Ask the Author: Ed Halliwell
Answered Questions (4)
Ed Halliwell
The short answer is, do other things until the next time you have a really good idea! In my own case at least, I've learnt that "writer's block", which I have very much experienced and used not to understand, is simply the despondent feeling I get when I would in theory like to write, but in fact have no ideas to start from, or no ideas worthy of finishing in writing.
I just try to accept this now, and accept that I haven't currently got anything to write about. If you try to force yourself to write in this state it's extremely unlikely to work well or lead anywhere (though you never know). If you really, desperately still want to write, ask yourself why that is. What is bothering you so much? What is it that's really on your mind? If you can articulate that to yourself, you may then be able to construct a way to weave it into a story, or a piece of non-fiction of course.
If you can't work out what is bothering you so much (and I've been there), then you probably need to go out and do some more living first. Good writing is built out of real experiences, not an abstract pining to write. Your story will find you when you're least expecting it to.
I just try to accept this now, and accept that I haven't currently got anything to write about. If you try to force yourself to write in this state it's extremely unlikely to work well or lead anywhere (though you never know). If you really, desperately still want to write, ask yourself why that is. What is bothering you so much? What is it that's really on your mind? If you can articulate that to yourself, you may then be able to construct a way to weave it into a story, or a piece of non-fiction of course.
If you can't work out what is bothering you so much (and I've been there), then you probably need to go out and do some more living first. Good writing is built out of real experiences, not an abstract pining to write. Your story will find you when you're least expecting it to.
Ed Halliwell
Finding and articulating, in funny ways, familiar kinds of flawed human behaviour, which readers will instantly recognise, and thank you for having put so cleanly into words.
Ed Halliwell
Be patient! You have to love writing for its own sake, and be prepared to put all your energy into writing while expecting nothing obvious in return, at first; and somehow juggle that with the realities of life - i.e., having a job.
Ed Halliwell
Parenting! And vaguely wondering when the next time I will have time to write something serious will be...
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