Writing Issues

[Lacresha Hayes]

What are some of the things that can hinder great writing? How do you overcome it?

[Poetry From The Soul]

I write poetry and I use to have trouble remember what I thought of at night it's hard when your between being awake and sleep and words start running through your mind and if you don't have pen and paper handy or to tired to wake up fully you forget everything by the time you do wake up so you have to have pen and paper and force yourself to wake up and write it down. One night it seemed like everytime I closed my eyes something would start going through my head so needless to say by the next morning I have written 24 poems and was very tired but proud.

[JaWar]

Congrats Leopard Diva on taking those necessary steps to putting your thoughts to paper. Sometimes great ideas don't always come at the most convenient times. I suppose this is one of the many ways that separates those that do from those that do not. Taking the time to write down or thoughts and organize them are steps to bringing our dreams and visions to reality.

[Shammah]

Well, good question is it not! I've learned in my short venture into writing (and I suppose my long journey in poetry) that if something doesn't "grab my gut," and make me want to explode if I "don't get it out" then it is not to be written; for me it's that plain and simple.

By way of an example, I was inspired to start a book; a book of inspiration for women. This came about when I got yet another notice of another male inspirational speaker coming to town and I asked (of no one where), "Where are the female motivational, inspirational speakers??" For any of you on this journey of rediscovering our Heavenly Father and who we are in relation to Him you'll understand it when I tell you that "a voice" said, "Well, why don't you do something about it?" So, I sat down, and I kid you not, by the time I got off the computer, that one afternoon, I'd written 4 chapters. I haven't written a thing since then, and I've learned to leave well enough alone. If I try to force it, it becomes false, made up, dreary and uninspiring. BUT when the Spirits moves...man I had better be ready with pen and paper or access to a computer...because it flows like a might river of "living waters." Phew...see, I didn't even know what I was going to write just now.

Thanks for listening!

[Coach Marla]

As do I !! Thank you Shammah for sharing that with us.
It fits a lot of us, I think.

~Many Blessings~
Marla

[Amber Stults]

I think one thing that can hinder great writing is self-censorship. Maybe you don't write a particular scene because it's based on something that happened to you as a kid and you don't want a family member to recognize it. Or you think a certain word has so many bad connotations that you don't use it even though it's the right one.

You overcome these things but just moving forward and doing it. Lots of people want to think anything you write (fiction or non-fiction) is autobiographical and they'll put themselves in there whether or not what you wrote had anything to do with that person. As for words... those are powerful things. If you think it's the correct one, then just use it. You can change your mind later during another draft.

[Lacresha Hayes]

Amber,

That's a great point, one that is seldom mentioned, but that every writer probably faces at least once in their career.

[Alee]

Writer's block most definitely. Sometimes it just flows out like water from a faucet, other days...desert dry!!

Anyone have any suggestions on how to beat this?

~A

[JaWar]

Greetings Alee

You may want to do something different to get your creative juices flowing. For some people this means watching a movie, walking, running, swimming, going to the park, festival or concert, helping others, reading, listening to music, visiting family members, painting, gardening and cooking, etc. It's just about getting your mind wrapped around something different so that creativity begins again. Often a new experience will cause the mind to think and wonder as such.

You may want to download and read BOOK PIMPING, perhaps there's something in there that will get your juices flowing.

[Melody Calhoun]

For me, I have to wait for the times when I feel "pulled" to write. Most often that occurs in the middle of the night when everyone is asleep. Whenever I feel that urge,,, I HAVE TO get up and write,,, no matter how tired I am, or what I have to do the next day. I always pray before I write too,,, as I want my work to glorify the Lord Jesus. Part of my own obedience to Christ is listening for whenever He calls me to express what He shows me.

I think that all writers, or any creative person for that matter, must be concious of when they feel inspired, and follow those whims. Truly we are blessed greatly by God for the talents He has given us. I pray He continues to lead us all to do the work He has set before us to do.

Keeping journals really keeps my creative juices flowing also.

[FELICIA JOHNSON]

I don't think that I am qualified to answer this question just yet but I will try. Nothing can hinder you if you do not let it and you overcome them by continuing no matter what. Even if you have to take a break just continue when you can.