There is nothing worse than knowing that you have a deadline and staring at the blank page (or screen) and having absolutely no idea what to say. I mean zilch.
What guidelines do I use in deciding what to write for this blog? My first requirement is that it be a topic that can carry me for somewhere between 500 and 1000 words. Sometimes I’m just under, sometimes I’m over, but that length works well. My second requirement is that the topic has the potential to inform or entertain my readers. My favorite topics are those that morph into something funny. It makes my day whenever I learn that something I wrote made someone laugh. I hope they are laughing with me, and not at me, but even if they’re laughing at me, I still feel a sense of accomplishment. Laughter is good for the soul. I try to find a topic related to writing or mysteries, but I long ago decided that my role here as a blogger makes it imperative that I have a post up on my assigned days. If a topic other than writing or mysteries accomplishes that, then so be it. (Sorry, fellow WWK bloggers, but it’s true.) Besides, variety is the spice of life.
I have a notes section on my phone where I can jot down incidents or thoughts that might develop into a blog. Unfortunately, I hate typing on my phone, so try to make my notes as short as possible. I might have four potential topics, only to realize I can’t decipher any of them.
When I’m working on a manuscript, one way I’ve discovered to avoid blank page syndrome is to bring my writing to a halt at a point where I know what needs to happen next. So, a draft might describe a social function, then have the words below reminding me, “Next time, have Susan meet the killer at the library.” That gives me a place to start once I come back to writing.
Another way to get started on a manuscript when I’m unsure where to go next is to edit some of my preceding work. Doing so slides me into my story, but I have to be careful when I try this. It is possible to get so involved in editing that you never move forward with your writing.
Some people try freewriting, which is sitting down, setting a timer for 15 minutes (or more) and writing whatever comes to their mind. The problem with that for me is akin to the problem I have with meditation. The words that I freewrite are things like, “Why am I doing this? I really need to be working on x, y, and z. Are my 15 minutes up yet?” When I try to meditate, thoughts push into my head in a similar fashion. “Why am I doing this again? Boy, the fan sure is loud. What is this supposed to do? How much time do I have left?” Please don’t misunderstand me; I am not opposed to meditation per se. Many people have found it effective and helpful for achieving peace of mind and mental balance. I just don’t know how to shut my mind up long enough to make it work.
So now I’m sitting at my computer screen, scrambling through my mind for a topi—Oh wait! Look at that. I’ve come up with a blog post after all. I guess the sign a friend gave me years ago is true—the best inspiration is a looming deadline.
What are some ways you deal with writer’s block and decide what to write about?
