Writer's Block

 

                                            

                Writer's Block: Real But Not True

As you may know I turned this blog into a book, which I published a couple of years ago. The idea was to give continuity to my take on the writing process. 

I thought it was high time I repeated what I consider the most poignant (perhaps too self-serving a word) posts from the blog. 

This one got me into some hot water with those who have experienced this most debilitating affliction of the passionate writer, but if you hear me out, or read me out, perhaps you will see that while this is a frustrating problem with most writers, it is neither chronic nor terminal.

These two words are the scourge of any committed writer. Writer’s block. It might start like this. You have a vague idea for a story. So you grab your cup of coffee, sit down and open a word document. Half an hour later, the cup is empty and you are staring at a blank screen. A flash of fear crosses your mind. I have no ideas, I’ve got writers block. What if I can’t write anymore?

Or maybe it comes down this way. You finish a story, and you’re quite pleased and you can’t wait until the next plot line comes to you so you can start a new project. A few days later you are still waiting. You are looking around for inspiration. But there is nothing. Show me the inspiration! You plead. Nada. There’s nothing there. A few days more of this and the panic creeps in. What if that’s it? What if I never come up with another idea? Is this the end of my writing career?

Here’s the good news. Writer’s block is not terminal. I don’t know a single writer who experienced this dreaded moment, and went on to never write another word. This too shall pass. The fact is, you will get over it. You will write again, and unless you have a deadline from a publisher, this is really a nonissue.

Ideas are out there all along the road: you just may have taken an unplanned detour. Maybe you are just tired. Perhaps you have other things preying on you. Possibly you just need a break from it all. So what to do? As the Tao says. Do nothing. Go for a walk. Take a road trip. Meet up with friends. Read a good book. Seriously! Above all don’t fight it. I’ll repeat it, “This too shall pass.”

Now the plug so that you can have all the posts in one neat little package.

https://www.amazon.ca/Just-Write-Already-Stephen-Porter/dp/0995960348

Are You Sure That's Not Just a Speed Hump

It Ain't Over Til It's Over; Til the Fat Lady Sings; Til the Curtain Falls; Til the Last Page.

I think you get the point here. These are cliches we've heard all our lives by well meaning souls who are trying to encourage us not to give up too easily. The problem is there are times when we seem to have wrung something dry, eked every drop out of the well. Sorry this cliche thing is catching. Telling people to keep on keeping on is well and fine. But when your team is down 5-0 with a minute to play, better advice would be the Buddhist path of acceptance.

So what's the point? Without going into St. Francis' Prayer of Serenity, we all know when it's time to let something go and try again another day, and when to keep slogging to the bitter end. 

As a writer I have a whole folder of aborted ideas, most of which will never be opened again. And most of these only had one or two lines I thought at one time had promise. So no loss there.

There are the times when I have come up with what I think is a great story line, and I charge into it full of piss and vinegar, only to realize I had somehow painted myself into a corner with no idea where to go from there.

Here's my pearl of wisdom for the day. Do not discard that propitious tale to the trash bin. Instead just put it aside, perhaps in a folder marked "Future Masterpieces", say TTFN and give it a wave. 

Now that story is not likely to do anything on its own. It will not complete itself, nor will it vanish. What might change is the way you look at it. One day, that half finished lame duck story may suddenly combine with some of the other ideas floating around that noggin. You might bring it out of hibernation and with your newfound outlook, begin to rework that fledgling into the story you hoped it would be all along.

I have had up to five stories sitting in limbo at one time. And they sit. And they sit. Until one day something hits me. I pull up that old manuscript and like magic the words and ideas just flow until a few days later I am finishing that coveted final page.

And then an odd but wonderful thing happens, I have another epiphany and dredge up one of the other sleeping buried treasures and am on my way to another last page.

You see often the problem wasn't the story idea. It was just the frame of mind you were in. Maybe you were trying too hard, maybe other things were weighing heavily on you. Perhaps that story had gone as far as it could at the time. But the fact is, if you thought it was a good idea at the time, it probably still is. You just needed to find another right time.

