Writer's Block

Usually the revision process is my favorite part of writing a new story. I simply love taking things apart and putting them back together, in a better, stronger way. However, with my current work-in-progress, I've struggled to get back into the revision mode after completing the first draft of the manuscript.

Yesterday, I came across this great bit that has really helped me. It seems so obvious ... now.

Brandon Mull (New York Times Best-selling author) was asked, "How do you get past writer's block?"

His answer: "Usually it hits because I'm writing a bad scene. I have to go back and find how to make the scene interesting and important. Sometimes I discover that the scene was unnecessary, so I have to kill it and write an alternate scene. Taking some time away from the project sometimes helps, like going on a walk, getting outside."

He also said in another answer, "The other component is daydreaming. ... I partly get to know the characters through prolonged imagining. The better I get to know them through daydreaming, the easier it becomes to stay true to them in what they think, say, and do."

To read the entire interview: CLICK HERE

... so ...

I considered where I was stuck in my revision process. I considered what might be wrong with the scene. What's not working? And then before actually revising anything, I've taken the time to daydream with the character. Imagine more. Worry less. Seems like an obvious step, now, but I was stuck in the mud and had trouble seeing clearly through the mess!

What are you working on right now? Revisions? Drafting? Final edit?