where the writers are

writer's block

  • A Dry Spell

    November 20, 2009

    • To say that I am enduring what feels like an unyielding dry spell would be something of an understatement. The worst part of it is that I don't know what to do about it. I know that the best thing any of us can do is simply continue to work and work through whatever the emotional issues are that keep us from writing, but it really isn't that easy.I kind of liken what is happening to me in the ...
  • National Novel Writing Month Update

    November 14, 2009

    • Dang. I've written almost nothing in the last two days.  As you can see from my sidebar count, I'm not quite behind, but I'm having a hard time getting started again.  I'm running out of energy...  *frown* This is what Maureen Johnson calls The Middle. How's everyone else doing?
  • It's not you, it's me

    November 9, 2009

    • I recently came to the startling realization that my current writing project isn’t working out — not the way I’d like it to, anyhow. I’ve actually spent time over the past few weeks staring at my manuscript pages, thinking: I’m sorry, but it’s just not working out between us and I need some time to think things over and Perhaps we should spend a little time apart.And, finally: It’s ...
  • BEING HOMOLATERAL- THE HIPPO ON YOUR HEAD-Part Two

    November 2, 2009

    •  If you would like to read part one of this blog, please visit: http://redroom.com/blog/lslbradford/being-homolateral-the-hippo-on-your-head-part-oneI believe, mind you this is just a theory, that writer's block is lodged firmly in the homolateral state. From this 'stuck' place, we are either far too consumed with the details and end up suffering analysis paralysis, or we are living in the ...
  • CAUTION -- Can't Write

    September 27, 2009

    •   You’ve seen it in the movies.    I saw it when the avalanche came down Mt. Timpanogos at Sundance and wiped out cabins.    Police tape.    “CAUTION” printed in black repeats itself across a bright yellow background warning everyone to stay out.   When they roped it across the road at Sundance after the avalanche, my neighbors (Dan, Jeannie, Mary, ...
  • Beating writer's block & getting to the end of a story

    September 16, 2009

    • Rose asks: "I was wondering if you could give a budding author some advice. Since the age of five, I've been writing stories. However, I haven't been able to finish any; writer's block gets me every time. Any advice on how to over come writer's block?"First of all, a question for you. Do you plot out your stories and have an ending in mind before you ...
  • Put your hands up. Step away from the computer.

    September 15, 2009

    • Lately I’ve found myself with some serious writing burnout. I think it’s partly that our gorgeous, summery Seattle weather has not been conducive to writing. But it’s also that I’ve been cranking away at the keyboard on the same project for quite some time. And while this is a great way to get a draft down, it’s not always the most inspiring way to work – for me, anyway.So I decided a ...
  • On Wondering What to Write a Book About and How to Go About the Writing

    September 2, 2009

    • Now the big question is: "What to write about?"I have always been somewhat of an "automatic writer" whether it was with poetry or a short story or scattered nuggets of memoir. I am not necessarily proud of this though it comes naturally and it is nice to have something I love that is sort of effortless. That being said - it wasn't until I was in a Short Story writing class a ...
  • breaking the silence

    August 31, 2009

    • Today is another one of those "first day(s) of the rest of my life" where I am hands down swearing to start writing and keep writing and see if maybe - just maybe - I've still got something. If not talent, then at least a little left over shiny bit of dream to one day BE a writer. Ugh. Soft heart. Tired mind. Having gone from delirious crush to Stepford Wife to ...
  • My Answer to Writer’s Block

    July 31, 2009

    • As a writer, one of the biggest challenges I have faced has been writer’s block.  Trauma can do that to a writer—the voice can just be lost.  When I looked at the page and found I could no longer write I decided I would help other writers.  That is why I decided to do what I do today.  I’m an editor because I can’t find my own voice…I still can’t find it…so I help others bring ...