So to get to the point without writing another cliche, you are a writer, and you know when something is a total misguided dud, and when it's just a good idea whose time has not yet come. Do what you want with the duds, but for goodness sakes, if you see potential, but have run into a speed hump, just gently put it away. Let it know you will come back to it when the time is right, and go on with other things until your sleeping giant is ready to awaken.

The Ultimate Creator

I've dabbled in Character before. But it is so crucial to a narrative I have decided to visit it once more, just to have one more kick at the can. This is something I wrote for a writer's group, more years ago then I care to mention. I found it lying in my documents, and through with a little spit and polish decided I could use it here. 

I'm a million different people from one day to the next, I can change.

Richard Ashcroft-Bitter Sweet Symphony

Your new story or book is coming along nicely. You have a solid plot and pretty much know where you are going with it.  You’ve been at it for some time now, and have been conjuring up the stars or characters who will guide your narrative. Look again, look carefully, because this isn’t just your creation.

Every person that reads your story is coming into it with a different mindset or expectation. It’s not a movie, where your hero is in full display. So much of who  they are is going to be subject to interpretation from your dear readers.

We’ve all had that experience when talking with someone about the same book.

“I thought Hercule Poirot was such an astute and cultured man.”

“Seriously? I think he’s a pedantic bore.”

Hey unless the words changed from one reader to another, this is the same person we are talking about.

And that’s one of the treasures of a great character. They can be different people to different readers.

The point is that this character that you love or despise, or maybe have no feelings about, changes with the perceiver. They are quicksilver and there is no definitive personae there. But that’s the beauty of a memorable hero or heroine, they are shapeshifters. They can change each time the book is opened, according to the mood of the person who visits their life. Most importantly they are the main reason the fan of the written word keeps reading rather than putting it back with all the other unread tales on the bookshelf

While story is vital, it’s the characters that make or break a good yarn. Even if the story is full of action, passion, romance, magic, and intrigue, if there is no investment in the main players the reader will not likely reach the final page.

On the other hand if the story is nothing special, but the characters are memorable, witty, passionate or whatever else makes a person interesting, the person who picked up the book in the first place will likely be the one who finishes the last page. They become friends or enemies. After a while they stop being words on a page and become people you live and breathe with, who become friends or enemies, who carry your reader away for a few hours. And isn’t that the point of reading, to be carried away?

When you create your heroes or anti-heroes, think long and hard about the people who have inspired or disgusted you over your life, and breathe them into them so that they are remembered long after the last line has been read.

So How's It All Working Out For You?

 

            

            So How's It All Working Out For You?

First thing I'd like to say is I am really gratified to see the number of views, or hopefully reads on my last few posts. Of course that means I really need to get off my butt, or actually on my butt and make a new one. So here it is.

Before I move on from here, I must ask a small favour. If you have any thoughts about what I write I would really appreciate it if you took a few seconds to jot them down and share them. I'm not the kind that needs a lot of validation, but in the same token I like to think when you read what I have taken time to scrawl out, something, any kind of reaction flashes across your brain, positive, negative or tepid, and it would be nice especially, to know if you are actually a writer, or a wannabe writer that my words have made some can of impression. Maybe you have tried out my suggestions. Perhaps they have worked well, or maybe they are not your particular cup of tea. 

While I would love to think that hesitant writers, leaped out of their cocoon upon seeing my words and guidance, completed their long awaited novels, and are now sitting around collecting vast sums of money in royalties, while planning their next foray into the wonderful world of the pen, I would be content to hear there are some ideas you have put into practice which have helped move this along. Yes I aware of this extremely long run on sentence, but you know what, I kind of like it, so it stays. Another of my creeds. If you read it over a couple of times and you find each time you like it more, then why change it to fit the grammar rules that were drilled into your head as a kid?

As far as any kind of epiphany to impart at this time, I have none. Sometimes it's all about the small steps, the moments when you quietly realize you are moving along and things are the way they need to be. No whistles and bells, just the continued pleasure in putting your words down and hoping they add to someone's experience of this thing we call life. 

