Jennifer Reiser
asked
Penelope Douglas:
Hello Penelope! I would just like to say first that your writing has changed my life (honestly). You’re honestly my idol. I myself am aspiring to be a writer, so here’s my question… how do you deal with writers block? Is there anything you recommend to do? Sometimes I just feel so stuck and it’ll take me months to drag myself out of a slump or I’ll write something and hate it. What do you recommend?
Penelope Douglas
Hi, Jennifer!
I think a lot of people will tell you writer's block is the result of fear and anxiety about what you want to write, but personally, I think it's a little more complicated.
If you're having long-term problems, I would tell you to reflect on how much you're really excited about your story. When I tried to write Motel, it was like pulling teeth nearly the entire time. I'd felt exactly how I'd felt when I forced other books in the past. Whereas, I forced those, because I didn't want to disappoint readers, they ended up being largely disappointed anyway, because they found the stories lacking. By the time I got to Motel, I just decided to make the decision I should've made with those others and shelve it indefinitely. Make sure you really love the story. If you don't, it's time to dream up something else.
You might also consider handing it off to a friend or mentor (someone who's not a yes man) and getting some developmental feedback? I do that. I got sick of my editor finding a massive issue early in the book that required large rewrites :D I hate rewrites ;)
Now...if your block is a sporadic issue--not constant--I'd really suggest minimizing distractions. Be brutal about limiting time online. I don't look at social media or my email the first hour or two of the day. I need to get ready, exercise, make my bed, etc. because if I see something that takes over my headspace, the pace of my day will be off.
I kind of wonder about the authors and influencers telling new writers they should be posting on TikTok multiple times a day. Because let's be honest...we don't simply post and log off to work. We post and log back on every ten minutes to see comments and answer any questions that come in. Things like this make it IMPOSSIBLE to get immersed in your story if you're constantly grabbing your phone. Be very strict with your time and attention. It took me forever to realize I couldn't be everywhere. Trying to create stories people love is what gives you longevity in your career, not because you're popular online. I'm sure it helps! lol. But ultimately, readers just want to read. They don't need you constantly posting.
I hope something helps! Take time to daydream. Your uninterrupted think time is really important. <3 Best of luck!
I think a lot of people will tell you writer's block is the result of fear and anxiety about what you want to write, but personally, I think it's a little more complicated.
If you're having long-term problems, I would tell you to reflect on how much you're really excited about your story. When I tried to write Motel, it was like pulling teeth nearly the entire time. I'd felt exactly how I'd felt when I forced other books in the past. Whereas, I forced those, because I didn't want to disappoint readers, they ended up being largely disappointed anyway, because they found the stories lacking. By the time I got to Motel, I just decided to make the decision I should've made with those others and shelve it indefinitely. Make sure you really love the story. If you don't, it's time to dream up something else.
You might also consider handing it off to a friend or mentor (someone who's not a yes man) and getting some developmental feedback? I do that. I got sick of my editor finding a massive issue early in the book that required large rewrites :D I hate rewrites ;)
Now...if your block is a sporadic issue--not constant--I'd really suggest minimizing distractions. Be brutal about limiting time online. I don't look at social media or my email the first hour or two of the day. I need to get ready, exercise, make my bed, etc. because if I see something that takes over my headspace, the pace of my day will be off.
I kind of wonder about the authors and influencers telling new writers they should be posting on TikTok multiple times a day. Because let's be honest...we don't simply post and log off to work. We post and log back on every ten minutes to see comments and answer any questions that come in. Things like this make it IMPOSSIBLE to get immersed in your story if you're constantly grabbing your phone. Be very strict with your time and attention. It took me forever to realize I couldn't be everywhere. Trying to create stories people love is what gives you longevity in your career, not because you're popular online. I'm sure it helps! lol. But ultimately, readers just want to read. They don't need you constantly posting.
I hope something helps! Take time to daydream. Your uninterrupted think time is really important. <3 Best of luck!
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