Image:jscreationzs1
Ever been stuck in a hard place with your story? … Too paralysed to go forward? … Too petrified to delete or go back?
Maybe you don’t know where your plot’s going? … Or your plot’s not working hard enough? … Or perhaps the reader is not identifying with or caring about your main character?
As writers we have a repertoire of strategies we can tap into, to unravel our writing conundrums.
First we must recognize there is a problem and inject ourselves with confidence, believing we CAN solve our writing dilemma.
That we have the ABILITY to do it.
I’ve utilized these trusted strategies, to unblock fear and rethink a new way out.
Step #1 … Write down what the problem is. Brainstorm and mind-map all the possible solutions.
Step #2 … Connect with our writer’s intuition, your own gut feelings.
Step #3 … Skip ahead in your story. Make a note to come back later.
Step #4 … Swap to a different writing project until you get an inspiration.
Step #5 … Recheck the problem against your planning, the story arc graph & summaries of all your scenes
Step #6 … Meditate on the solution. Sleep on it. Next morning percolate possibilities whilst you’re walking briskly.
Step #7 … Turn to your writing buddies for advice. Ask them to critique your work with that particular quandary in mind.
Please remember NEVER GIVE UP. Keep writing every single day 
Many of these strategies can be adapted to solving personal problems too.
What writing dilemmas have I solved utilizing these Strategies?
In the early stages of drafting Kids Sci-fi, JOSH AND THE IT, Josh the super hero achieved his goals, one by one. Far too EASILY! I needed a series of Brick Walls trials to challenge Josh, to build tension and make his final victory sweeter. I brainstormed every possible conflict and challenging situation, internal and external, that Josh and the Super Space Kids could confront. They would have to prove their merit as super heroes. I then sent out this tighter version to buddy writers for critique and feedback … They suggested even more BRICK WALLS trials and tribulations!
What strategies do you engage to solve your writing problems?
I’d LOVE to hear about your experiences.
