Q&A with J.D. Stroube discussion
Writing and Publishing
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Writer's Block
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I rarely get writers block per se. I often get distracted. Other more interesting stories jump up and get in the way! I have started an idea journal so that when those other ideas pop up, I can jot them down and give them a happy home until I can get around to writing them. Music also seems to help me stay on task. Sometimes I need to take a break from staring at my computer screen and clean house while I plot out the story in my head. It makes cleaning the house easier!
Mod
I have an "idea journal" too! I keep a file on my computer for future book ideas. I write out the summary of my idea and it really helps me place in the back of my mind for a while. :)
I have this thing that I do when I get writer's block. I write about something totally insubstantial. Like the color blue or I even write about my novel. I explain the story and usually that fixes it. Although, I have to admit, I haven't worked on finishing my novels in a good 6 or so months now.
I get writers block, but I will usually just step away for awhile. I'll keep thinking about the story while I'm away and usually when I come back to it, the words start flowing again.
Idea journals are the best!! I am working on a free e-book for my blog and it is Creative Exercises to Inspire. When I get it out there, I'll let you guys know! It is pretty fun!!
I need to try the idea journal.
It is really easy. You can either have a digital one, or if your old-school just get a notebook and jot down all of your ideas in it. I actually have both. There is a journal I keep by my bed, so I can jot down crazy dreams before they slip away. I also have a digital journal that I am adding all of my other ideas to. It this point I probably have enough Ideas to last me to the end of my life! But they still keep coming!! I write down snatches of ideas, short stories that could develop into more. Pretty much anything. I don't worry about developing the stories until I finish with the projects at hand. It's nice to have them all stored in a quick and easily accessible space for times when I need inspiration! Because my brain is HARDLY easily accessible!!
One thing I have noticed about really good books. Is they are well researched. If your writing a ghost story. You study all the myths about ghosts. Going back over your research can get you through writers block. Or meditating, there are many ways of doing that. Having someone to toss ideas back and forth with is helpful too.
I totally agree Cary! I love researching stuff! I think every writer should be part of a writers group. There are lots of on-line options and most cities have at least one group meeting. My best friend and I are our own little writers group and we meet once a month just to talk about writing! It is awesome!!
Mod
J.D. wrote: "I keep a handwritten journal for research. I have one for each series. :)"Same. I also keep a pad of paper next to my bed. Last night I had to get up 3 times before I could sleep, since I had too many ideas.
I can't remember ever having writer's block. My biggest problem is procrastination. :) Whenever I sit down to write the story just seems to pour out of me after I've generated the outline, storyline, plot and characters. While I don't keep a journal, I have audio notes that I'll later turn into e-files. Yes, I'm a techno-geek and love technology so I turn to my phone, iPad or laptop for notes and writing. They also help me when I have research to do. With the wealth of data available on the internet today I have been able to get plenty of data for my research. Sometimes too much data but I'd rather have too much and sift through what I feel is important rather than not have enough sources.
I keep an idea journal where I do my research and interview the characters, a trick I learned from a writing class in high school.
Any thoughts?