Writers block! Even columnist Dave Berry has it. He admits that at least 30 times a day when writing his humor column, he gets up from his computer to sip his Pepsi and to divert his attention when he can't think of what to write. Recently, he reached for cola and instead found a coiled snake. He tried barbecue tongs to carry it away, but when it landed in his pool, he kept dance going trying to catch thing.

As a writer you may think you are blocked because you think your book may not be significant enough, you don't know how to format it, or since you aren't famous, your book won't sell. Or, like Dave you can't think of something great to say.

Let book coach encourage you beyond your doubts. Know that your book is unique and offers useful solutions to help your audience solve their challenge or problem. You don't have to write like others, and yes, you can write a saleable book.

What is Writer's Block?

To me it's just that I'm distracted and don't seem organized enough with what's important to write for my particular audience. It's a signal that my brain won't focus temporarily. Like Dave Berry, I need a break.

To some of you, it's like stepping off a cliff and plunging into abyss. You don't have all answers to start, so it becomes overwhelming to even put words to paper..

Why do we have Writer's Block?

1. We have too many ideas/ choices. We need to focus on one thing at a time. Write down 3-4 topics you are passionate about. Take some deep breaths, and let #1 come forth. Write on one book primarily, and just put new ideas into others' folder. Stay with your #1 book until you finish it. When we don't finish a project, we feel guilty--and hence more stuck!

2. Fear. Really, "False Evidence Appearing Real." Our performance anxiety keeps us from taking that next step.However, we can get direction and skills from a how-to book on writing or a qualified book coach if we are willing.

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Summary: Stuck on a writing project? Or is there something you'd love to write, but you can't get up nerve to start? Here's how to be writer you already are.

Category: Writing

Words: 1230

Write Before You Look

Copyright © 2003 by Angela Booth

Are you stuck on a writing project? Or is there something you'd love to write, but you can't get up nerve to start? In over 25 years of writing, I've found that writing happens on page. Just start writing. You can't do anything until you begin.

Other writers make same point. In his book *Immediate Fiction, A Complete Writing Course*, author Jerry Cleaver recommends that when you're writing, "you leap first and look later". Cleaver believes that when you're creating, you should let your imagination do heavy lifting. Daydream. Pretend. Let your imagination lead you where it wants to go. You will write more, and reach places you can’t get to in any other way.

Writing, like any creative endeavor, requires that we use both sides of our brain, left and right. Our left brain is dominant partner, and while we're awake, our left brain is active. This means that when we think: "No way, I could never write a book" or "I could never write a screenplay" we're taking word of our left brain.

The creative impulse came from our creative right brain, but our left brain, which deals in realities, immediately said: "Whoa! No, you've no evidence for that. Couldn’t do that --- you've never done it before. Wouldn’t work. Silly idea."

Take a moment. Think. How often have you taken word of your left brain? Decide today, that whenever you get a creative impulse, very impulse which gave you that idea also knows how to make it work, so all you have to do is put your body in place where that can happen. The creative impulse comes to all creatives, so if you get an impulse to take a photograph, or paint, or cook, or sew a scarf --- follow through. For writers, place to follow through is with a pen in hand, or in front of a computer screen.

Here's a process to use to become familiar with writing before you look. Try it. It will feel unfamiliar at first, and you'll worry about whether you're doing it "right". Be assured that as long as your body is relaxed, your left brain is (more or less) out of way, and you're freeing your creative right brain.

=> The Write Before You Look Process

==> One: Clear your mind

From moment you wake up in morning, your left brain is in charge. This side of your brain does a great job of getting you where you need to be, and helps you to fit into society, but it's not creative.

To allow your right brain's creative impulses to get your attention, you need to quiet your left brain. Any repetitive task will do this. Knitting and needlework are good. So are walking and driving, and taking a shower. Listening to classical music also works.

You can't always be moving around, so it's best to learn a sit- down process. The easiest way to clear your mind is to progressively relax every part of your body. If you've ever done any stress-reduction courses, you'll know that in progressive relaxation you focus on your body from your toes to top of your head, and gently relax all your muscles. Just take each part of your body in turn, and tell each set of muscles to relax.