It happens. RL (Real Life) gets in the way of our plans. I can write through about anything, any crisis, any voices in the other room, and any commotion. But as time goes on, I’ve discovered a few situations that make writing impossible: Here’s a brief summary of those times:
1. When the temperature in my house reaches 80+ degrees. Yes, the air conditioner went out, our third A/C unit in ten years. That’s what living on the beach and salt air does to metal. I ran to the hardware store and bought two box fans to stick in my windows. But I couldn’t leave the windows open because…
2. When the city sends an email warning you that escaped Haitians are expected to land. On the beach. One hundred and fifty feet from your back door. Remember, you’re living in a house with the open windows…
3. When the painter comes to finish his work on your house, and he drops a screwdriver that bounces and breaks your sliding glass door. Leaving you without a door. When Haitians are heading to the island. The one where you live. But not to worry, he’ll tape up an old shower curtain over the gaping hole. Yes, that’ll keep out those pesky Haitians…
4. When you find out that they did capture the Haitians. They were armed and had drugs.
Those four times made writing really difficult. But I tried. Honest I did. When I can’t get to my writing, I feel yucky. Like when I haven’t taken a shower or brushed my teeth. I also feel itchy, not skin-itchy, but twitchy-itchy. Of course, that could be the temperature or the Haitians or the repair guys who came to the house to fix the glass door but broke the new glass lifting it out of the truck.
What Can You Do When You Can’t Write?
What can you do when you can’t write? (I’m talking about heavy-duty, words in the work-in-progress type of writing.)
1. Mind map. I love these. A mind map is the perfect way to capture a baby idea on paper. I file these and put them aside for later.
2. A recording. I use Otter, and I love it! I know, I know. Some people can’t record a story. I don’t try to get the story right. I simply talk about what I’m thinking. Otter will preserve it for the future. If you sign up, you’ll be able to try it for free for a time. https://otter.ai/referrals/2VO5ZXGE
3. Take notes. I go ahead and make a few notes. Typically, I use this format: Who, What, When, Where, Why and How. Honest to Pete, those are the most valuable words an author knows. Whenever I get stuck, I turn to them.
4. Do research. It’s easy to over-research a topic and never get down to writing, but you certainly can peruse maps, look up data points, and check history.
5. Order books that’ll give you research or information on your topic.
6. Order a cover. As I’ve said before, covers make my books real. I like to order them in advance because then I’m compelled to work on the story.
7. Write posts for Substack or for a blog tour.
8. Imagine how you would defend yourself if those Haitians decided a shower curtain wasn’t enough to keep them out of your house.
Okay, dish. What keeps you from writing?
Need Something to Read This Weekend?
Jetsey Davies has lost her husband, her best friend, and her right boob. When her aunt by marriage sends a cry for help, Jetsey is all too willing to drop everything (which isn’t much) and drive to South Carolina to help out in a little shop named Sweetgrass. Only…it’s not a mission of mercy. It’s a trap, and Jetsey has walked right into it.
Sweetgrass, Chapters 1-7, are now available for you to read…FREE!
Sweetgrass or
Love a Little History with Your Mystery?
Do you love historical fiction? You might want to check out these books. https://books.bookfunnel.com/historicalthrillerandmystery/kowav2niob
Do You Live Near Seattle?
I’ll be attending Left Coast Crime in Bellevue, Washington, from April 11 through 14, 2024. If you live nearby, let me know. Maybe we can have coffee together? Email me at JCSlan@JoannaSlan.com
What keeps me from writing? Life does. School stuff for my daughter. Other things in life. Writer’s block. Not knowing what to write next. I have a notebook that I keep a breast of the characters I’ve used & such. I also have a Word doc where I keep everything & quotes I may use for chapter titles. If someone got a pet, what it is & name. If a business was used maybe 3 times, I keep a record of what its name is. Who knows, you may need to reference it another time. Happy writing.