David McCaleb
When you say "writer's block", I'm assuming you mean the "I have no idea where this #*&@! thing is going" kind of writer's block. In that case, you outline. You have to get a general idea of where the story is headed. It doesn't need to be too specific, but create your target. Can't even do that? Ask a kid. They'll come up with some of the most absurd, and ingenious, ideas.
Next, review your characters. Who are they now? How should they change through the story? Characters are the most interesting part of any novel, literary or commercial. I know not every author will agree with me on that, but who cares about the story if you can't relate to the characters and enjoy walking in their flesh? Figure them out. Just like the outline, it doesn't need to be too specific.
Finally, plop those characters back onto the pages of the manuscript. Now that they know where they're at, and where they need to go in the story, they'll take off running so fast your fingers won't be able to keep up.
A mild warning: Don't let that outline constrain you. If one of your characters gets a scent in their nose and runs off the page to chase it, let them. At least for a little while. But keep a zapper collar around their throat so that you can call them back should they stray too far.
Next, review your characters. Who are they now? How should they change through the story? Characters are the most interesting part of any novel, literary or commercial. I know not every author will agree with me on that, but who cares about the story if you can't relate to the characters and enjoy walking in their flesh? Figure them out. Just like the outline, it doesn't need to be too specific.
Finally, plop those characters back onto the pages of the manuscript. Now that they know where they're at, and where they need to go in the story, they'll take off running so fast your fingers won't be able to keep up.
A mild warning: Don't let that outline constrain you. If one of your characters gets a scent in their nose and runs off the page to chase it, let them. At least for a little while. But keep a zapper collar around their throat so that you can call them back should they stray too far.
More Answered Questions
Richard Derus
asked
David McCaleb:
"I was like a father who’d just moved their last child into the college dorm just to awaken the next day to sounds of morning sickness emanating from the bathroom." *bwaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaahaaaaaaaaa* My poor parents. That's me. It was *almost* happening to me, too, but was a false alarm. Clearly Kensington liked your humor and relatability. I expect that's also in RECALL, right?
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