Ask the Author: David J. Kent
Answered Questions (4)
David J. Kent
There are several ways to avoid writer’s block, including some I’ve already mentioned. For example:
Keep a list of topics: It could be bullet points or paragraphs, whatever can get you started typing onto the virtual page (or for those who prefer the manual method, putting pen to paper),
Keep a list of writing prompts, or links to writing prompt pages: Some writing prompts are silly and simple (e.g., “Write a 100-word story or poem using the words “Good Golly, Miss Molly”). Others may stimulate deeper introspection (e.g., “Write 1500 words on how you felt when you got an B in a class after getting an A on every exam and paper”).
Keep a blog calendar: This is a variation on keeping a topic list in which you schedule posts for future events. For example, your calendar for March 17th can say “Post about St. Patrick’s Day.” If you write your posts ahead of time (like you should), put the entry into a date prior to the 17th, such as the 10th or 12th or whatever the weekend day is before the 17th. Be as specific as you can (e.g., “Post about cousin Liam ending up in jail after last year’s St. Patrick’s Day mishap”).
Write stream of consciousness: Remember above that I said to type the word ‘The,’ then keep typing? That’s stream of consciousness. Just write whatever comes to mind even if it lacks organization or even sense. It might be something you later unceremoniously toss into the recycle bin, or it might be a nugget of gold that sets you on the journey of your life. You won’t know until you write it.
Write poetry: If you’re a prose writer, try writing a poem. If you write non-fiction, try a short fictional piece. If a science fiction writer, try memoir (or a science fictionalized version of your memoir). Write something different than you usually write, whether it be an opera, a play, erotica, a murder mystery, or an international thriller. Stimulate a few brain cells that have lain dormant.
See more on Writer's Block at https://hotwhitesnow.wordpress.com/20...
Keep a list of topics: It could be bullet points or paragraphs, whatever can get you started typing onto the virtual page (or for those who prefer the manual method, putting pen to paper),
Keep a list of writing prompts, or links to writing prompt pages: Some writing prompts are silly and simple (e.g., “Write a 100-word story or poem using the words “Good Golly, Miss Molly”). Others may stimulate deeper introspection (e.g., “Write 1500 words on how you felt when you got an B in a class after getting an A on every exam and paper”).
Keep a blog calendar: This is a variation on keeping a topic list in which you schedule posts for future events. For example, your calendar for March 17th can say “Post about St. Patrick’s Day.” If you write your posts ahead of time (like you should), put the entry into a date prior to the 17th, such as the 10th or 12th or whatever the weekend day is before the 17th. Be as specific as you can (e.g., “Post about cousin Liam ending up in jail after last year’s St. Patrick’s Day mishap”).
Write stream of consciousness: Remember above that I said to type the word ‘The,’ then keep typing? That’s stream of consciousness. Just write whatever comes to mind even if it lacks organization or even sense. It might be something you later unceremoniously toss into the recycle bin, or it might be a nugget of gold that sets you on the journey of your life. You won’t know until you write it.
Write poetry: If you’re a prose writer, try writing a poem. If you write non-fiction, try a short fictional piece. If a science fiction writer, try memoir (or a science fictionalized version of your memoir). Write something different than you usually write, whether it be an opera, a play, erotica, a murder mystery, or an international thriller. Stimulate a few brain cells that have lain dormant.
See more on Writer's Block at https://hotwhitesnow.wordpress.com/20...
David J. Kent
I just published an e-book called "Nikola Tesla: Renewable Energy Ahead of Its Time" on Amazon.com. I touched briefly on the topic in my first Nikola Tesla biography so I wanted to go more into depth on Tesla's interest in renewable sources of energy - the sun, wind, water. The e-book takes a closer look at Tesla's foresight; knowing a century ago that we would need to switch to renewable energy and move away from consuming fossil fuels.
David J. Kent
Inspiration comes in two ways. One is the simple drudgery of setting aside a time each day to write. Sometimes what I write during that time is wonderful, sometimes not, but the act of writing itself seems to inspire the imagination. The other way is to give in to the epiphanies of creativity that insert themselves into my schedule. I'm constantly tapping into my smartphone; if the inspiration hits while waiting in line I capture it immediately. Some of my best work comes when I'm in the oddest places.
David J. Kent
I actually have an e-book coming out shortly. In my first Nikola Tesla biography I was only able to touch briefly on Tesla's interest in renewable sources of energy - the sun, wind, water. The new e-book is "Nikola Tesla: Renewable Energy Ahead of Its Time" and will take a closer look at his incredible foresight in seeing the need to switch to renewable energy over fossil fuels.
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