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Do you ever fall into a writing slump? Perhaps you are between writing projects or you are burning out on the one you are working on. Maybe you suffer from writers’ block. You are poised to write, but your brain and imagination won’t cooperate. How do you handle it?

For writers’ block, especially if you have an assignment and/or are on a writing deadline, I would just start writing. Type your thoughts about the fact that you can’t think of anything to write. Then consider the topic you are trying to approach. Type some facts, thoughts, stories related to the topic and see what comes up. Often, this exercise will lead right to a good starting place or even a good middle that you can use to ground your chapter, article or story. Just delete the jibber jabber you wrote in the beginning and move on with your story.

Write something else. If you truly can’t focus on the topic or theme at hand, if it is driving you crazy just thinking about it, if you are drawing a giant blank, write a story about your cat’s latest cute antic, your cousin’s eventful visit last weekend, or describe the lovely dinner you prepared for the family the night before. The point of this exercise is to start the flow of words coming from your imagination to the computer screen (or onto the paper if you prefer). Once the words are flowing nicely, begin to think about the project at hand and you might be surprised to discover what flows out.

Many times over the years, when I’ve felt stuck or stilted in my writing, I will attempt to remove myself from the equation. I quiet myself using a meditative process (self-hypnosis and prayer work, too). Then I place my hands on the keyboard and allow my fingers to seek out the keys they want. I have been surprised many times at how clearly and easily a phrase or entire article will appear as I sit back and watch it happen.

These are tips for overcoming temporary writers’ block. But what about when you are between projects or you are experiencing burn out? Hey, I say walk away. It’s time for something new in your life—new scenery (how about having iced coffee on the patio), a new activity (does your garden need tending?), a new direction (a shopping trip can be a nice distraction), company (this is a good opportunity to spend time with your favorite non-writer friends) or some other diversion tactic.

I like to take a break between projects and spruce up an area of the house that has been neglected after months spent writing a book, for example. Pick up one of your hobbies for a great burst of creative satisfaction. Go out and adopt a kitten or older dog companion. Cook a dish for or make something else to share with a neighbor. Get some serious exercise. Visit a local Farmer’s Market and stock up on good-for-you fruits and veggies.

Writing can become a lifestyle. Many of us have created careers around our love of writing. But everyone, even creatives who are doing what they enjoy most, need a respite from the routine, lest we become stagnant. At least that’s what I tell myself when I am enjoying an afternoon away from the office.

How do you deal with writers’ block, burn out or those slow periods between projects? Leave your comment here.

Do you have a process of writing? Is it working for you? Or are struggling through your writing sessions? If you question everything you write, if you find writing distasteful, perhaps there is something wrong. And that something may be your mindset—your attitude—and not so much your approach.

My grandson volunteered to write the obituary for his grandfather last week. When I saw it published in the newspaper, I complimented him on a darn good job. He had also written a letter in memory of my father (his great grandfather) when he passed away and my grandson could not make it from college to the services. He said that the letter was much easier to write because he was able to say what he felt. (It was a beautifully written letter full of his heartfelt sentiments.) He said that it is harder writing an obituary because there is a certain formality. He felt a bit stifled because of the structure required. He told me, “I feel I’m a much better writer when I can get my thoughts out without any kind of designated format.”

This is a problem for some people who want to write for publication (magazines, websites, etc.) because they also want to write what they want to write in their own style and with their own emphasis. Some writers never get it. Even when I work with them and point out over and over again how important it is to write for the editor or the market, they still want to share their message, get their point across, write in their style. And they wonder why they don’t get published.

When we sit down to write a book, now there’s an opportunity to really express yourself through your writing. A book, you can write your way. If you want to write it for publication, however, and you want it to be widely read, I’m afraid it comes back to the readership. Again, teachers and counselors will advise, write what they want and/or need.

Many authors are publishing books indiscriminately these days because they can. All it takes is an idea—any idea—and a wad of money. But not all of these books are being accepted or read. Again, let me remind you that around 78 percent of all books produced today fail. The major reason is the fact that many authors write to please themselves or to make a statement with little regard for their readers.

If you have a burning desire to write what you want—to get your opinion, view point or message down on paper—here’s what I suggest.
• Keep a diary.
• Write letters (to friends, to the editor…).
• Start a blog.
• Comment on other blogs on this topic.
• Establish a newsletter.
• Get involved in online forums where everyone is talking about this topic.

If you still need to get it published beyond your blog, a newsletter or a forum, either resign yourself to the fact that a book on the topic might be of interest only to those who already embrace this concept. If you want to reach others, however, this is when you need to think way outside the box. Write what they want in a way that is palatable to them.

If you want to break into a particular magazine, you’ll be wise to step back and take the necessary steps, which are: study several issues of the magazine from front to back, top to bottom until you totally understand their style and purpose. Review their submission guidelines and then follow them in submitting your piece. Do they want to see a query letter in which you succinctly define the article you want to write? Are they interested in you—who you are and why you are the right person to write this piece? Perhaps they want to see the completed article formatted and written to their specifications. Your job, if you want to be published, is to comply.

Questions?