So for today, that's all there is. And it may not be the earth shattering pronouncement you were looking for. I do flatter myself don't I? However I hope it was an enjoyable read, and that maybe it gave you a bit of encouragement during these dark, cold winter days. 

I hope you will be moved to write a word or two, just to let me know you are truly out there somewhere and maybe let me know you enjoyed reading this little stream of consciousness as much as i enjoyed writing it.

Until next time.

S.

Just Write Already: What's In It For You?

                                                            

This isn't a commercial, add or promotion. I'm going to call it a WSA, Writer's Service Announcement. While I am happy every time I get notice that someone  has bought "Just Write Already" I can swear either on a stacks of Bibles, or not, that the purpose of this little post is not to make a bunch of money. To be honest that ship sailed long ago and ran aground on a reef well before the first million. My mission is a bit more altruistic than that.

I realize there are people who read my blog faithfully, and I thank you for that, although a comment would be nice once in awhile. Hint, hint. I'm guessing most of you types are already involved in the writing trade to one extent or another.

But there are the others, those of you who see a post on social media, or hear from a friend, and decide to check me out. I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that you wonderful folks are interested in writing, and perhaps have already dabbled a bit. Perhaps you have never decided to fully immerse, even if only for a short time, possibly a trial period.

My modus operandi is simple. If you have the bug to do some writing, I hope my words can help you overcome your reticence, let go of your self doubts and just motivate, or would that be inspire, you to take a dip into the sea of writing. You see how I snuck that clever metaphor in there?

I love writing. There is nothing more exhilarating than finding myself building a world of characters, intrigue, mystery humour, suspense or horror, all from the thoughts in my mind. We have ideas all the time. We constantly are creating stories in our head. And while that is not always a good thing, the fact remains that our brain is a mad magician, capable of transforming the unseen into the seen. Making the formless take form. 

Everyday, people  pick up a book and then sit spellbound as they enter the marvelous realities which once were no more than a flash in the pan in the mind of the writer. A writer who decided to pursue their dream.

If reading this and maybe the book (I'm not pushing I promise), can encourage you to pay attention to the ideas that drift in and out of the  wonderful melon of yours. And if I can prod and poke you to put it into written words. If I can make you get rid of the notion that you aren't writer's material and just say, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead". And then if i can coax and cajole you to finish what you have started. At that point I hope you will be invested enough to follow it through. Then I can honestly say, Mission Accomplished. 
Happy writing.

Here's the commercial bit.

If you want to read the entire book it is on Amazon.

Just Write Already: Porter, Stephen F C: 9780995960343: Books - Amazon.ca

Just Write Already

 Almost forgot the commercial. If you are looking for more of my take on writing, I hope you'll check out my book "Just Write Already", on Amazon. Thanks.

Just Write Already: Porter, Stephen F C: 9780995960343: Books - Amazon.ca

Will The Real Nick Bannister Show Himself

 

I apologize for the long wait, but you know how it is. Stuff happens.

So here's the deal. Not that there always has to be a deal. I have about six Nick Bannister stories in the bank. If you aren't familiar, he is my number one integrated investigator. Feedback from my readers lets me know he is a favourite. 

So much so that I am thinking of putting together a Nick Bannister Chronicles book somewhere down the road.

Knowing I need one or two new stories to make the book complete, I started writing a saga about a mysterious disappearing town many months ago. The aforementioned stuff happened, and Nick and his crew were put on the shelf for an extended time.

When i returned to my story, I clearly found something was missing. And reading to my fellow writers confirmed that. 

What was it? Upon rereading several times, I realized that Nick had become a bit of stranger. He wasn't the same old Nick I knew and loved. 

He felt like a character that had been written in AI. Technically fine, but the soul was gone. Yes that is a dig at AI.

Like Waldo, I had to find the real Nick Bannister again. 

I mean i created the man, gave him life. Hope that doesn't sound like a God complex creeping in. BUt you get the point. Since he is my character, the only person that can find him is me. 

