When I asked, “What keeps you from writing?” I received a variety of responses. One in particular struck me. That reader said, “I don’t know what to write next.”
Listen, my children, and you will hear…
See, it doesn’t matter what you write next. It matters that you keep on writing. You can write any scene that pops into your head. But until (and unless) you write it, it doesn’t exist.
Think about that.
Here’s why…
You must get your ideas out of your head and down on paper or up on the screen. Only then can you manipulate it. So, for example, you don’t know where or how, but you know your hero will have a climactic fight scene. You sit down. You’re ready to rumble. Buttttttt…you don’t feel like writing the next scene. Frankly, you think what comes next is a tad boring. Rather than waste that valuable writing time, get going on what moves you.
Doing stuff in order? Nah.
Oh, no! You say. That isn’t right. I have to do this in order.
Who says? Huh? Are the novel police going to come to your door and grab your manuscript? Doubtful.
Here’s what you need to write…
Write what energizes you. Write what moves you. Write what gives you energy. When you get enough written, print out the whole shebang. Cut and paste sections together in order. Add a blank piece of paper where you need a transition or whatever.
Never, ever waste writing time.
Point being: Never, ever waste writing time. Get something down. You’ll figure out how to use it later. Or not. If you can’t use it, at least you’ve moved it out of your brain to make room for more ideas.
Only 99 cents? Get out of town.
Right now, The Friday Night Mystery Club: Book #1 is only 99 cents. (I don’t know how long we’ll keep it at that price.) If you love quirky characters, exotic settings, and female amateur sleuths, you’ll love The Friday Night Mystery Club. Come on! For 99 cents how wrong can you go?
Speaking of books…
What your wardrobe really needs is a pair of Book Earrings! You might get that pair by entering the random drawing below!
https://kingsumo.com/g/vnhoeu/read-more-books-book-lovers-earrings
Need Something New to Read?
Don’t forget that I’m serializing Sweetgrass. Right now, this is turning into an epic book. I don’t’ know what I’ll do with it. Maybe split it into a trilogy? While I’m deciding, you get to see a book as it’s being “made.” Warts and all. Go here to read for free: https://reamstories.com/joannaslan
Plant Lovers? Hello? Are you out there?
Last September, I was walking and I noticed a bunch of landscape guys tearing out the summer plants, making way for fall ones. This purple vine was gorgeous, so I asked for a couple of branches. I started them (rooted them) in water and gee-whiz!!! Look at it grow! Do you love plants? Ever start them yourself? I want you to brag about your plant babies.
This makes so much sense! Just write what’s in my brain to use or not to use, it’s up to me, but got to clear that space between my ears. I think I’m learning a lil something something.