I recently delved into an insightful article addressing the notorious affliction of writers—writer's block. Intrigued by the strategies to overcome this ubiquitous challenge, I found myself inspired to share my own encounter with this daunting curse. My hope is that, through recounting my experience, I can offer solace and guidance to fellow writers grappling with the same impediment.
I understand your skepticism. How, you might wonder, does this narrative about conquering writer's block relate to your novel featuring an exceedingly paranoid character or a contemporary rendition of Little Red Riding Hood from the "hood"?
Every writing venture, irrespective of its scale, germinates from an idea. Yet, the vigor with which you nurture that idea determines its strength. Allow me to illustrate this with my novel, "Years Gone." The genesis of this project occurred after completing the video game "The Last of Us" on my PlayStation 3. Contemplating alternative endings and diverse choices, I initiated a brainstorming process. Through extensive note-taking and character exploration, I gradually formulated a cohesive storyline and commenced drafting.
A pivotal factor that fueled my motivation during the writing process was maintaining a perpetual focus on what unfolded next. Daily, I would dedicate time to composing a chapter or two and then channel the remainder of my day into mentally outlining the subsequent narrative arcs, even during mundane tasks or work hours. Admittedly, there were days when inspiration waned or motivation dwindled. On such occasions, I sought rejuvenation from movies and TV shows aligned with the themes I was navigating. Remarkably often, a spark of creativity emerged, breaking through the barricade of writer's block.
In those rare instances when visual stimuli failed to kindle inspiration, I turned to the timeless embrace of books. Whether delving into marketing literature or savoring Stephen King's memoir on writing, the tangible connection with printed words became a source of empowerment. It was a tangible reminder that others had grappled with similar struggles, persevered, and succeeded—affirming that I could do the same.
Capturing fleeting ideas is essential. Whether recorded on paper or typed into a digital repository like Trello, the importance lies in externalizing these musings to prevent their evaporation. Personally, I utilize Trello for its organizational prowess, but in the earlier stages, a trusty black spiral notebook served the same purpose.
Reflecting on my journey, I would advise my younger self to endure the tribulations of writer's block. The gratification derived from holding the final printed manuscript far surpasses the transient discomfort endured during the writing process. Writing demands a constant mental presence; neglecting it risks forgetting the essence of your work, potentially leading to the abandonment of promising ideas. To those of you procrastinating, I implore you to return to your work before the sands of time run out. The completion of your literary endeavors will reward you with an unparalleled sense of accomplishment—one you'll savor anew with each finished novel.