Where would i find him? The answer was obvious. Go back into my old stories and bring him back. I read over his most famous cases, pausing to get reacquainted with with my MIA hero. I had a couple of chats with him, did some mental method acting. And finally sat down to revisit my story, and fix poor old Nick up until he felt himself again.

And.....it worked. As i wrote, I felt the real Nick Bannister pouring out onto my keyboard, and the fake one, subjected to the delete button.

Problem solved? Not necessarily. But certainly i have my old friend back saving the world once again, where he belongs.

Character is the essence of a story. Without a good protagonist the most spectacular plot will fall flat. If people don't care, they wont continue to turn those pages. 

Is this a piece of advice? Not sure. But it works for me, and if you find

your character has gone AWOL, this might just help bring him back.

Some New Stuff

 

                                        Just a couple of things to share.

                                                                    

I suppose the title of this post is a bit of a spoiler, as this post is indeed meant to share some information, and also do a little shameless advertising. 

      I recently had the privilege of being interviewed by Lillian                  Brummet on BRUMMET’S CONSCIOUS BLOG.

This is my second interview with Brummet’s Conscious blog. In the first interview I talked about my book of short stories, The Quick and the Quirky. This time we will be discussing my newest book, Just Write Already.

Just Write Already: Porter, Stephen F C: 9780995960343: Books - Amazon.ca

For all those would be writer’s who are hoping to get their career kickstarted, I invite you to check it out at:

https://consciousdiscussions.blogspot.com/2025/06/world-of-writing-author-interview.html

 

Hope you enjoy it and please give me any feedback you can. I can take it.

Cheers, Steve

#writing#author#tips on writing#how to write#getting published#author interview#brummet

And now for the shameless promotion. Hope you'll get around to reading the book, which is totally based on this blog.

Just Write Already by Stephen F C Porter

For all you would be writers who are having trouble getting started, Just Write Already may be the boost and encouragement you need to begin putting your ideas into print. Based on my popular blog, each chapter provides insight into the writing process, from the first idea, to holding your completed masterpiece in your hands. You’ll be given all the reasons to just get started, and stop the doubt and procrastination. Available on Amazon.

#writing#authors#teaching#inspiration

 

Just Write Already: Porter, Stephen F C: 9780995960343: Books - Amazon.ca

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It's All In Your Head

 

                                                            It's All In Your Head

When i wrote my post about writer's block not being a real thing, |I pressed the post button with a little trepidation. I had experienced the frustration of not having anything to write, even when i knew my brain was wriggling around with ideas so much that it made me itch.

Not that long after a few people commented that it was just what they needed. They were going through a dry spell, and were confusing that with the mythical Writer's Block.

They said that my words helped calm them and put things into perspective, until they were once again putting their thoughts into print.

So maybe this is the time to recap what I said back then, and still claim to be true today. There is no such thing as writer's block. That term implies there is some kind of insurmountable wall in your mind, impeding the flow of ideas and preventing you from getting your thoughts and ideas out there. There is this notion that this wall has set itself up solidly in your head, and as far as vision goes, there is a sign on the wall which warns, None Shall Pass, and until this sign comes down, you might as well turn around and go back home.

Here's where the good news comes in. While there are times when you seem to be on hold, when what you write seems lame indeed, and where fresh ideas are as rare as mice in a cat motel, it's like the Zen saying, real but not true. You are having a rough time, and your mind being the original Puck, loves to stir things when it has nothing better to do.

It's then you remember it's real but not true. It sure is exasperating, frustrating, annoying and a dozen other negative "ing" words which make you feel you can't write anymore. But that's where real and true are so far apart. The feelings you are having are real. The catastrophes are not. They are just the product of an over active imagination, skewed to the negative side.

Maybe you just have run out of steam, or you are plain old tired. In which case the writing doctor prescribes rest, diversion. Get some badly needed sleep. Go hang with friends. Take a road trip. Do another favourite activity like playing an instrument, singing, drawing, cooking, reading, catching up on those old movies you wanted to watch. Just take yourself away from the writing minefield for awhile. Take the pressure off.

