Guest Post: Coping with Writer’s Block, by Robin Hewitt, Author of Crawford Hill
How I cope with Writer’s Block
I think every writer hits a spot where the words don’t flow the way you
plan. Although what works for one person doesn’t work for everyone, I have
several standards for coping when my characters don’t want to tell me what’s
going on in their heads.
Read and Edit
Sometimes the reason I’m stumped is because I’ve written a chapter or more in
which the protagonist is acting out of character, or saying things that just
doesn’t sound like themselves. I’ve found this happens most often when I’m
writing dialog, so usually I’ll write a one-sided conversation and paraphrase
what the other person’s reply is. Later I’ll write the other side of the
conversation in the 2nd person’s voice, so the personalities stay clear to the
reader.
When I can’t seem to get into the flow of a manuscript I go back to the
beginning and edit a chapter or two. That way my productivity isn’t suffering,
and I don’t stress out over not meeting my self-imposed word count.
Write Something Else
If you’re published, or plan to be, there’s always stuff that needs to be
written. If your manuscript progress is languishing try working on your author
bio, book pitch, cover blurb, or a press release. There’s a lot more to being an
author than just writing, and when I get stuck writing I work on other aspects
of the business. There’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that goes into making a
successful book, and sometimes tackling a promotional “chore” is just the ticket
for getting me back on track.
Research and Development
Right now I have book three of The Crawford Saga in rough outline, and about
40,000 words in notes for book four. I also have the first book of another
series ready for a final edit, and need to outline and develop the second book
when that one is done.
I’m constantly reading and researching for my various projects, so if I’m not
writing the manuscript I should be I try to stay proactive. Sometimes when I’m
stuck for words I research the situation my protagonist is facing, and that
gives me a fresh view on what might need to happen next in the book.
Relaxation and Meditation
When all else fails, I work in the yard or take a walk, a bath, or a nap.
Sometimes, all four! Whatever relaxes you, indulge and don’t feel guilty if you
leave the keyboard for an hour (or a day) in exasperation. Your light can’t
shine brightly if your battery runs low!
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About the Author
Born
and raised on the shores of Michigan’s Lake St. Clair, one of Robin Hewitt’s
earliest memories is of Mama warning her to beware of The Bogeyman, who lived in
the caves on the banks of the Clinton River. Although extensive teenage
explorations brought her to the conclusion that Mama had actually been worried
that she would fall in the river, she never forgot the warnings or the idea that
a monster could live beneath our feet, slinking out at night to strike terror in
the hearts of unsuspecting women and children.
Robin still lives a few miles away from Lake St. Clair. With extensive
experience writing non-fiction articles and books, Crawford Hill is Robin’s
first published venture into the world of fiction writing.
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About the Book
Derek
Crawford smiles pleasantly at the anger management counselor as the voices in
his head beckon him into spiraling madness.
A burned-out and now unemployed child psychologist, Derek lives alone in the
Victorian mansion on Crawford Hill. From his great-grandmother’s widow’s walk on
the fourth floor he can watch the lights of Centerville blinking on as the sun
sets over Lake St. Clair.
From the basement he can enter his great-grandfather’s network of caves, and
prowl beneath the homes of the unsuspecting town.
As he nears his 29th birthday, one voice is getting louder. More persistent.
It’s the gravelly voice of his old man, dead a dozen years but no less demanding
than when he whipped his belt across Derek’s back.
Only one year left whelp, don’t you screw it up.
Derek knows he’s closing in on the deadline: to inherit Crawford Hill, he must
be married and father a son before he turns thirty. A legacy he’s determined not
to fulfill, because he refuses to chance perpetuating the insanity and bloodlust
of the Crawford family tree.
He’s determined, that is, until unsuspecting Valerie Fleury knocks on the door
of Crawford House. Against his better judgment, he invites her in for coffee and
more, and a glimmer of hope pierces his soul. Until she mentions she’s working
with the cops. Until she starts asking about the caves, and his parents, and a
series of rapes and murders that are occurring around Centerville. Again.
That wench would look good barefoot and pregnant. Or dead and bloody.
With the stakes rising in proportion to the body count, Derek must confront the
memories he’s spent his adult life learning to bury, and risk unleashing his
encroaching madness to save the woman who might hold his redemption.
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