Greg Van Eekhout
I don't believe in writer's block in the sense of being unable to write, but I know what it's like when you feel incapable of writing words that don't suck. When that happens, here're a few things I try:
1. Just keep writing and hope upon later reflection the words don't suck as much as you think they do. This actually works a lot of the time.
2. Go read something by one of your favorite writers. Sometimes splashing good words on yourself helps you drip some good words of your own on the page.
3. Take a walk. There's something about getting the circulation pumping and the sensory stimulation of trees and birds and people and dogs that can unknot a plot problem or alleviate a sense of stiffness or staleness.
4. Stop trying to write and instead just tell yourself the story, verbally or in informal text. Separating the job of crafting good sentences from the job of telling what happens can sometimes help you get things moving again.
5. Go somewhere without access to writing materials and tools. No laptop, no notebook, no pencil. Maybe take a hike. Maybe take a shower. Removing the pressure of having to write can sometimes free you to think.
1. Just keep writing and hope upon later reflection the words don't suck as much as you think they do. This actually works a lot of the time.
2. Go read something by one of your favorite writers. Sometimes splashing good words on yourself helps you drip some good words of your own on the page.
3. Take a walk. There's something about getting the circulation pumping and the sensory stimulation of trees and birds and people and dogs that can unknot a plot problem or alleviate a sense of stiffness or staleness.
4. Stop trying to write and instead just tell yourself the story, verbally or in informal text. Separating the job of crafting good sentences from the job of telling what happens can sometimes help you get things moving again.
5. Go somewhere without access to writing materials and tools. No laptop, no notebook, no pencil. Maybe take a hike. Maybe take a shower. Removing the pressure of having to write can sometimes free you to think.
More Answered Questions
Carly
asked
Greg Van Eekhout:
I loved California Bones, especially the detailed magical system. Gearing up for Pacific Fire, I've got a random question. Daniel's dad says magic "transcends" the First Law, but the story treats it as nonrenewable. What happens when the osteomancer uses magic? Is it converted into energy or conserved? Also, where does a golem's osteomancy come from, since it sounds like golems innately contain (edible) magic?
Sean Hourigan
asked
Greg Van Eekhout:
Hi Greg. Is there any possibility that the Daniel Blackland trilogy will be coming to an e-format in the near future? I lost my California Bones paperback to the mists of time and I wanted to binge the whole trilogy without having to get it mailed to me/the book store.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more