Sticking Points

I’m working on my first book. And even though I’ve had the concept for years and I’ve outlined it fairly well, there were some elements that needed some prodding. I had a villain but I couldn’t settle on a good name. I had other aspects of the story 99% done but something was missing. I would agonize over this to the point of wanting to give up. I wouldn’t call it writers block, more like writers maze. Constantly wandering around in my head trying to find the missing pieces.

One day I was at my wits end. I put the notebook down and got in my car. It was a warm summer day so I had my windows down and the music up. Driving can be a relaxing thing for me. I drive down roads I know well. I don’t have to give them much thought. Between the wind, music and motion of the car inspiration hit and my villains name came to me.

A few months later I found myself again with a case of writers maze. My hero needed to get from point A to point B. I couldn’t figure out a way there that didn’t sound artificial. I wanted it to be organic and have a nice flow to it. Once more I laid down my notebook but this time I went for a walk. I must have walked 2 or 3 miles turning the situation over in my head until I had my eureka moment. I walked back to my house I fast as I could and wrote it down. It worked like a charm.

I don’t know how other people handle this kind of problem, if anyone wants to share I’d be happy to listen, but for me getting up and leaving the house seems to do the trick. Focusing on mundane tasks like driving or walking get my creative juices going.

When I finish this book and start plotting my next one I think I’ll mow my lawn or work on something in my basement. Let that get my imagination chugging and then write down everything that comes to me.