Showing posts with label writer's block. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writer's block. Show all posts

5 Ways Writing a Book Will Help You to Unlock Your Hidden Creative Genius

 

How often have you thought to yourself, “I’m not creative?” Have you marveled at the creativity of young children playing, wondering where on earth they come up with these crazy ideas? Creativity doesn’t disappear completely as we get older; we simply don’t exercise it quite as much as we did as youngsters. Traditional classroom schooling also doesn’t place a priority on creativity because teachers are so focused on teaching the curriculum and scoring tests. If you want to spur your creative juices once again, write a book.

Here are just a few ways you can unlock your hidden creative genius by writing a book:

1. Use the brain dump method to empty your mind of too many ideas. Experts have proven that multitasking actually diminishes productivity, so instead of trying to write your book while all these other ideas are swimming around, take a journal and just start writing everything down. And I mean EVERYTHING, including calling the dog groomer for an appointment to calling the pharmacy for a refill. Whatever is taking up space in your brain should be on that paper. Now that you’ve released these thoughts onto paper, focus solely on writing your book. You’ll discover the writing process is easier when you’re able to focus on just one task instead of one hundred.

2. Banish writer’s block. Before you start writing your best-selling book create an outline. One might think that this kind of detail will cause writer’s block. But in fact, the exact opposite happens. Because you have a roadmap to follow – and you can decide how detailed to make your outline - your brain will feel safe and allow you to write.

3. Writing itself is a creative problem-solving process. When was the last time you made a pros/cons list to help you make a decision? Or a to-do list to track your daily tasks? Or mind mapping to illustrate solving a problem? Writing out the details of our problem allows us to clarify exactly what has to happen when and it’s then easier to see connections and solutions to these problems our brain relaxes and our creativity flows.

4. Practice makes perfect. Even if you’re not aiming for perfection, this old saying holds true. The more you write, the easier the process becomes. If you’re an expert in a particular field, it makes sense to write about your expertise.  Writing content for your audience will become easier because you have the practice and you’ve done the research to know what your audience is seeking.

 5. Embrace the idea of doing something new or different every day. Our daily lives can become routine and boring but they feel safe and less effort is required on our part. But what if you tried new things, mixed up your daily routines just to be different. Take some time to explore new surroundings, take the long way home from the gym, or skip the gym and go for a walk in nature, turn off social media for a day and let your brain come back to awareness. Your brain will thank you for making it work differently, simply because you mixed things up.

Creativity is hidden inside each of us. Embrace your inner child, and use it to write a book you’ll love. In the end it will be worth it and bring great rewards. 

About Rebecca 

Rebecca Camarena is a Book Coach and author who helps women write, publish and market their impactful books about their heartfelt story of the challenges they’ve overcome so they can be an inspiration to others by sharing their words, their voice, their journey.

As a best-selling author with her co-authored book Out of My Comfort Zone: Stories of Courage, Perseverance and Victory she helped women share their stories of how they got out of their fear zone to excel in their business.

Are you’re ready to turn your heartfelt story into your dream book and become the author you were meant to be? Connect with me here, www.rebeccacamarena.com/contact

The Secret to Writer’s Block: How the Law of Attraction Can Help You Break Through It

 by Suzanne Lieurance


Writer’s block. 

 

Two words that send a chill down any writer’s spine. 

 

You’ve got the ideas, the passion, and the will to write, but when it’s time to sit down and actually do the work? 

 

Nothing.

 

Zilch.

 

The screen stays blank, and frustration builds. 

 

But here’s the thing: writer’s block isn’t a dead-end. 

 

It’s a reflection of the energy you’re putting out. 

 

And once you learn to shift that energy using the Law of Attraction, you can bust through those creative blocks for good. 

 

Here’s how:

 

Step 1: Recognize the Energy Behind the Block.

 

Writer’s block doesn’t just come out of nowhere. 

 

It’s a sign that something’s off with your energy. 

 

Maybe you’re stressed, overwhelmed, or doubting yourself. 

 

Whatever the case, writer’s block shows up when you’re out of alignment with your creative flow. 

 

The Law of Attraction teaches us that what we focus on expands. 


If you’re focused on feeling stuck, that’s exactly what you’ll attract—more stuckness.

 

So, the first step to breaking through writer’s block is recognizing the energy behind it. 

 

Are you coming to the page with frustration, fear, or self-doubt? 

 

If so, it’s time to shift that energy.

