Wednesday, November 6, 2013

IWSG

This is a group that allows authors to join together and give advice or express insecurities. Started by Alex J Cavanaugh, if you'd like to join up click his name.


Okay before I write my post I just want to say, it is good to be back. I needed some time away from things to order some RL stuff and some writer type things. Just know that I missed you all. Okay onto my post.



This month I want to write about those two words that pop up for writers quite a bit. Writer's Block. I have expressed the views on writer's block by one of my favorite authors Mr. Bob Salvatore. Views I agree with. He states that there is no such thing as writer's block. He says that what people are truly feeling is a lack of confidence about what they are trying to write. I think this is very true.

In fact it is very obvious in how it is often defeated, which is by just sitting down and making yourself write. Still sometimes we have to understand where that lack of confidence comes from before we can proceed. It is truly a theme that is behind this group I believe. Insecurity leads to a lack of confidence.

I have talked about not living up to expectations. I have talked about not feeling up to the task of writing a certain story. This past month I have hit a new block.

The lingering questions. 

Sometimes this can mean something to do with the plot. In fact there were a few questions I had about where I wanted the story to go. More so there was a question hanging over me about where I wanted to go as an author. 

I have had a few changes go on in my life and when that happens I tend to reevaluate things. It seemed until I had a solid plan to follow, my fingers refused to type another word on any of my manuscripts. So, I did the only thing I could think of at the time. I shut it all off.

I stopped blogging, twittering, FBing, Goodreadsing. lol. I just lived and hung out with my family and tried to focus on life. It proved to be very cathartic. I let time fix my issues. Soon the need to write came to me. I was able to work out a plan for my path to publishing more books and I was ready to be back in my writing world, that I love so much.

Sometimes the best thing is to let your problems dissipate on their own. Being who I am, I have a bad habit of forcing things to happen or work. It is through age that I am learning not all things can be fixed with this method.

Anyways, I hope everyone has been well. As always, have fun and keep writing.

27 comments:

  1. I don't believe in writer's block either. You either want to write or you don't.
    Stepping back can be very good sometimes. I intend to do that soon.

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  2. I don't know... I haven't gotten any real good ideas for my own blog in ages. Not feeling creative at all. If that's not Writer's Block, what is it?

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    1. A need of change? I am not sure, but mostly I feel if you are not doing something it is because you don't want to. Finding that reason is the hard part.

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  3. Stepping back can be the best medicine. Allow things to germinate on that backburner. I am glad this worked so well for you!

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  4. Stepping back is important, I just haven't trained myself to do it without feeling guilty yet. Glad to hear you're back on track.

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    1. It takes time. I know I used to hate the idea of it.

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  5. This is what I call the Refresh Button. But in my case, I grab the dog and the machete and get lost in the woods. Without distractions and the grip of the routine, the bigger picture becomes obvious quickly. If you're able to accept and streamline this, it will serve you well! Even when we're doing something we love, we need a break on occasion. Especially if we're doing it every minute of everyday!

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    1. I like your idea of the refresh button. Although where I live someone would call the cops on me. Hmm, might still be worth it. lol.

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    2. Hahaha.. There's another button for that kind of stuff. Hopefully I've already pushed it for the last time.

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  6. Have you watched the movie Kiki's Delivery Service? That sentiment is an important plot point.

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    1. I have not seen it, but I love that style of movie. I will have to check it out.

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  7. Glad to hear your break did you so much good!

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  8. We all need a break now and then. Welcome back.

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  9. Good for you. I, too, do not believe in writer's block, but I love your drawing.

    Love,
    Janie

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  10. I am very similar and suffer from the same bad habit of trying to force things to happen or work. Taking time away can be extremely helpful. Good to have you back Brandon.

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    1. Good to be back. Yeah it is a hard habit to break I think.

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  11. Totally agree, Brandon. When I feel myself hitting a wall, I stop. Immediately. I take a break, watch a movie, spend quality time with loved ones, and just breathe for a while. Forcing things does not help me, although I know it does for some people. I guess we do what we need to! Glad you're back!

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    1. Yes everyone has a method and sometimes we have to find new methods when old ones cease to work. Thanks for stopping by.

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  12. We missed you Brandon! I pubbed my first book while you were away. It's scary out there. lol But fun. I know exactly what you mean. I have to step away from it all too. And before I know it, I'm chomping at the bit to get writing again. I try to balance my time with artsy projects that dont involve writing/pubbing. I think we need to take the pressure off ourselves sometimes, and remember why it is we love to write in the first place.

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    1. OH cool I will check it out. It is great to be back I missed everyone as well. Breaks are nice, I feel this one went a bit long, but we need what we need.

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  13. You have to step back every now and then to ground yourself in reality. We can only take the virtual world so far before we're completely burned out ... which is a contributing factor to blocks, I think. Great post, sir! :)

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    1. Thank you and yes I agree. When something becomes a burden it may be time for a break.

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