I love being an author, but there are days when the words do not flow like magic from my mind, through my fingers, and onto my computer screen. If you ask yourself: Why am I struggling to write? Maybe you need a mentor, coach, or writing companion.
Writing gives your soul a voice, so let your personality shine through. Do you love fantasy novels with dragons and knights? Are wizards and witches more your thing? How about a trip down nightmare alley or do you crave a good mystery thriller? Blast off into space or jump into a dormant volcano, readers will follow. Go wild with original ideas; find inspiration everywhere.
Write with ease
Writing is not a task like washing the dishes or taking out the trash. Not for me anyway. The mindset requires priming. My muse needs encouragement to open the portal to new worlds and whisper intimate details only the author needs to know. The creative mood takes me into the world I created, and the characters begin to live their lives while I follow along, detailing every blade of grass and ray of sunshine.
Add color and drama to spice it up. Pepper it with slang to keep readers interested.
If you are struggling, ask yourself, WHY? Is it fear or criticism? Is it a lack of ideas, or does your current project trap you? No matter your challenge, there is a way around, over, or through. Trust me; you are not alone.
Here are a few great tips to get you started.
Establish a writing routine First, dedicate time to writing. It might be every day, a few hours each night, or just on weekends — but whatever it is, stick to it! Part of your routine should be prepping your space and your soul. It may sound silly, but it works. I make a cup of tea and set up my office. While I wait for my computer, I read through any handwritten notes I have stashed around my desk.
Start with any idea Writing is not linear. You can start with an idea or any point in your story and write. See where the journey or character goes before you frame out the entire story. I say this, but watch out for pantsing your story together (see this blog post). As the emotions flow, the character or situation can tell you what it needs. Let your character ask questions, or torture them and see how they respond. Before you know it, you will have 3000 words, and it is 3 AM. Cheers!
Feed your muse My muse loves certain movies, books, and specific activities like baking cookies or roasting marshmallows over a fire. She hates binge-watching Netflix, my iPhone games, social media, and yard work. Find what works for you. Long walks through the park, location spotting with your camera, poetry reading, or a long soak in a bubble bath; the options are endless.
Be original, show off your style, and tell your story.
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