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Unlocking Your Writing Mojo: Defeating Writer’s Block and Staying Motivated

Writer’s block is the bane of every writer’s existence. It’s that frustrating moment when your creativity decides to take an extended vacation, leaving you staring at a blank page, desperately searching for inspiration. But fear not! In this article, we’ll explore some lighthearted and effective strategies to overcome writer’s block and reignite your writing motivation. So, grab your favorite beverage, put on some inspiring tunes, and let’s dive in!

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

Embrace the Chaos of Freewriting
Sometimes, the pressure to produce a masterpiece right off the bat can be paralyzing. Instead, give yourself the freedom to write without constraints. Freewriting allows you to pour your thoughts onto the page without worrying about structure or coherence. Let your thoughts run wild, and don’t worry about editing along the way. The aim here is to ignite your creative spark and get words flowing. You never know; a brilliant idea might emerge from the chaos.

Create a Writing Ritual
Establishing a writing routine can work wonders for your motivation. Find a dedicated space and time for writing. Whether it’s a cozy corner in your home or a bustling café, having a designated writing spot can signal your brain that it’s time to focus. Additionally, develop a ritual that helps transition you into a writing mindset. It could be as simple as making a cup of tea, playing your favorite instrumental music, or even wearing your lucky writing socks! Find what works for you and embrace it.

Seek Inspiration Beyond Your Comfort Zone
When your creative well feels dry, it’s time to venture beyond your usual sources of inspiration. Explore different genres, read books outside your preferred niche, or delve into unconventional topics. Draw inspiration from movies, art, nature, or even random conversations with strangers. You’ll be amazed at the connections your mind can make when you expose yourself to new ideas. So, step out of your comfort zone and let the world become your muse.

Engage in Mind-Nurturing Activities
Writing requires a well-nourished mind. Engaging in activities that stimulate your creativity and reduce stress can help combat writer’s block. Take a walk in nature, meditate, practice yoga, or engage in any hobby that brings you joy. A relaxed and rejuvenated mind is more likely to produce insightful and captivating writing. Remember, it’s not just about writing; it’s about taking care of your overall well-being.

Embrace Imperfection and Silly First Drafts
Perfectionism can be a significant roadblock to motivation. Don’t let the fear of producing imperfect work hold you back. Embrace the messiness of first drafts and give yourself permission to write poorly. Remember that editing exists for a reason, and the real magic happens in the revision process. So, let go of the pressure to be flawless and allow yourself to experiment and make mistakes. Your writing will only get better from there.

Connect with Fellow Writers
Writing can be a solitary endeavor, but connecting with other writers can be a game-changer. Join writing communities, attend workshops or conferences, or seek out online writing groups. Engaging with fellow writers provides a supportive network where you can share your struggles, exchange ideas, and find inspiration. Having a community that understands your challenges can rekindle your passion for writing and keep you motivated.

In essence, writer’s block is a temporary setback that all writers face at some point. The key is to experiment, embrace the process, and find what works best for you. Whether it’s through freewriting, creating a writing ritual, seeking inspiration from unconventional sources, engaging in mind-nurturing activities, letting go of perfectionism, or connecting with fellow writers, there are numerous strategies you can employ to overcome writer’s block and stay motivated.

Remember, writing is a journey, and every roadblock is an opportunity for growth. So, the next time you find yourself facing a blank page, take a deep breath, implement these strategies, and let your creativity soar. Trust in your abilities, and don’t be too hard on yourself. Writing is a beautiful and rewarding process, and with a little perseverance, you’ll overcome writer’s block and achieve greatness.

Now, go grab that pen or open your favorite writing software, and let your words dance across the page. Happy writing!

Through Bonded Flesh

by Addison Smith

The alien thing adheres to my arm, digging into my flesh and joining with muscle and nerve. It extends in a sweeping arc, a great pincer that responds to signals from my own human brain.

When I squeeze I feel its force and pressure, like that of our enemy—the great crustacean creatures we battle in endless fields of death. From tooth-like protrusions I feel the thirst for violence. It is infected with their ideals and they burrow into my mind, just as they were intended to.

I agree to their terms. We will join them. The war will end.


Addson Smith is an author of speculative fiction whose work has appeared in Fantasy Magazine, Fireside Magazine, and others. You can find him on Twitter @AddisonCSmith.

The Oratorical Contest

Drabble 47 — A True Story

Photo by Kashawn Hernandez on Unsplash

When I was in high school, my English teacher was so impressed by how I spoke English that she ordered me to join an English oratorical contest. I first refused because speaking English to friends was much easier than speaking oratorically before a watching audience.

But threatening a low grade convinced me otherwise. The oratorical contest came and went. I garnered third place. My family was happy at the result until I told them there were only three contestants; four actually, but the fourth fell sick at the last moment and could not join.

I should have feigned sickness too.

*****

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Short and Sweet

Photo by Green Chameleon on Unsplash

“I liked the idea of putting a book of drabbles together, but I knew I would need a lot of stories. I had no idea how many authors would be interested in writing a drabble, so I decided to ask them. The response was overwhelming and the drabbles started flooding in almost instantly.” -Kevin J. Kennedy

Who said drabbles are read by only a few? I believe drabbles are becoming more popular.

Drabbles were first written in England in the 80’s by science fiction authors. Today, you can find them around the world written in different genres, not only science fiction. 

Why do I enjoy them? 

1. They’re short. You will not get bored reading 100 words.

2. Different authors are in one book, so you get to read different styles of writing. This alone is already intriguing.

3. If you’re a writer you get to learn how to compress a story into 100 words, no more, no less. The mode has to be an introduction, a middle and an end. Some drabble writers don’t follow this, nevertheless their write-ups are intriguing enough to be read.

4. Many drabbles are written to make the readers think. At times you have to read the drabble more than once to find out what it’s saying.

Drabbles are, to coin a phrase, short and sweet. Short, because they’re only 100 words, sweet depending on your mood when you read them. To end, I leave with a quote from Mark Twain.

“I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.” -Mark Twain

Sadness

Photo by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash

The play ended and the audience rose to give him a standing ovation. He didn’t want to attend, but his manager insisted on it. He just wanted to stay home and write. He was a true-blood introvert. 

Then he saw her. It wasn’t what she was wearing. It wasn’t her long jet-black hair. It was her eyes! She had round eyes that seemed to sparkle. He was mesmerized by her. He fell in love with her without knowing why. But he was too shy to approach her.

So he went home deeply sad as always. And wrote his next play.

*****

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The Burglary

Photo by Maxim Hopman on Unsplash

The gunfire was loud. He felt like ducking but didn’t. He instead watched as the man slowly walked out with his gun. He wanted to shout at the man not to do it, but he knew he wouldn’t be heard.

He continued to watch with bated breath. He knew the man was helping people. He wanted to join the man but couldn’t. He ground his teeth instead. The burglars neared. He shouted and pointed to them.

He jumped as the door suddenly opened. “What’s happening,” his wife asked as she slowly entered.

“Nothing much,” he answered. “Just watching TV.”

*****

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Memories

Photo by Jack Cohen on Unsplash

He walked. He didn’t want to take public transportation. He saw a few friends on the way and nodded at them but didn’t stop.

When he reached the riverbank, he sat down where he usually sat with his wife. He thought about her, the conversations they had, the hugs, the kisses. He wiped off tears that were beginning to fall. He remembered her funeral and the scores of people who came.

He wanted to continue to write but couldn’t. He had no inspiration. When evening fell, he stood to go back home.

To live with the pain of his loneliness.

*****

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