Sunday, November 20, 2011

Writer's Block

It comes out of nowhere and happens to all of us; dreaded writer’s block. The question is how to get over it and move on. For me and my critique partner—Coreene Callahan, urban fantasy romance and paranormal historical romance author, www.coreenecallahan.com—the answer is easy. We head off to the local pub for breakfast and a BS session. BS stands for brain storming by the way.

In our case, breakfast can last three or four hours, and sometimes longer. We’re lucky, our waiter seems happy to have us around. The place is big, and there’s always room for new arrivals without tossing us out. Not sure, but I think tipping well really helps. Oh, did I mention pubs make excellent breakfasts? This is important, since we're working our butts off here and need to keep up our strength.

The added bonus is none of the other patrons notice us. Not when widescreens are alive with horse racing, soccer matches, boxing, hockey and everything else for sporting enthusiasts.  

And while we drink coffee, those guys are ordering quarts of beer with their steak and eggs. They probably can’t see us after a few hours anyway. Just kidding…not about the beer…but they can probably see just fine. They’re just more interested in what’s up on the screens, not other people hanging in the pub.

Really, a pub’s a great place to sit undisturbed and toss around ideas with a friend. That’s if you go early in the day, before the decibels break the sound barrier. Coreene and I chat about our works in progress, break down any problem areas and within a few hours, we’re both geared up with new ideas and ready to hit those keyboards.

Take it from someone who knows. Writer’s block is miserable but it doesn’t have to bring you down. Get together with your critique partner or call up another writer. Use them as your sounding board. Ask for ideas on how to move forward. Then do the same for them. Before you know it? VoilĂ , you’re both in the book business again.

Happy writing!