Over-coming Writer's Block

As writers, we always hate when we are faced with that deadly "writer's block." You know what I mean. You sit at your computer and that darn cursor just sits there and blinks at you, over and over again, taunting you and daring you to write something on that page. This is especially frustrating when you have a deadline looming or other things on your calendar that you need to get to, if only you can get through that next section of your story

The definition of Writer's Block, according to good old Merriam Webster is: "a psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece". So, as we can see, this is all in our heads. But there are a few things that you can do to proceed with that story.


As you know, I am a firm believer in plotting out your story. No, this is not something that has to be a complete formal outline that is chapter by chapter and scene by scene, but it has to be something to give you some guidance as to where things are going in your story. This is actually one of the best ways to get though that sticking point.


First of all, if you know where you are going, then you DO know what has to come next! You have already plotted this out. But I know what you are thinking. "Scott it isn't that I don't know the next scene to happen, it is simply because I don't know the words that need to come next." Again, that plotting is going to help you and this leads to my second point.


Too often, writers get hung up simply because they are trying to hard to find the right words for that exact scene and that precise moment...


So skip that scene. Head on over to another chapter, another scene and work on that one. Because you have the story plotted out at some level, you can always work out of order. I am not necessarily saying to go write the final scene in the book, but move on to a section that you have a firmer grasp on.


As we all know, we tend to think of solutions to problems when we aren't actually working on the problem. I know I find my best answers between 1 and 3 in the morning, or when I am cooking dinner or doing the dishes. My mind is relaxed enough to work through the problem and find that solution.


Now, if you are someone who can't do that, then try a couple of other approaches. The first is to edit the work you have done. Doing this keeps your mind on the current project, keeps the same voice going that you might be stuck on, and keeps you heading in a forward direction with your story.


The second approach is to try a completely different project. Work on that synopsis. Write a query letter. Work on a story that has been begging you to be written.


The key to getting through this tough time is to just relax. Know that everyone goes through this and everyone finds a way through it. Although we might not like that feeling of coming to a screeching halt or that sense that the world is going to fall apart, know this...


Your agent is not going to hate you.
Your editor is not going to fire you.
Your writing career is not over.
You will get through this.

Why Don't Agents Accept All Genres?

I frequently get submissions from authors for things I just don't acquire. Personally, I am always shocked by this because the guidelines are pretty darn clear on my website. But what I find interesting are those authors who write back to me after a rejection questioning why I would not look at their work. I have even had some authors complain that they think I am not being open enough to consider "their books." What people fail to realize is that agents specialize in genres for a reason.


These are the novels they understand.


Now, let me explain that the lack of understanding is not an intelligence thing. It is simply the fact that the genres we represent, we get all of the nuances of this style of book. We know what makes books that are successful in this genre tick and what makes some just fall flat.


Consider this. You probably read a lot of different genres out there. You can probably pick up a book in a different genre and say it is good or bad. But here is the catch. For those books that are out of your "normal" genre, you might not be able to pinpoint what it is about that book that works or doesn't work. Sure, you might like it but your reasons for liking it are probably pretty general.


You may have already experienced this if you have tried to write in a style or genre that you are new to. If the writing came across as a struggle, or you wrote things that came across as being very formulaic, or basic in style, then you really don't get that genre.


A lot of times, we also stick with genres that we simply like and enjoy. Look, when we are reading an excessive amount of submissions, we have to enjoy it! Work simply would not be fun if we were reading things we really don't like.


For me, when I opened Greyhaus 13+ years ago, I decided to stick with just romance and women's fiction. Why? I read it before I opened the agency and I loved knowing that these are stories about people. I also represent series romance, and especially Harlequin, because I have spent years getting to know the lines and what it takes to really write well in those lines.


This knowledge also gives us the connections that we need to make the sales for you.


So, as you consider who you want to send your stories to, really take the time to learn how much that agent really knows about the line. The more they know, the more they can help you!

Are Professional Writing Groups Worth It?

When I talk to new writers, I am always trying to convince them that, although writing is a solitary activity, they simply will not be successful without a circle of colleagues to help them. It is for this reason, that I will often tell those new writers that they need to immediately get involved with a local chapter of a professional writing group.

Yes, I understand that sometimes the dues are outrageously high. Yes, I do understand that it looks like all you get is a monthly magazine or newsletter. But that is just on the surface. What these organizations get you is inside information. These groups get you the network you need to survive.

For too many new authors, they spend a lot of their time sorting through the tons of information out there on the internet to gain any glimmer of information on how to be successful. As we have seen in recent months, however, finding this information is often difficult considering there are so many people posting information on social media and other sites claiming it to be the truth. With the organizations, however, that information has already been scanned and the information you get will be certainly more accurate.

These organizations also get you entrance to those conferences. Again, yes, I know those conferences cost money, but the benefits are clearly worth it. You get to hear directly from those editors and agents. You get to talk to them. You get to gain insight from people who really have been successful. Doing this on your own, or simply being part of a unaffiliated local writing group, you only get what you pay for. Too often, this is an issue of the blind leading the blind. 

So, if you haven't done so already, make that an early Christmas present to yourself. Get into a professional group today. Get connected! Get networking! Get that writing career going!