 

Action Tip: Before you start writing, take a minute to check in with yourself. What’s your current energy? Are you feeling tense or blocked? If yes, take a few deep breaths and release that tension before you get to work.

 

Step 2: Set the Intention for Flow.

 

Here’s the game-changer: instead of focusing on the block, focus on flow.

 

The Law of Attraction responds to your intentions, so set a powerful one before you start writing. 

 

Instead of sitting down with a mindset of  "I hope I can write something today,” shift it to, “I write with ease and creativity flows effortlessly.” 

 

When you set a clear intention, you’re telling the universe what you want—and you’re aligning yourself with the energy needed to make it happen.

 

The secret is to believe it before you see it. 

 

You have to trust that the words will come, even if they’re not there yet.

 

Action Tip: Create a personal writing affirmation that you can repeat before each writing session. Try something like, “I’m in creative flow, and the words come easily.” Say it out loud, believe it, and let that energy guide you.

 

Step 3: Visualize Yourself in the Flow.

 

Instead of stressing about being stuck, close your eyes and see yourself writing effortlessly. 

 

Picture yourself in the zone, your fingers flying over the keyboard, the words pouring out faster than you can keep up. 

 

Imagine how good it feels to be in flow—to feel inspired, excited, and unstoppable.

 

Why does this work? 

 

Because your brain responds to what you visualize. 

 

When you see yourself succeeding, your mind starts to believe it, and suddenly, that energy block starts to dissolve.

 

Action Tip: Spend 2-3 minutes before your writing session visualizing yourself in full creative flow. Get specific—picture the words, the ideas, and the excitement of writing with ease.

 

Step 4: Let Go of Perfectionism.

 

One of the biggest reasons we get stuck is because we expect everything to be perfect from the get-go. 

 

But perfectionism is the enemy of progress. 

 

If you’re waiting for every sentence to be flawless, you’re creating resistance. 

 

The Law of Attraction thrives on ease and flow, and there’s nothing easy about demanding perfection from yourself.

 

Let go of the idea that every word has to be perfect. 

 

Give yourself permission to write something messy. 

 

The important thing is to get it out

 

You can always go back and polish it later, but for now, the goal is to keep the words flowing.

 

Action Tip: Next time you sit down to write, tell yourself, “It doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be written.” Give yourself permission to write a rough draft, and trust that you’ll improve it later.

 

Step 5: Celebrate the Small Wins.

 

Gratitude is a powerful tool when it comes to manifestation, and it’s especially useful for breaking through creative blocks. 

 

Instead of focusing on what’s not working, celebrate what is

 

Did you write 100 words? 

 

Awesome, that’s progress. 

 

Did you sit down to write, even if it didn’t go as planned? 

 

Celebrate that. 

 

The more you focus on what’s going right, the more you attract positive momentum.

 

Celebrating your small wins shifts your energy from frustration to appreciation, and that’s exactly the kind of energy that brings more success your way.

 

Action Tip: At the end of each writing session, write down one thing you did well, no matter how small. It could be anything from showing up to writing a single sentence you love. Celebrate it and keep building on that energy.

 

Step 6: Trust the Process.

 

Finally, trust that you’re exactly where you need to be. 

 

Writer’s block doesn’t mean you’re failing—it just means your energy is a little off, and that’s fixable. 

 

Trust that by shifting your focus, setting intentions, and taking action, you’re opening up space for creativity to flow again. 

 

It may not happen all at once, but that’s okay. 

 

The important thing is you’re moving in the right direction.

 

The Law of Attraction works on its own timeline. 

 

Keep showing up, keep aligning your energy, and trust that the words will come when they’re ready. 

 

Writer’s block is temporary—your creativity is always there, waiting for you to tap into it.

 

Action Tip: When you feel frustrated or stuck, remind yourself that this is just part of the process. Take a deep breath, realign your energy, and trust that the flow is on its way.

 

Writer’s block isn’t a curse—it’s a sign that your energy needs a little shift. 

 

By using the Law of Attraction, you can turn that block into flow. 

 

Set clear intentions, visualize your success, let go of perfection, and celebrate your progress. 

 

The more aligned you are with the energy of ease and creativity, the quicker the words will come. 

 

So next time you’re staring at a blank screen, remember: the power to overcome writer’s block is already within you. 

 

All you have to do is unlock it.

 

Try it!


And for more Law of Attraction tips for writers, get your free subscription to The Morning Nudge with access to a private Resource Library for Writers.


