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09/21/2011

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Beverly Diehl

I also like to read stuff that makes me laugh, so I'll visit DamnYouAutoCorrect.com. The Oatmeal.com, The Onion, etc. Sometimes all it takes is one big belly laugh and I'm no longer taking myself - and that big rock - so seriously.

Angi Hansen

Great list, Lori. In my limited experience, I've found that my writing only comes to a screeching halt if I run into one enormous roadblock--fear. The only way for me to conquer fear is to step on the gas and shatter the barrier.

Kelly Hashway

I read. Usually reading someone else's work gets my own creative juices flowing.

Girl Parker

BEVERLY -- Great suggestions! And so true - a good laugh somehow makes what's happening in my story a lot easier to deal with. Thanks!

ANGI -- This is where I'm the opposite of you. I need more gas pedal and less avoiding!

KELLY -- So true. Sometimes, I'm inspired by something I read or by someone's style. Sometimes, I just get intimidated by another's obvious genius. That's when I revert to laundry. =)

Elizabeth Young

What about filling out a character worksheet?

Girl Parker

ELIZABETH -- Ab-So-Lutely!! I did an exercise where you put your protagonist in one column, the antagonist in the other column, and you ask them questions. "What do you want?" "What are you willing to do to get it?" "Why do you feel that way?" Oh man, the results!! Great suggestion, E.

Julia

The only thing that works for me is patience and making myself sit at my computer everyday. When I first started blogging, I posted every single day, and believe it or not, that actually (over time) got me writing even more!

Girl Parker

JULIA -- I know just what you mean. I began blogging this year and suddenly, I was writing too. Finally!! Now, my WIP gets in the way of my blogging. Classic conundrum!

amber

I love that you offer your laundry up for other writers.

You are such a giver. :)

Bella

You realize I now can't get that Sound of Music song out of my head, don't you? hee hee! When I suffer from writer's block, I go for a walk with Roxy Lee and sit on one of the benches in the park, notebook in hand. I just know something, or someone will inspire a story! Your tips are fantastic! Must try the flip through old family pictures. I'm sure that one would inspire many a blog post!

Nancy McPherson

You just reminded me. Several years ago the New Yorker had an article by Steven King (the only time I've read him) describing the More Than a Writer's Block..the, the, Writer's Himalayan Range...he faced while recovering from being hit by a van. (!) Archive it (is that a verb?). For openers, he describes the accident and the driver who hit him as coming straight out of one of his novels. While they waited for the ambulance, the guy cheerfully gave him a running commentary on his injuries. That's ALMOST as good a description of writer's block/fear as yours, which I love. Looks like many writers refresh themselves with your blog.

Girl Parker

AMBER -- I'm super humble too. And my load of whites that lives in the dryer would be grateful.

BELLA -- Sorry! I had that song stuck in my head for days afterwards, too. I like to go for a walk too. People watching is always good fodder. If you find any good family pictures, please share!

NANCY -- HAAA!!!! I can totally picture that scene. I'll definitely have to look that up. I started reading Steven King's book, "On Writing." Yes, I was afraid to begin with (he freaks me out), but it's just about the best writing advice around and very entertaining. Thanks for sharing.

Nancy McPherson

I read some of his book, too. I can never forget how he said his babysitter was a heavy woman who would sit on his face and fart to discipline him. He said it prepared him for a life of dealing with literary critiques...

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