Much Ado About Nothing

Over the last week and half, I've been struggling with finding creativity. Constant distraction at home and re-learning grade 7 science and math (to help my son) has made this woman tired and brain-dead. The writing muse does not want to come out when I'm stressing about rocks and tectonic plates. 

So, how does a writer manage to let in the creative muse when distraction abounds? How does a writer focus when a small child wants to do her own work in the same room as you, promising not to make a sound...but still chats? Headphones seem to work really well. Unfortunately, they don't permanently solve the problem because said child will still tap your arm to get your attention. 

There's always learning the fine art of becoming desensitized to the incessant noise. However, that only lasts so long. It's a juggling act. It's fitting in moments of inspiration when they arise and when you can grab the chance. If the moments aren't there, then you are stuck with writing that doesn't even have a pulse!

I don't think there is one antidote for when distraction has you cornered, nipping at your ankles. We are all somewhat alone in this, searching around in the dark, trying to find the right combination that will help alleviate frustrations and get us writing again. 

Writing my feelings out in this blog seems to help. Maybe that's all that needs to happen. And, if it means staying up late to gain a sense of accomplishment, then bring out the midnight oil!

“To be a well-favoured man is the gift of fortune; but to write and read comes by nature.” 
― William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

Keep writing, friends....even when the muse is taking a nap!

Upping the Ante

As some of you are entering into the second week of Nanowrimo, you might feel some resistance to finding the right flow and words to your story. Quite possibly, your story has come to a complete standstill. 

Sometimes writing is tough and painful. Sometimes the words just won't come. Sometimes the characters refuse to talk to you; it's almost like they are giving you the silent treatment. What did you do to them anyway? 

Maybe it's time to turn up the heat with your characters, and throw them to the wolves. Your characters have become stagnant and they are waiting around for you to do something with them. 

Who can you throw in front of your characters' path to make them have to work for what they deserve?

What event or mishap can you write to make things more difficult?

It's about upping the ante in your novel. Your characters need to work for the reward that comes at the end. By doing so, you will surprise your readers by giving them something more than the standard. 

We all love our characters. We grow attached to them, and really don't want to see anything bad happen to them. However, your characters need to grow by facing contrasting situations, and you get to decide how they are going to work their way out of it.

It's time to release the hounds!

Happy writing! 

Nano Inspiration

Since many of you are engaged in Nanowrimo at the moment, I will keep this short and sweet.
Here is a writing prompt for those who need a kick of inspiration:

"Your character is walking down the street when something catches his/her eye. He/she turns and realizes someone he/she knows is walking toward him/her. Your character feels the fear pounding through his/her veins at the sight of this person."

Happy Writing!