Suzanne Lieurance & Some of Her Books


Suzanne Lieurance is the author of more than 40 books and a Law of Attraction coach for writers at writebythesea.com.

The Best Advice: 9 Writing Tips

Over my writing career I've received a lot of advice. Some of it good and some, well, less valuable. Here are the tips that I find myself sharing with others along the way:


  1. Writing: Just start. However you can, whenever you can, just do it. You will not be alone in seeing the blank page and panicking. We've all been there, done that. The first and most important action you can take is to sit down and begin.
  2. Writers' Block: Okay, this tags onto number 1. When you don't know what to write - write about that. I'm not sure where to begin. I could begin with the beginning, but I think it will take too long to then get to the action. Perhaps I should begin with the action like start with a really exciting sword fight. . . Suddenly you will find yourself writing. Put pen to paper, fingers to the keyboard and get started.
  3. Writing What You Know: I heard that a lot when I was first writing, but I really wanted to also write about things I wanted to learn about. A writing friend of mine learned how to harvest wheat by working on a farm in order to add that element to her story. Write what you know and/or what you want to know more about. Your interest and passion for your topic will transfer to the writing and, most importantly, to the reader.
  4. Show Don't Tell: This advice was another I heard often. So the difference between showing and telling? Telling: He was embarrassed. Showing: His ears turned red.
  5. Dialog: Go to the mall, the nearest coffee shop or stand in line and listen to conversations. People talk in short sentences. Conversation is a give and take. It should be no different in your story or novel.
  6. Characters: Everyone is flawed and complex so each of your characters should be as well. Yes, that includes the heroine, the hero and the villain. The heroine and hero will have flaws and the villain may have a gentle side. That is what makes them interesting. 
  7. Surprise the Reader: Every page should contain a surprise for the reader. Okay, what does that mean? Well, a word choice that is a bit different, a decision the reader won't see coming, a plot twist or a metaphor or simile that makes your reader smile. Something that will keep the reader turning the page. 
  8. Read out loud: One of the best ways to edit and find errors is through reading your work out loud. Find a quiet place and go for it. This will also help you to find areas where the dialog sounds stilted, where you've used the same word too close together or used words with the same sounds too close. (Using the same words or sounds is not bad in and of itself, only when it's done because of laziness.)
  9. Read, Read, Read: Writers should also be readers. 
Now what are you waiting for? Get to it.
_______________________________________
D. Jean Quarles is a writer of Women's Fiction and co-author of a Young Adult Science Fiction Series. Her latest book, Solem was released February 2016.

D. Jean loves to tell stories of personal growth – where success has nothing to do with money or fame, but of living life to the fullest. She is also the author of the novels: Rocky's Mountains, Fire in the Hole, and Perception, and the co-author of The Exodus Series: The Water Planet: Book 1 and House of Glass: Book 2. The Mermaid, an award winning short story was published in the anthology, Tales from a Sweltering City.                                                                                             

She is a wife, mother, grandmother and business coach. In her free time . . . ha! ha! ha! Anyway, you can find more about D. Jean Quarles, her writing and her books at her website at www.djeanquarles.com                                      

You can also follower her on Facebook.


 




Writer's Block - Getting Past Fear


Writer's Block: According to Webster's Dictionary.
The problem of not being able to think of something to write about, or not being able to finish writing a story, poem, etc. A psychological inhibition preventing a writer from proceeding with a piece.

Yeah, I think writer's block is about fear. Plain and simple. The fear of failure - my work will not be good enough to: publish, win a contest, excite fans, or please my parents. Or it's a fear of success - what would happen if I became famous and everyone was reading my work? How would that change my life? (Many of you might be thinking that would be an awesome problem to have, but almost the same number of people are afraid of success as there are people afraid of failure.) Both fears stop you from writing - they are the cause of writer's block. 

How do you get around the fear?

1. Recognize that fear might be the thing that is preventing you from writing. Sometimes the process of identifying the cause can allow the breakthrough. "I'm afraid, and I don't want to be caught in fear, so I'm going to sit down right now and get to work."

2. If recognition isn't enough - sit with the fear. Recognize that fear is the problem, then determine where your fear comes from and allow yourself to release that fear. Today you do not have to be a best selling author, or show your parents your novel, or do anything else, but put words down on paper for yourself. Push that inner critic who is always striving for perfection away - far, far, far away. You don't need him today. 

3. Change from focusing on the fear to focusing on the love. Why do you write? Love of words? Love of story? Love of the time sitting in contemplation with your journal? Whatever excites you about your writing process, make that what you focus on. When you exchange love for fear your writing mind will automatically open and allow the process to begin. 

