Goodreads asked C.R. Stewart:

How do you deal with writer’s block?

C.R. Stewart This is actually very common with writers. One way is when you are writing your story, you do not need to write in order, from scene to scene. It’s great when it is flowing and you know what comes next, but often you will write a scene and become stuck, not sure how to finish that section or bridge to the next scene. Remember, you can always leapfrog to another section—anywhere in your story. The most important thing to remember about writing is to keep writing, not to lose your flow or momentum: get your words out and down on paper (or computer). If you get stuck, just leapfrog to a section you want to write or already have an idea on how it will go. You could be off to a great start, then get stuck on page 50 or 70 or 100. Jump to another section that you have already thought about, write, then jump back and continue on or finish the previous section.

Another way to get through writer’s block is to start editing what you have written. Always be writing or editing. They say that writing is 10% writing and 90% re-rewriting (editing), which I agree with. When I was working on Britfield & the Lost Crown, I came to an exciting section at Windsor Castle—a major reversal (about the middle of the book). I was stuck; I could not figure out what came next, how to continue. So, I just jumped back to the very beginning of my manuscript and started editing everything I had already written. It was great. I was able to improve what I wrote and give myself time to figure out the scene I was stuck on. After a weeks, I jumped back to that scene and finished it.

It takes a tremendous amount of time and discipline to write. It is my estimate that it will take you around 4-5 hours for every finished page. If you want to write a 200 page book, it will probably take you around 800-1000 hours. Now you see why it is important to continue writing, whether you are creating something new or editing.

flag