take a break from writing for a while to recharge your batteries, do so, and don't feel guilty about it. Unless you have an impending deadline, it's okay.
Getting back to the direct question, how do I deal with it? I set my things aside, and do something to engage my mind elsewhere. Video games are my go-to, especially ones with story, as those could spark inspiration. But even if they don't, I'm doing something I enjoy, something that relaxes and recharges me. Same with going on a hike. Watching a movie or reading a book.
It feels like it has been ages since the last time I endured writer's block (knock on wood,) but I feel like part of that is because I've learned to be okay with bouts of inability to write. Accepting it and doing something else when it happens usually means I can get right back to writing a lot faster.
As a writer, we're told (often by other writers) that to be a writer you must ALWAYS be writing. While it is true that the more you write, the better you become, the problem is that the more of a chore you make it, the harder it'll become to keep at it.
So start by acknowledging that it is OKAY not to write all of the time. If you have to take a break from writing for a while to recharge your batteries, do so, and don't feel guilty about it. Unless you have an impending deadline, it's okay.
Getting back to the direct question, how do I deal with it? I set my things aside, and do something to engage my mind elsewhere. Video games are my go-to, especially ones with story, as those could spark inspiration. But even if they don't, I'm doing something I enjoy, something that relaxes and recharges me. Same with going on a hike. Watching a movie or reading a book.
It feels like it has been ages since the last time I endured writer's block (knock on wood,) but I feel like part of that is because I've learned to be okay with bouts of inability to write. Accepting it and doing something else when it happens usually means I can get right back to writing a lot faster.
Jon Wasik
The best inspiration is when an idea sparks that I'm super excited about! Some stories just demand to be told, and I'll find myself sitting at a computer and everything just...flows out into the keyboard.
Sometimes, however, it takes more than that, and I find reading or watching other stories, especially those similar to my preferred genres, inspire me to write. Watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy always inspires me to work on the Sword of Dragons, for instance.
Sometimes, however, it takes more than that, and I find reading or watching other stories, especially those similar to my preferred genres, inspire me to write. Watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy always inspires me to work on the Sword of Dragons, for instance.
Jon Wasik
I'm splitting my time between writing a brand new urban fantasy trilogy and the fourth book of the Sword of Dragons series. The urban fantasy trilogy is rapidly closing in on completion (at least, the first draft of the third book is,) after which I'll rededicate my full attention to book 4 of Sword of Dragons.
Jon Wasik
Write. Write some more. Keep writing. And it doesn't have to be a novel or even a complete story, just write, practice, hone your craft. With very few exceptions, writing is not an innate talent. It takes practice to be good, and like any other skill, the more practice you get, the better.
However, there's on aspect most authors don't touch on - writing itself is indeed important, but so is being able to piece together a cohesive, compelling story. This, too, takes practice, as well as a keen eye when consuming stories. So whenever you read a book, watch a movie, etc, pay attention to the story, to the characters, to how all of the elements interact. Try to discern what works and what doesn't, both for yourself and your audience, and then try to figure out how the successful elements can work in your own unique writing style.
However, there's on aspect most authors don't touch on - writing itself is indeed important, but so is being able to piece together a cohesive, compelling story. This, too, takes practice, as well as a keen eye when consuming stories. So whenever you read a book, watch a movie, etc, pay attention to the story, to the characters, to how all of the elements interact. Try to discern what works and what doesn't, both for yourself and your audience, and then try to figure out how the successful elements can work in your own unique writing style.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more