Let’s Shock Writer’s Block!

What's your opinion about writer's block. I have one to be sure and you'll read my thoughts in the comments. Salad Bowl Saturdays is pleased to welcome Lala Corriere to share her thoughts. I'll be interested in the reactions from both our writer and reader friends.

~ Jim
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You’ve heard the wails, whimpers, and whines. Writers scurrying into their caves, or their spas and retreats, or home to Mommy, just to heal the wounds of a numb mind. Trust me on this. You may find a sense of quiet and peace, a deep-tissue massage, and your mother’s home cooking, but you won’t find your muse.

It happens to all of us. Maybe. Just maybe, you haven’t lost your muse at all.

Sure. I get stuck on storylines. I get stuck on plot scenes, and sagging middles.

My little tricks might work for you.

First, give up all notions of such a thing as writer’s block. Make it non-existent. Zap! But once you deny writer’s block, it’s time to fill-up that void with your Think Tank.

This is my encouragement. Become a supreme eavesdropper. That’s it. People are amazing, crazy, kind, and nefarious. People are three-dimensional beings, and sometimes, I think, SIX.

A good writer is an expert in the art of observation.

Even if you are unsure of your plot, what about your characters? Who are they? Who do you want to resonate and spend time with for the next many months, or even a year? Will they be shopping at Neiman Marcus or the thrift store? Coffee houses or pubs? No better people-watching than at an airport. Hospitals? The Ritz Carlton? Denny’s, or Ruth’s Chris for steaks, or a quirky vegan restaurant?

Go there. Spy, my ace detectives! Caveat… no back alleys. Use your imagination on the dicey locales, or take mega-backup!

One of the best things I did to ward off any such thing as writer’s block was to register for the Citizen’s Police Academy. I live in a suburb and was surprised the local police department offered this program which is, indeed, widely available. It’s usually about a sixteen-week session, once a week. More surprises. My sleepy little suburb isn’t so sleepy! We had classes on gangs, drugs, illegal trafficking of humans, and two great field-trips with the SWAT team and weaponry demonstration, and the K-9 Unit. You will gather tons of fodder with this program. The final graduation is a ride-along in a patrol car. Check it out. No homework!

And what to do with all of this fodder? It doesn’t matter your system, whether it’s a Smartphone app like Evernote, or a small pad and pen. Keep it with you at all times. I stick my notes into a big folder: great names I hear, phrases and sentences, fascinating scenes, and even full-plot ideas. All by spying, or the preferred word… observation. It’s an art, I’ve heard.

I can’t argue with Stephen King and his Cujo and walking utility poles, but what scares me most is the man next door. Check that guy out, in your mind, and let your imagination soar!

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Lala Corriere is the author of three titles in suspense, with the next book, Kiss & Kill, scheduled for release this spring. Her credits include the endorsement and long-term mentorship from the late Sidney Sheldon, and blurbs from Andrew Neiderman [author of the Devil’s Advocate], J.Carson Black, Paris Afton Bonds, KT Bryan, and CJ West. Lala’s a desert rat. She nestles there with her husband of twenty-five years, two Teacup Yorkies, and an American Curl.