By Rachel Scott McDaniel, @rachelsmcdaniel
Image by Dean Drobot from Canva
Some call it a myth. Others swear to its existence. Most just want nothing to do with it. What am I referring to? Writer’s block. Whether or not one believes in it, the truth is, that we all struggle with writing our stories at some point. Every now and then, we reach a place in our book when we are just stumped. What then? How do we overcome these writing hiccups? Here’s a few tips on how to conquer this annoying obstacle.
- Take a break. Just like our bodies, our minds benefit from rest. It’s important not to overtax your brain. I suggest picking up a hobby or trying a new craft. Sometimes being creative in a different outlet will help usher in those story vibes.
- Read. Sometimes our story-tank needs to be refilled and what better way than submersing ourselves in books. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve been reading a story and something in the pages triggers my mind regarding my own book, bringing about a solution to my writing problems.
- Work on a different project. This particular tactic helped me when I was writing a contemporary story alongside a historical. When one timeline stumped me, I switched to the other. It helped to see progress, and eventually my mind was able to sort through the story issues.
- Just push through. I’ve read from several authors who believe that if you only continue to keep your fingers flying on the keyboard then the problem will work itself out. That ‘bad writing’ is still writing, and it’s better to get something on that screen than leaving it blank.
I asked some authors on how their personal approach to writer’s block and here are their responses:
“Write a scene I’m excited about. Like the first kiss!” ~Janine Rosche, author of
Aspen Crossroads
“Change your environment. Write in a different location physically or go take a walk for endorphins. Also, talk your story out loud to a friend (I do this on the Voxer app) Sometimes just saying it out loud can get you past the hump and things click!” ~Betsy St. Amant, author of
Tacos for Two
“I like to write a scene that puts my characters in mortal danger. I know, I know, weird advice from a contemporary romance author, but it works. I usually end up deleting the scene but I have also kept one or two in various stories.” ~Toni Shiloh, author of In Search of a Prince
“I take a walk and talk it out. I chat with my characters and with God about what the next turn is, and nothing is off the table. In fact, I try and ask what the craziest or worst thing is that could happen in the scene and play that fully out. Typically something sparks that’ll get me moving again. (I’ve also been known to call an author friend and lament at length about my writer’s block, that I’m not really a writer, and that this writing life is really hard. Sometimes just letting the emotion out helps too.” ~Susan Tuttle, author of Never Too Late
“I take a blank sheet of paper and across the top write all the possible things that could happen next. Then under each idea, I list what would naturally happen as a result. The idea that makes the most “dominos” fall over is usually the winner.” ~Denise Hunter, author of Riverbend Gap
Hope these tips are able to help draw you from the depths of writer’s block. While getting stumped by your story is absolutely frustrating, it’s by no means as disappointing as never completing your book. You can do this!
Two women, a century apart, are bound by a haunting secret aboard a legendary steamboat.
Walk through Doors to the Past via a new series of historical stories of romance and adventure.
As wedding coordinator for the 100-year-old steamboat The Belle of Louisville, Devyn Asbury takes pride in seeing others’ dreams come true, even though her engagement had sunk like a diamond ring to the bottom of the Ohio River. When the Belle becomes a finalist in the Timeless Wedding Venue contest, Devyn endeavors to secure the prestigious title with hopes to reclaim some of her professional dreams. What she hadn’t planned on was Chase Jones showing up with a mysterious photo from the 1920s.
A century earlier, Hattie Louis is as untamable as the rivers that raised her. As the adopted daughter of a steamboat captain, her duties range from the entertainment to cook. When strange incidents occur aboard the boat, Hattie’s determined to discover the truth. Even if that means getting under First Mate Jack Marshall’s handsome skin.
Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of historical romance. Winner of the ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each story. Rachel can be found online at www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com and on all social media platforms. Her work is represented by Julie Gwinn of the Seymour Agency. Rachel resides in Ohio with her husband and two children. She enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and two kids.