Davis Bunn
To my mind, the method of overcoming writer’s block is less important than the guidelines. Whatever it is you use, it must achieve three goals to be successful.
First, it must utterly separate you from your current work.
Second, it must be creatively energizing.
And third, it must be singularly important to you and you alone.
Too often, the second factor is overlooked, as most methods are creatively destructive. For me, there needs to be a measure of healthy indulgence. Surfing is first on the list, if there are waves and if I am in reach of the sea. Road cycling, particularly on new roads where there is a hint of adventure, also works.
One question that needs to be honestly addressed is the issue of solitude. To completely separate yourself from your work, do you also need to isolate yourself from others? If so, be honest. For the first five years of my published life, my greatest block-overcomer was taking a silent retreat at a monastery.
First, it must utterly separate you from your current work.
Second, it must be creatively energizing.
And third, it must be singularly important to you and you alone.
Too often, the second factor is overlooked, as most methods are creatively destructive. For me, there needs to be a measure of healthy indulgence. Surfing is first on the list, if there are waves and if I am in reach of the sea. Road cycling, particularly on new roads where there is a hint of adventure, also works.
One question that needs to be honestly addressed is the issue of solitude. To completely separate yourself from your work, do you also need to isolate yourself from others? If so, be honest. For the first five years of my published life, my greatest block-overcomer was taking a silent retreat at a monastery.
More Answered Questions
Tobe
asked
Davis Bunn:
Hello, Mr. Bunn. I've enjoyed reading several of your books. I am currently reading the Christmas Hummingbird. In the book you speak of a seven-book series called "The Elven Child". What I'm wondering is if this is a fictional series that you created for the storyline; or if it is an actual series that was in print years ago? Thank you for taking time to answer my question. May God bless you.
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