tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post8001890448652625260..comments2024-02-17T09:53:06.168+00:00Comments on Notes from the Slushpile: When words won't come: advice for the stuck writerCandy Gourlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07802791643303335762noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-7081369790719573582013-11-11T14:53:09.997+00:002013-11-11T14:53:09.997+00:00This is a great post! I'm with the "Go fo...This is a great post! I'm with the "Go for a long walk" solution as well. I also find a good soak in a nice hot bath works very well. I start to relax and then my mind begins to free-wheel. It's amazing how often you get new plot ideas popping into your head just by letting go and day-dreaming about the characters and situations in a story. Just don't drop your notepad in the water!Peter Jonesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-90051375636798460842013-11-08T19:01:46.855+00:002013-11-08T19:01:46.855+00:00Twice this happened to me recently and I realized ...Twice this happened to me recently and I realized in both instances that it wasn't me that was stuck, it was my characters. They were stuck because I was telling them to do something they couldn't possibly do, they needed help. Once I realized this I was able to write the missing scene to get the characters the help they needed.<br /><br />Also, going for a walk or bouncing random ideas off other people.J. L. Zenorhttp://jlzenor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-68561272096126116722013-11-08T14:23:41.717+00:002013-11-08T14:23:41.717+00:00Thanks for the inspiration - you've made me re...Thanks for the inspiration - you've made me realise I need to make more cakes!<br />I've learnt that the best thing to do when I get stuck is anything that isn't writing related. Walking, gardening, housework and shopping are all good. I also have several writing projects on the go at once so if one isn't going very well I switch to something different.Linda Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06799429286538446158noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-76134308941859305762013-11-08T14:13:51.190+00:002013-11-08T14:13:51.190+00:00Brilliantly reassuring and helpful post Teri! Tha...Brilliantly reassuring and helpful post Teri! Thank YouJan Carrhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11335419896028312596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-4578036917635288452013-11-08T10:27:43.955+00:002013-11-08T10:27:43.955+00:00Magic internet calories?
Candy I must admit I was ...Magic internet calories?<br />Candy I must admit I was really intrigued that you read things around what you are writing - I don't read a lot when I'm doing a first draft, and what I do I always make sure it is very, very different to what I'm writing. I'm scared of osmosis creeping in and colouring what I'm doing.Teri Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13641477543947472370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-60120182480951008602013-11-08T10:26:21.442+00:002013-11-08T10:26:21.442+00:00I haven't got a dog but I get this also. Cycli...I haven't got a dog but I get this also. Cycling, too. Though writing flashes of inspiration down whilst cycling is a little dangerous along canals Teri Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13641477543947472370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-65612244609135740292013-11-08T10:25:25.145+00:002013-11-08T10:25:25.145+00:00thanks - I felt it very important to insert random...thanks - I felt it very important to insert random cake and chocolate photos. Isn't that what we all *really* do when we're stuck?Teri Terryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13641477543947472370noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-43781538852970763662013-11-08T08:44:45.697+00:002013-11-08T08:44:45.697+00:00All those images are making me hungry! Love this p...All those images are making me hungry! Love this post. I find I use a mix of the techniques above. I let my subconscious work on the problem while I do something else. I go walking and take photos and let my mind wander. I try to analyze by writing lists or just scribbling a load of rubbish until something useful comes out. It's great fun. Oh, and I'm about to start reading 13 Secrets by Michelle Harrison, so very excited to see her on your list of writers!A. Colleen Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13626402785266163594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-51668484274514823072013-11-08T08:28:28.240+00:002013-11-08T08:28:28.240+00:00I think I gained two kilos reading this postI think I gained two kilos reading this postCandy Gourlayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07802791643303335762noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-88546335516110738732013-11-08T07:28:20.953+00:002013-11-08T07:28:20.953+00:00I'm with Addy on this one. Walking the dog is ...I'm with Addy on this one. Walking the dog is definitely a great thinking space. Rowena Househttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11548957772863528477noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-701894736280253278.post-13547532848477188782013-11-07T22:16:36.417+00:002013-11-07T22:16:36.417+00:00Fantastic post. Wine was mentioned, but no chocola...Fantastic post. Wine was mentioned, but no chocolate? Whenever I am stuck, I find it's often because I haven't figured out something more fundamental. Yes, cooking ideas. Who wants to eat a soggy half cooked sponge cake after all? Thanks for the great advice here.Lou Minnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06769794808903219036noreply@blogger.com