Barbara Freethy
I think when a writer encounters a block, it's because something has gone wrong in the story. There's a hitch in the plot that prevents the writer from moving past it. So sometimes I'll back up, take a look at my most recent scenes and then back up even more, see if I took a wrong turn somewhere. Sometimes, I'll try writing the scene from another viewpoint to see if that makes a difference.
Another reason for writer's block is fear - emotional paralysis. Writers become afraid to write because they're afraid their story won't be good enough or they won't be good enough. Even after a writer sells a book, this kind of paralysis can attack as the writers wonders if they can do it again and again or if it was all just a fluke. The only way to get past fear is to face it and to write through it. Write anything and don't let yourself edit until you have at least several pages. Break through the internal critic and you'll find the story will usually start to flow again!
Another reason for writer's block is fear - emotional paralysis. Writers become afraid to write because they're afraid their story won't be good enough or they won't be good enough. Even after a writer sells a book, this kind of paralysis can attack as the writers wonders if they can do it again and again or if it was all just a fluke. The only way to get past fear is to face it and to write through it. Write anything and don't let yourself edit until you have at least several pages. Break through the internal critic and you'll find the story will usually start to flow again!
More Answered Questions
Barbara Wade
asked
Barbara Freethy:
Hi Barbara - how long does it usually take from getting an idea to you actually writing a book, is each book different or do you find that the ideas for books come easily to you. I make cards (totally different I know) but sometimes lose inspiration, does this ever happen to you with your writing?
Cindy
asked
Barbara Freethy:
2/17/16 Barbara, Thanks for your reply! I will be pre-ordering TENDER IS THE NIGHT on March 1st; when I'll be optimistic, your newest Volume in the Callaways will be showing as available for pre-order on the B&N website! That's a little less than two weeks away and hopefully by then, this frigid winter will be going away; as I'd really not like to have a major snowstorm on my birthday 3/18?
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