Daryl Devore's Idle Thoughts on Erotic Notions

There are times when the words won't flow. I'm not talking writer's block - just a stall in the word flow.I posted a humourous vent on FB the other day about this. I couldn't write 2 words without erasing 1 or both. I am quite sure by the end of the day I had a negative word count.

I don't usually set goals. I'll set deadlines - like the bathroom has to be painted by Friday or I'd really like the finish writing this book by the end of the month. But the deadlines are these because I know something is happening - like the bathroom - maybe on Saturday we're having company

So what do I do when the words don't flow?
Confession time - I play games. My current favourites are Microsoft Solitaire, Mahjong, Tap Tiles, Puzzles and Bingo. (yes Bingo. It's dumb and fun.)

(forgive me Microsoft, I took the picture off your website.)

Why do I "waste" precious writing time doing something so frivolous? Or why don't I do something more productive - go for a walk - clean the house.

A- Trying to force the words only frustrates me and that leads me to chocolate and after this past Christmas, I could do with a bit less chocolate at the moment.

B - Not going off to clean the house or go for a walk. If an idea does strike I can switch to word processor and type away. (Going for a walk isn't high on the list at the moment as the temp started today above freezing and is plummeting - not just dropping. It is plummeting like a cannonball out of the sky!)

C - This is the important reason I like to play games. Without going deep into the biology - when you perform a mindless task - the creative center of your brain (or muse) can work on the "problem".  I'll be shifting cards in a game of Solitaire and suddenly the solution to the corner I wrote myself into pops into my head.

Thank you Microsoft. You've given me some fun times of idle playing and some moments of inspiration.

What little trick do you have to get past a hump in the writing road?