Camilla Isley's Blog - Posts Tagged "dreams"
Guest Post for GO BOOK YOURSELF
Originally posted at http://www.gobookyourself.info/2015/0...
How do I overcome writer’s block? I try to dream about it.
Writer’s block is one of the most daunting and most discussed topics for authors. I’ve read plenty of articles and posts on how to shoo this ever present villain away, and today I’ve decided to share my very own technique.
The type of writing block that affects me the most is lack of good ideas for plot development. Many writers have issues with execution, but that doesn’t apply to me. I find the actual writing easier, especially in my initial drafts as I use a free flowing approach that leaves me free not to worry too much about form. But if I don’t have the right idea to begin with, that’s a huge problem.
When an inspiration deficit strikes, I quit writing for the day and try to solve the problem at night when I go to bed. You know that moment when you lay your head on the pillow and you’re almost ready to sleep but not quite yet. In those precious cozy instants many people think about the day they had, or the one that is ahead of them, but not me. I think about my last chapter. I close my eyes, relax, and try to visualize the story I’m writing, especially when I’m not sure in what direction I should make it go.
I have imaginary conversations with my heroines; I talk to them as if they were my friends, which in a way I feel they are. I ask them what they want, or sometimes who they want. Then of course most of the times I fall asleep in the midst of this process, but guess what…my subconscious carries on. There are mornings when I wake up with the brightest ideas for plot twists and turns, get at my laptop, and type away all day. Unfortunately it doesn’t work every time, there are still days during which I stare dully at the word’s cursor flashing on the blank page before me as uninspired as ever. But when it works, it’s amazing; some of the best chapters of my book were born in a dream.
Originally posted at http://www.gobookyourself.info/2015/0...
How do I overcome writer’s block? I try to dream about it.
Writer’s block is one of the most daunting and most discussed topics for authors. I’ve read plenty of articles and posts on how to shoo this ever present villain away, and today I’ve decided to share my very own technique.
The type of writing block that affects me the most is lack of good ideas for plot development. Many writers have issues with execution, but that doesn’t apply to me. I find the actual writing easier, especially in my initial drafts as I use a free flowing approach that leaves me free not to worry too much about form. But if I don’t have the right idea to begin with, that’s a huge problem.
When an inspiration deficit strikes, I quit writing for the day and try to solve the problem at night when I go to bed. You know that moment when you lay your head on the pillow and you’re almost ready to sleep but not quite yet. In those precious cozy instants many people think about the day they had, or the one that is ahead of them, but not me. I think about my last chapter. I close my eyes, relax, and try to visualize the story I’m writing, especially when I’m not sure in what direction I should make it go.
I have imaginary conversations with my heroines; I talk to them as if they were my friends, which in a way I feel they are. I ask them what they want, or sometimes who they want. Then of course most of the times I fall asleep in the midst of this process, but guess what…my subconscious carries on. There are mornings when I wake up with the brightest ideas for plot twists and turns, get at my laptop, and type away all day. Unfortunately it doesn’t work every time, there are still days during which I stare dully at the word’s cursor flashing on the blank page before me as uninspired as ever. But when it works, it’s amazing; some of the best chapters of my book were born in a dream.
Originally posted at http://www.gobookyourself.info/2015/0...
