As a writer, or maybe even an author, we have all struggled with feeling stuck in our writing. The first time I wrote Reflection I was a pantser, meaning I didn't have much of the plot planned out, I just wrote. In a way, I was letting my characters tell the story. When I got to high school I began on a second re-write of my book, still a pantser, but when I tried starting a third and final re-write I realized I was stuck. No matter how many times I tried to re-write Reflection it wasn't turning out the way I wanted it to and eventually I was stuck. Years went by with being unable to move forward in my writing. I knew I wanted 3 books in the series. I thought about trying to at least come up with how I wanted each book to start and end, but still I was stuck.
I tried setting goals, write 10,000 words in 7 days, or write for 30min a day. Nothing was working. It wasn't until my best friend said "why don't you write out the storyline from start to finish and then find out where to cut it for each book" that I realized I was insane. I kept trying the same method over and over again. What I needed was to take a step back and reverse it.
So, if you're like me and you've tried doing the same thing over and over again, just in different ways, try switching it up. If you are a pantser, that is perfectly okay, but if you find yourself stuck, stop what you are doing and try planning and plotting. Write out your characters descriptions, likes and dislikes (even the things that won't be in your story) and get to know your characters and the plot before writing. If you are already a planner when it comes to writing, then stop and just write. Let your characters do some of the work, let your story unfold organically. Basically, do something out of your comfort zone to create some excitement.
Sometimes, it's not just the way we write that needs to be reversed, it can be our environment too. Change up your scenery, this can also lend a helping hand in your descriptions. Go to a cafe, sit in your back yard, ask a friend or family member to allow you to use their office space. Let's face it, writing is an art and we tend to stick to our art style, but sometimes we need to explore and break our routine to find inspiration. If you have a friend that likes to write, or can do something else to be productive, be productive together! This will help motivate and hold you accountable.
Last but not least, be sure to take breaks! Scientific studies have shown that taking breaks is beneficial in productivity. So, go grab your coffee, go for a walk, and be sure to have some snacks.
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