Have you been couped up too long at the keyboard? Perhaps a good run or other exercise is what you need. The mind and body are part of the whole package, and if you only work on one of them, the rest is going to suffer. 

If you take even a couple of weeks off, it will not destroy the creative process. In fact it will give you time to let ideas flow again without that nasty road block in the way. And if along way you have an idea, just jot it down quickly and then let it go, give it time to start growing inside. 

Maybe if you pick up a couple of books by your favourite authors it will make you realize what you like about them, and without stealing, you can borrow some inspiration from them. 

Perhaps simple meditation will be your cup of tea. Not the lotus position, incense burning, mantra chanting meditation. But rather than sitting quietly by the river, or in a quiet space type. 

We restart our computers, charge our phones, but we often neglect to give ourselves time to reboot. We need that time to recharge, let go off all the fears and doubts, and start fresh again.

And a caveat here. Some people need a lot longer than others, so don't impose a timeline and make it into a contest. You will know when you are ready, because the ideas will begin to form and grow, and you'll literally be dragged back to your device, where suddenly you'll find the words flowing on to the page. And if you want, you can say "I'm back baby", but that won't be accurate because in reality you were never gone.

The Blogger is Blogged

 

I recently had the privilege of being interviewed by Lillian Brummet on BRUMMET’S CONSCIOUS BLOG.

This is my second interview in Brummet’s Conscious Blog. In the first interview I talked about my book of short stories, The Quick and the Quirky. This time we will be discussing my newest book, Just Write Already.

Just Write Already: Porter, Stephen F C: 9780995960343: Books - Amazon.ca

For all those would be writer’s who are hoping to get their career kickstarted, I invite you to check it out at:

https://consciousdiscussions.blogspot.com/2025/06/world-of-writing-author-interview.html

 

Hope you enjoy it and please give me any feedback you can. I can take it.

Recap

 

Time For A Quick Glance In The Rear View Mirror

Lordy Lordy, i just checked and it seems i've been at this for more than three years now. While i don't post on a consistent schedule, that still is a lot of posts. 

Today i got to thinking, If someone were to join me for the first time today, how would I explain what this is all about?

Of course it's about writing. But what makes this different from all the other writing blogs and primers that are splashed all over the internet?

It's the main message i suppose. Instead of instructions and practice and guidelines I have one primary message. That is to write, Just Write Already, which is coincidentally the name of my book based on this same blog.

It's the old adage you heard as a kid, you won't know until you try. Let's qualify that. If you really don't have the writing bug, and don't feel you have anything to say, then unless you have a fixation on reading blogs, i suggest you abort now. There's nothing here for you.

On the other hand, if you love to write just for the fun of it, and you really would like to give it a go, and reach out to the world, then i suggest when you finish this post to go back to the beginning and see what I have to say.

You'll find my main message is to write, period. It doesn't matter what stimulates you, how good you think you are, how experienced, whether you think others would be interested, or where you hope it will lead. Just write.

A lot harder than it sounds? Not at all. What does it take to put pen to paper, fingers to keyboard, or even voice to recorder and lay down some thoughts or ideas?
The answer is nothing. 

My response to that then is, just do it already.

Once you've done that, you'll decide if you want to do more, or whether is was just a one off. Chances are you'll decide the former.
Only then, i'll suggest you go back and read the posts. It will carry you from that first initiative, through all the doubts, the fears, insecurities you may have, as I cajole, encourage and even berate you to carry on.

You'll have questions about the creative aspects such as genre and style.

Practical considerations such as research, editing, rewrites and formatting.

And if you get that far, you will want to know about printing, publishing, promotion, and even using social media to your advantage.

My hope is this is where you will eventually arrive and i'll have your back all the way.

If this is your destination, i ask, nay, implore you to go back and look over the posts. If writing is something in your blook, i can guarantee this will make the process clearer and much less daunting.

From here the ball's in your court. Oh and the most important piece of advice. Have fun with it.

If you want to find out more, the book is available on Amazon.

Just Write Already: Porter, Stephen F C: 9780995960343: Books - Amazon.ca