Lucynda Storey-Erotic Romance Writer

I spent the entire day yesterday at a conference sponsored by my local RWA chapter, the only reason I would stay with that organization since the parent organization has long abandoned me to vanity press.  We had an agent representative from Kristen Nelson Agency, Theresa Stevens from Red Sage Publishing, and authors Roxanne Rustand and CJ Lyons.

For writers, brushing shoulders and learning from other writers is essential for your continued growth as a story teller.  I learned something new from each one of these presenters.

Education of some form or another should be a frequent, common occurance for writers.  In chatting with CJ, I found out about her next WIP (work in progress) and it happened that I know someone in the field of specialty that she is going to use as the basis of her thriller.  She in turn had some excellent insight into how the world building of thrillers can help romance writers and how the characterization exhibited by most romance writers can help those who pen thrillers.  What a terrific exchange!

Writers must keep learning.  Not just about their craft, but about other subjects.  Little tidbits here and there are highly likely to lend an air of authenticity to a scene.  Craft books help provide knowledge on how story is put together, perhaps giving you a more solid foundation for “why” you do what you do.

Writers, Keep Learning!

Often I’ve been heard to say that I don’t believe in so-called “writer’s block.”  Mason  Cooley once said that “Excuses change nothing, but make everyone feel better.”  I believe it is also true of “writer’s block”.

I probably sound rather harsh and judgmental when I say I don’t believe in this malady.  Maybe I am.  I happen to believe we are responsible for our own actions and that if we are not writing, it is not because we are blocked, it is because of some other reason, or perhaps even a poor excuse.

For the writer, the story must get out.  For the writer, writing is serious business.   When we choose to weed the garden, wash the car, or call Dear Aunt Bertha rather than write, we are using excuses to keep us from our task.

Can there be a lack of words to put on paper?  Perhaps.

Some things are easily remedied.  Perhaps your creative well needs to be refilled.  Perhaps you have been writing so long or with such intensity, you need to read for a while.  Perhaps you are truly physically ill.  If this is the case, you don’t have writer’s block, you have something else going on. 

Be sure of one thing…there are a hundred excuses but not one good reason.  If you are truly lacking the ability to put pen to paper, perhaps it is time to take a look at what is really holding you back and finding a way to deal with that hindrance.