Overcome Writers Block with Snake Dancing
Judy Cullins c. 2003
Writers block! Even columnist Dave Berry has it. He admits that
at least 30 times a day when writing his humor column, he gets up
from his computer to sip his Pepsi and to divert his attention when
he can't think of what to write. Recently, he reached for the cola
and instead found a coiled snake. He tried barbecue tongs to carry
it away, but when it landed in his pool, he kept the dance going
trying to catch the thing.
As a writer you may think you are blocked because you think your
book may not be significant enough, you don't know how to format
it, or since you aren't famous, your book won't sell. Or, like Dave
you can't think of something great to say.
Let the book coach encourage you beyond your doubts. Know that
your book is unique and offers useful solutions to help your audience
solve their challenge or problem. You don't have to write like others,
and yes, you can write a saleable book.
What is Writer's Block?
To me it's just that I'm distracted and don't seem organized enough
with what's important to write for my particular audience. It's
a signal that my brain won't focus temporarily. Like Dave Berry,
I need a break.
To some of you, it's like stepping off a cliff and plunging into
the abyss. You don't have all the answers to start, so it becomes
overwhelming to even put words to paper..
Why do we have Writer's Block?
1. We have too many ideas/ choices. We need to focus on one thing
at a time. Write down 3-4 topics you are passionate about. Take
some deep breaths, and let the #1 come forth. Write on one book
primarily, and just put new ideas into the others' folder. Stay
with your #1 book until you finish it. When we don't finish a project,
we feel guilty--and hence more stuck!
2. Fear. Really, "False Evidence Appearing Real." Our
performance anxiety keeps us from taking that next step.However,
we can get direction and skills from a how-to book on writing or
a qualified book coach if we are willing.
3. We don't have enough information to move forward to write a
clear, compelling book. Perhaps we aren't sure of how to publish
our book. Or, we don't know how to put a chapter together. Book
writing information is easily available from the Internet. Do a
search on "book coaching" and find helpful resources.
4. It seems an enormous task in time and money. What most emerging
authors don't realize is that they don't have to write the "end
all, be all" book. Just choose one focus such as solving one
problem or writing for only one preferred audience per book. Targeted
audiences are much easier to sell to.
How to Get Unstuck.
1. Warm up! Writers need to relax, get into alpha state each time
before they write. So take deep belly breaths for 1-2 minutes first.
Another way to set up your book writing success is to listen to
relaxing music before you set out to write. You may even warm up
by handwriting something before you commit it to your computer.
2. Got the blank page blues? Write a little the day beforethen
you have a partial page to hook new related, information onto. I
wrote this article in two sittings because I didn't like my old
introduction.
3. Switch tasks, but honor a time set aside for writing each day.
If you are stuck in #1 book, add research stories, or how to's to
the #2 book. If stuck on one chapter, start or work on another one.
4. Organize your book, both on your computer and in paper files.
For your book, name it and save as the main folder. Add new files
to this folder such as
- the introduction
- Chapter One and the rest
- Table of Contents with Chapter Titles
- The back cover, sales letter, or 30-60 Second Tell and Sell (sales
message).
5. Start a promotion folder too. Name one folder "traditional"
and another one "online." Start adding files of promotion
information as it comes to you.
Then, when your book is almost finished, you'll have your promotion
foundation ready to hit the ground running for fast, continuous
sales that keep your cash flow going.
6. Love your topic. When you have passion for your book, you won't
have many blocks. You'll be excited to sit down and spend special
time each week on it. You may want to work daily like I do. When
you do one "high level" activity a day on your book, you
will finish before you know it and you will feel exhilarated and
satisfied at your results.
Remember a page a day yields 365 pages a year. Think about a shorter
book of only 25-50 pages you can deliver as an eBook or print book.
You can finish one in less than a month!
For more information about writing, books, and publishing click here.
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Book and Internet Marketing Coach, Judy Cullins, can help you build credibility and clients, sell a lot of books, and make maximum profits. Author of 11 books including Write your eBook or Other Short Book Fast and The Fast and Cheap Way to Explode Targeted Web Traffic" Get her free eBook"20 High Octane Book Writing and Marketing Tips" and two free monthly ezines at http://www.bookcoaching.com
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