Freelance Writer and Social Worker

25 Strategies for Smashing Through Writer's Block

Even those writers who swear they never have any kind of writer's block (and don't you just hate them?) have probably had some days when writing was easier than others. They just gave those hard days another name.

Whether you want to attribute the more difficult days to writing block, a runaway muse, not feeling well, or even dealing with the agony of an assignment you hate, there are a few quick fixes for powering through this tough time and getting back on track. Here are some of my favorite methods.

1. Skip the part that's giving you trouble. If you have no idea how your characters are going to stumble across a fresh body in Chapter 1, don't worry about that and head on to Chapter 2 where they're being interviewed by the police.

2. Play Sudoku or work a jigsaw puzzle. Or if you like, you can play a computer game. The idea is to engage another part of your mind which may have some ideas to contribute to your writing.

3. Vacuum. Repetitive motion. Soothing sound. House looks good when you're finished. Yea.

4. Wash dishes. Again, a simple, ritualistic task that takes you mind off your story and actually improves your living space.

5. Take a walk. Many people think best on their feet.

6. Pay bills. Sometimes a low account balance can scare you into getting back to work.

Don't Cry for Me Argentina - Combining Work and Play

January 19th was my birthday, and a friend and I were lucky enough to snag tickets to a concert featuring two of my favorite theater stars, Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin. The last time these two lifelong friends appeared onstage together was when they played Eva and Che, respectively, in the Broadway run of Evita.

If I've listened to the Evita soundtrack once, I've listened to it a thousand times. Just ask my poor parents who had to hear it, too. I've probably got the only mother in the United States who wishes her kid had been into death metal!

Just being in the same room with those two magnificent and familiar voices gave me shivers. And okay, I'll admit it, when Patti LuPone hit the last note in "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," I teared up.

I expected the duo to be fantastic, and they were. Based on their reputations, I expected them to work their tails off to put on a brilliant show, and they did. What I didn't expect was that they would have so much fun. Although the songs were utterly amazing, my favorite moments were the ad libs, the gentle back-and-forth teasing, and the shared smiles and looks which spoke eloquently of a friendship lasting more than 30 years.

Patti LuPone and Mandy Patinkin not only put on a once-in-a-lifetime show for their audience, they clearly enjoyed every minute of it. That was what made the concert truly magical.

Defying Gravity...My Countdown Begins

About two years ago, I went to see the musical Wicked in Chicago with my niece, Bethany. The last song in the first act, "Defying Gravity" is about a woman deciding to take a completely new direction in her life. The lyrics have remained in my head ever since I saw the show: "Too late for second guessing / Too late to go back to sleep. / It's time to trust my instincts / close my eyes and leap."  

Today, I decided to embark on a major life change of my own. I want to support myself as a full time writer. I've wanted that ever since I've been a kid. I decided to give myself a gift today and honor my dream.

My goal: To be able to leave my day job and start writing full time on May 1, 2012.

Of course, I realize a self-sustaining business isn't just going to happen. I'm going to have to work my tail off this year and from then on, but I'm willing to do it. I spent most of last night drawing up a business plan that should wean me away from my day job within the next twelve months. For anyone interested in making a similar leap, here it is.

1. Get Help

I'm thrilled to announce that I've hired a writing mentor to help me with this goal. She has a very practical, results-oriented way of looking at the world, and I she holds her mentees accountable for setting and reaching goals. I feel like she and I will be a good match as I take my first uncertain steps into the world of fulltime freelancing.

2. Get Educated

During the next year, I'm going to read everything I can get my hands on about writing, both about the business of writing and the craft. I think I'm pretty good now, but if I want to succeed with this, I'll have to be better than pretty good. I'll have to be f---ing awesome.

3. Examine My Priorities

I spent an hour writing two articles tonight and made twelve dollars. That's less than I made at my first high school job. It's time to take a long, hard look at where I'm spending my energy and reserve precious writing hours for the best paying jobs.

4. Come Up with a Firm Marketing Plan

Marketing is probably one of my least favorite activities in the world, but all successful businesses do it. It's time to overcome the willies and go after the business I know I deserve.

5. Learn to Take Fantastic Care of Myself

I'm probably the meanest boss I've ever had. I don't always eat the right foods or get enough sleep, and when I'm working on an article, there is no such thing as a lunch break or a bathroom break. I also tend to isolate myself horribly when I'm in the writing mode. I have one year to unlearn those behaviors before they tear me apart, and I'm ready to start the process...now.

Have you made the switch to fulltime freelancing? What about that was hardest for you?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g4ekwTd6Ig