I love writing. But I also hate it, at times. This love, hate, rough and tumble Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde attitude should come as no surprise to writers. Some days you are full of inspiration. Other days, well, you come to the keyboard and grumble, knowing you would feel too guilty not to write and completely uninspired to do it.

So let’s hammer out some ways to get through these shenanigans and write, shall we?

1.) Act it out. This may sound silly, and I’m not talking about performing your own personal flash mob, especially if it is a subway ride with no pants. Perhaps, do it in the confines of your own home. This might help you to understand how to begin. If your character is waking up, take a nap and keep the notepad by your side to collect your hazy thoughts when you do the same.

2.) Outline the chapter and or scene. I strongly encourage this. It could show you how you need to begin.

3.) Cut the scene out. I recently talked with a friend about his novel. He wrote most of his story but had one scene that he struggled with. He was not sure what to do or how to write it. Then as he was talking about it, he looked away imagining it in his minds’ eye then he said, “Wait, what if I don’t write it?” It was not essential to his story and he was able to move on with his novel.

4.) Talk it through with a writing buddy. They might help you through it, give you new ideas, or tell you why it needs to be deleted.

5.) Write it. Seems too simple, doesn’t it? Well if none of the above work, try it. Sit down and promise yourself not to move until you’ve written at least three hundred words.

Have you had this issue before? Was there a chapter or scene in your novel or play that proved especially difficult? How did you get through it?

Cheers,

Bob