Monday, January 9, 2017

Rachael Thomas & Getting Past the Dreaded Block

Please welcome Rachael Thomas back to the blog today!
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Every writer, published or not, knows what it’s like to encounter that awful demon, writer’s block. That time when you are certain every word you write is utter rubbish or worse, where you can’t write a word. It begins with a little doubt monster and very soon can get out of control, preventing you from writing anything.
It’s happened to me, but thankfully not for any length of time. So here are a few of my go to solutions. 
Write A Different Way
Writing longhand can often free up your mind. So grab a pen or pencil and pad and continue your work from the point you became blocked or even start a new scene or chapter.
Find a new place. A change of scenery often helps. It could be as simple as another room at home or a local café.
If you can’t continue with your current work in progress, try some freewriting. For instance, it is January now, so where does that take your mind? Put your pen on the page and just let your mind wander, writing down every random thought which comes to your mind for the next ten minutes.
Don’t Write
You may be wondering what kind of advice this is, but sometimes it helps to step away from the keyboard and your work in progress. Take a break and clear your mind.
Take a walk. My dog gets extra-long walks when I need thinking time to unblock my creativity.
Relax and watch your favourite television show or even a movie.
Do whatever makes you happy, as happiness generates positivity and that keeps the monster of doubt at bay, stopping it from becoming a complete block.
If the block is really bad, give yourself the rest of the day off. Tomorrow is another day.
Reward Yourself
Give yourself a small incentive if you hit your session or daily target.
For those larger targets, like reaching the half way point or completing the book, reward yourself with a bigger treat. Perhaps a day out with friends.
And Finally
Don’t wait too long for your creativity to return. Force it to come back. Tell yourself you will write just one paragraph or for ten minutes only. Taking the pressure off might be enough to get past that block. Also, always believe in yourself and your writing. Don’t allow those doubt monsters in.

If you have any others to add, I’d love to know!
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Rachael Thomas 

I love escaping to distant shores with my characters, entering their glamorous world and feeling all the emotions they experience as they discover their love for one another. A love so strong it will overcome all obstacles eventually, leading to that promised happy ever after.
Connect with Rachael Thomas on the web:
Website         Blog        Facebook                Twitter              Goodreads

A Child Claimed by Gold (One Night with Consequences)
A scandal of their own making 

Nikolai Cunningham has kept his family history secret for seventeen years. So when photographer Emma Sanders is granted exclusive access to his childhood home, he returns to Russia to ensure it stays hidden. 
Though she tries to keep her eye on the story, Nikolai's potent sexuality proves too much for Emma's untouched body to resist! But, convinced she only wanted a scoop, Nikolai casts Emma out, unaware she's pregnant! 
When the consequence of their recklessness is revealed, Nikolai will legitimize his heir—with a gold wedding ring!
Buy Links
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Enter to win signed copies on Goodreads. 
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Thanks Rachael!

I often get attacked by the Doubt Monster - but I'm learning techniques to quiet him down! Working on a different project often helps me.

What about you? How do you get the mojo back?


Wednesday, January 4, 2017

IWSG and the Rules!

The Insecure Writer's Support Group is the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. He, his clones, minions, friends, and fellow authors make it an amazing event every month.



Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

And we’re revving up IWSG Day to make it more fun and interactive! Every month, we'll announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG Day post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.

January 4 Question: What writing rule do you wish you’d never heard?

LOL - a LOT of them!!!

Almost any rule that says "HAVE TO" drives me nuts.
You have to write every day
You have to include description
You have to tell readers the MC's hair colour
You have to plot
You have to follow your gut
You have to ...

I love to learn and I'm always willing to try something new, so I'm willing to try anything.

Over the last few years, I've learned a lot, but I've also spent a lot of time on trying out new 'rules' that don't work for my brain or my life.  On the plus side, I now know a lot of things that DON'T work for me, so it's definitely not wasted time.

How about you? Do the Have Tos drive you crazy as well? Are you an experimenter as well?

Monday, January 2, 2017

Nope, Haven't Done That!

There have been lots of posts on goals and reflections lately. It's got my brain cooking ... in a sideways direction.

So, here's a list of things, I've NEVER done and have NO plans to do...
  • watched an episode of The Simpsons, The Walking Dead, or Game of Thrones
  • finished a full cup of coffee (I tried, I really did, but, yuck!!!)
  • finished a full beer (double yuck!!!)
  • finished a Rubik's Cube
  • played in a real hockey game (yes, I'm still allowed to be a Canadian)
  • dyed my hair
  • made perogies from scratch 
  • held a gun
  • eaten a pickle
  • slept 8 hours in a row (although I'd love to do this!)
  • had a pedicure, a manicure, or a facial
  • karaoke 
How about you? What things have you NOT done that might surprise people?