Michael J. Sullivan
I've never really experienced writer's block. I know other authors don't like hearing that, but it's true. For me, writing is one of my favorite things to do...so I awake each day excited to sit down and write. It's kind of like asking a child if they every have problems playing their favorite game.
There are times when when I have to work out issues with my plot, of course....but that's not the same as writer's block where you just have no ideas and stare blankly at a white sheet. What usually happens with me is I'm faced with several possibilities and I have to figure out which one is best.
When I'm working through a problem I usually go for a walk (someplace where there aren't other people - like in the woods near my home) and then I talk out loud to myself. I find that doing it aloud somehow engages a different part of my brain. I actually hold a two-way conversation with myself..."So tell me what this book is about." "Well it's about a guy who..." "So wha'ts the problem." "Well I want him to do xyz but I can't find the right motivations for him to do what I want." "Well what's he like? What's his background?"
As I go through this exercise I usually figure out what I need to do and then I'm back at the keyboard. Usually I'm "stuck" for only a few hours. In really bad times it might be a few days...but I'm still writing during then...but I realize I may have to go back and make some changes.
There are times when when I have to work out issues with my plot, of course....but that's not the same as writer's block where you just have no ideas and stare blankly at a white sheet. What usually happens with me is I'm faced with several possibilities and I have to figure out which one is best.
When I'm working through a problem I usually go for a walk (someplace where there aren't other people - like in the woods near my home) and then I talk out loud to myself. I find that doing it aloud somehow engages a different part of my brain. I actually hold a two-way conversation with myself..."So tell me what this book is about." "Well it's about a guy who..." "So wha'ts the problem." "Well I want him to do xyz but I can't find the right motivations for him to do what I want." "Well what's he like? What's his background?"
As I go through this exercise I usually figure out what I need to do and then I'm back at the keyboard. Usually I'm "stuck" for only a few hours. In really bad times it might be a few days...but I'm still writing during then...but I realize I may have to go back and make some changes.
More Answered Questions
Steven Williamson
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
Michael, first of all, thanks for being an inspiration to budding authors like myself. I appreciate the feedback and insight you gave me during the writing phase of my first book, Ohlen's Arrow. And now onto my question: What do you think of that old writer's adage, "Beer for creativity, coffee for productivity" ?
Karen
asked
Michael J. Sullivan:
I cannot tell you how much I love Riyria! (Chronicles and Revelations). I discovered them -Aug 2018 - I read them in publishing order. I just finished them again this Oct and am into the Chronicles for the 2nd time today. It is just enough time between that I remember enough to stay with it and still be surprised and overwhelmed.Your books have so much emotion in them! I waver from Royce to Hadrian but go with H?
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