In his book, On Writing, Stephen King says, "We are talking about tools and carpentry, about words and style…but as we move along, you’d do well to remember that we are also talking about magic." When something is really well-written we tend to think it was effortless forwriter, that it seems magical. We wonder, "Did that author ever have to deal with writer's block?" Yes, he or she probably did. Pretty much every writer does. But how do you work throughblock wheninside of your brain feels so foggy? These tips will show you how to clear things up.

one.) Work Consistently

When I started my first novel I joinedclass to help get me going. After it was over, I tookfew more workshop sessions withinstructor, but when those ended all my work ground tocomplete halt. Why? Because from then I was only working onbookday or twoweek, mostly on weekends. If I got stuck that meant I would not write for two or even three weeks. Then I went out and gotplace to write. I committed myself to going there three-four timesweek to work on my book. Suddenlywriting got easier! I thought it was because I was putting in more time--and that's partly true--working consistently helps to build momentum. But that was notwhole answer. Here'srest: I was thinking aboutbook alltime! Which means...

two.) Don't Leave Your Book onDesk

When I started working consistently I found that I was still thinking about my character and plot issues when I went home at night onsubway. That thinking continued inshowernext day and onstreets as I walked to work. Once I was flying to Cleveland to visit my family and duringflight I figured outanswer toproblem I was having withflashboack in my novel.

So write at your desk and do your figuring out everywhere else throughout your day. Ideally you are thinking about your book while you drive, while you shower, while you watchbaseball game. In fact, Stephen King has said he has worked throughchapter or two in his head while at Fenway Park watchingBoston Red Sox. When you think about your book away fromdesk, it ensures you'll have something to write when you get back to your desk.

three.) Ask Yourself Lots of Questions

Okay, you might be asking, "What am I supposed to be thinking about?" Your book, of course, but I understand how difficult it is to just have generalities floating around in your head competing with allmedia we're flooded with already. To focus your thinking, ask yourselfseries of questions related toissues you're stuck on.

For instance, "What story or incident can I create to best highlight my character's strength and/or weakness?" Possible answer:party where most ofguests snubbed my character's party which took place few weeks earlier. "How would my character be responsible for that situation?" Maybe she toldsecret and everyone is upset with her because of it. "What behavior will my character display that will reveal her true essence toreader?" Maybe she quietly vandalizes people's belongings throughoutevening, ripping coats incloset, "accidentally" breaking glasses, spilling drinks on someone's designer dress. You can keep going that way, with each question leading you further downpath until you completepicture in your head of what you want to write when you sit down again. No more writer's block!

four.) Remember Why You are Writing

When you do get stuck, it helps to remember why you're working onproject infirst place. As I mentioned before, I got stalled many times working on my first novel. But I was motivated by several things including my sincere desire to bepublished author and my devotion and commitment to my characters. (Once, when going throughperiod of non-writing, I haddream wheremain character of my book was screaming at me--I knew it was time to get back to work!)

So, why are you writing? And isreason powerful enough to make you do what it takes to get throughdifficult times ofwriting process? If it's not, perhaps you need to re-think your reasons and your project. But if your motivation is strong, go with it and allow that sheer force to help you break downwalls in your work.

© twozerozerofive Sophfronia Scott

This article was posted on December onetwo, twozerozerofive