The top 7 Methods To Combat Writer’s Block...
...Of the lack of Creativity and Inspiration Variety.
1. I watch writing videos
like the Chris Fox videos mentioned above.
2. Read books in another favorite genre,
opposite of what I am writing in. Reading inspires me, especially if it is a different genre.
For instance, I read a lot of murder mysteries from authors such as Peter Robinson. His character, DCI Alan Banks, is one of the greatest characters ever put down on paper.
Peter captures mannerisms and quirks like nobody’s business, and reading his work, I am inspired to shore up my characters, which in turn inspires a short for a novel based around that character.
No, Mr. Robinson is not paying me for this endorsement. I am including a favorite author who I draw inspiration from and whose works I have read since 1988 when the first Banks book, “Gallows View,” hit the stores.
Unfortunately for me (and him ultimately), Mr. Robinson passed away suddenly on 4 October 2022, and my dreams of meeting my “hero” have been dashed.
3. Read books or articles about Science, History, Theory, and other real “animals.”
This method inspires everything from war and battle scenes to time travel and Quantum mechanics.
Examples of how this works:
The First War of Orelium (“Rise of Orelium”) between the Luminari and Daemon is based on the Moroccan–Portuguese conflicts that lasted almost 400 years.
Time travel in the A Rube in Time series is based on Quantum Mechanics of how the Rube took Meryia back in time. She explains this theory to her crew in the book “Law Breakers Vol. 3” as criminals from different timelines begin to arrive in their timeline of 1848.
4. I listen to music.
Sometimes I listen to classical, but most of the time, I listen to something Rockish… and by Rockish, I mean anything from My Chemical Romance to Cannibal Corpse… don’t judge me! 😛
Regardless, listening to some of my favorite songs has inspired me through song titles or simple lyric that triggers a short story or a scene in a book.
5. I think back to my childhood
and recall fond memories of experiences from living in Europe. As I thought about all the places I have been as a child and as an adult, Mortoa took on the feel of the Andalusian coast, and Antion took on the sense of Qizqapan, Iraqi Kurdistan.
In a recent edit of “Rise of Orelium,” I referenced one of my favorite meals growing up in Rota, Spain, made by my adopted Abuela Dolores, Moorish Tagine.
In my mind, the rich, spicy, meaty stew was something my Dwarfs would enjoy as a staple meal.
During that edit, I rewrote a “breaking bread” scene between the Dwarves, the Uasal, and the Zarins when King Dhorfal prepared the meal and handed the first two bowls to King Tesar and Queen Thangwen as they created their alliance against Zaranur.
6. Reread my finished drafts
Finished is important. I only reread a draft once I am done with the final chapter.
Rereading a draft in progress is my quickest and easiest path to self-sabotage. I end up constantly editing instead of writing and getting so frustrated that I toss my drafts.
As I reread a finished draft, I create a page in my world bible and draw a line in the middle. One heading is “Missing,” and the other is “What the F..k is this Shit?”
I list the chapter and read it. Once I find something missing or makes no sense, I write it on my list.
Nine out of ten times, my “missing or makes no sense” issues are the lack of world-building.
7. Work On World Building.
And this brings us back to World Anvil, April Camp NaNo 2023, “Rise of Orelium,” And what I am doing now.
See what I did there? We come back full circle.
You will discover those answers in the next episode of…. Well, stay tuned for part two!