Good luck and happy writing!
___________________________________________________
D. Jean Quarles is a writer of Women's Fiction and co-author of a Young Adult Science Fiction Series. Her latest book, Solem was released February 2016.

D. Jean loves to tell stories of personal growth – where success has nothing to do with money or fame, but of living life to the fullest. She is also the author of the novels: Rocky's Mountains, Fire in the Hole, and Perception, and the co-author of The Exodus Series: The Water Planet: Book 1 and House of Glass: Book 2. The Mermaid, an award winning short story was published in the anthology, Tales from a Sweltering City.                                                                                             

She is a wife, mother, grandmother and business coach. In her free time . . . ha! ha! ha! Anyway, you can find more about D. Jean Quarles, her writing and her books at her website at www.djeanquarles.com                                      

You can also follower her on Facebook.



Taking a Break from Writing: Finding Inspiration in a Summer Writing Hiatus




My critique group usually takes a break during the summer.  With all the summer activities, it’s hard to find a time that fits our summer schedules, and even harder to find time to write.  I usually try and keep writing during this break, but not this summer.  

This summer I’m giving myself a “hall pass” to escape from my writing room.  I normally schedule my weekly writing time on my calendar.  It almost always includes Saturday mornings and a few other sessions during the week.  For July and August, I’ve decided not to pre-schedule my time and not worry if I don’t write. 

Instead of writing, I’m travelling and getting out into nature.  I’m working on those house projects I never seem to get done.  I’m visiting the local museums and catching up with friends and family.

AND… I’m looking around for inspiration.  I use my phone to keep notes on writing/subject ideas.  For me, summer is a fertile time to germinate ideas for future projects.  Three of my projects this year, were ideas from last summer.  By September, I hope to be re-energized and ready to sequester myself with my computer. 


If you’re struggling to write this summer, consider taking a hiatus from writing for a few weeks.  It might just be the antidote for a stalled writing project.





Mary Jo Guglielmo is writer and intuitive life coach. For more information check out:

http://facebook.com/DoNorth.biz  

Three Tips for Finding Writing Inspiration

Are you ready to start a new writing project but are struggling with finding that new story?  I have known a number of writers who can't seem to find a new direction after finishing a big project.  If you're need of some inspiration try one of the following techniques to jumpstart your next writing project.

Dream Your Manuscript into Being: If you having trouble coming up with that
next story, stop thinking about it and start dreaming about it.  After finishing her first novel, debut author Crystal Chan worried that she might not have another story in her. One night while tossing in bed she woke up and saw in her mind's eye a boy with outspread arms standing on the edge of cliff. As she saw him jump, she heard in a girl's voice the words "Grandpa stopped speaking the day he killed my brother John".  She jumped out of bed, fired up her laptop and Bird was born.  By the time she stopped typing that night, she had written the first chapter.  If you don't think you can jump out of bed when inspiration rouses you from your sleep, keep a notebook on your nightstand.  This will keep those creative ideas from slipping back into your subconscious.

Create a Vision Board of the Story that’s Coming Next:  I often recommend story vision boards when you have a clear plotline.  You can also use this technique if you need to come up with the topic for your next project by creating an Idea Vision Board. You'll need a poster board, markers, glue and a few magazines. Start pulling out pictures and words that you are drawn to and glue them to the paper. If a picture evokes a feeling, write the word on the board. Do you want to travel across the country speaking about your next book, put pictures of faraway cities. Have fun with the process.  Fill the board with images, words and colors. When you’re done, post it where you can see it each day and see if you can find some inspiration in the board.

Find Your Story Through Creative List Making:  On your mark, get set, go! You have 90 seconds to create a list of possible characters.  Next make a list of... 
        • settings
        • personality quirks
        • problem situations
        • time periods
The list categories could be endless.  Once you've created your lists, mix and match items from each list. (e.g. A single woman in the Bayou, bites her lip when she’s nervous, just lost her job, 1950s)  Keep your lists; you can come back to them when you are ready for your next writing project.


I’d love to hear how you find inspiration when your searching for an idea for your next writing projects.


Mary Jo Guglielmo is writer and intuitive life coach. For more information check out:

http://facebook.com/DoNorth.biz  

The Power of Psychological Tension

 Contributed by Margot Conor   Psychological tension is the heartbeat of a compelling story. From the very first line, you want your readers...