I am writer.

What does that mean? I’m sure to some it means I can write a novel in a month.

Huh uh. Right. No. That’s so not correct. This is how I usually spend days writing.

It starts off like this:

And I’m typing (or writing, usually typing because my handwriting is chicken scratch) and then this happens:

Every.

Single.

Time.

All the time. Writer’s Block, the bane of every writer’s existence. I hate it.

How do I solve writer’s block?…I don’t. I usually throw a fit and watch some Netflix then get back to writing. What writer doesn’t know this feeling? Here I am, and I can’t finish one damn thing. Do I write poetry? Yes. But I want to write a novel. I want my name on a book.

My fellow writers, we all have writer’s block. We all really want to throw our notebooks (or God forbid, laptops) sometimes when we are writing. 90% of I writing is I doing this:

The other 10% is actual writing and then going back to that and staring at the screen like words are going to magically appear.

The following is some advice, inspiration, what have you from myself, Pinterest and whatever else I decide to throw in there.

Let’s start with J.K. Rowling

We watched this video in my online class (Intro to Professional/Technical Writing). Thought I would share. If you don’t want to watch the entire video, here’s a summary of the rules. Bolded and in parentheses ()s, are my thoughts.

J.K Rowling’s Top 10 Rules for Success 

1. Failure helps you discover yourself (Failure is going to happen. Nothing you can do about it. I mean sure, you may scream and shout and want to throw the laptop (probably shouldn’t do that though…) or throw the notebook, but failure means you are getting somewhere. The key is, don’t stop when you fail. If you do, then you aren’t getting anywhere.)
2. Take action on your ideas (Sharknado anyone? Who thought “Hmm. I know a great movie idea. Sharks and a tornadoes!” It was a big hit. Who knows? You could have an idea that might seem wacky but really could seem amazing. Do it. See what happens.)
3. You will be criticized (Everybody and their mother will criticize you. They will read your writing and think, wow, you suck. Newsflash, you don’t. Is there room for improvement? Sure. There always is. Take their criticize with a grain of salt. Don’t ignore it but don’t let it control your actions either.)
4. Remember where you started (This. I like this. Where did you come from? J.K wasn’t a rich woman. She was poor and was struggling yet here she is. Who are you? Where did you start? Another question to ask: Why did you start writing?)
5. #Believe (In yourself. In your writing. Yes, it’s cheesy, but if you don’t believe in yourself or your writing, then how can you expect to be a writer? Yes. I get frustrated when I write. I do. But I have never once stopped writing. I try and I try. I believe.)
6. There is always trepidation (Always is the keyword. You know that sweat when you are writing that essay that is due, oh you know, tomorrow? Yes, that feeling. It’s going to stay around even if you are writing for fun.)
7. Life is not a checklist of achievements (We all know about those checklist people. It’s important to have goals but make them realistic. And it’s okay to have a checklist but don’t let it control your life.)
8. Persevere (In my words “Write, write, write!” Even if it’s one word simply write!)
9. Dreams can happen (Getting some Disney vibes from this. It might not be now. Heck, you could publish your first book when you are 82 and living in assisted living. That’s okay. You got there.)
10. We have the power to imagine better (This is my favorite one. There’s so many horrible things in this world. If you can have one thing to make it better, even if it’s one story you need to tell, tell.)

Some more rules:

21 Harsh But Eye-Opening Writing Tips From Great Authors

20 Writing Tips from Fiction Authors

34 Writing Tips That Will Make You a Better Writer

Finally, My “Rules” 

1. Write for YOU. And yes, the all caps, bold and underline is necessary. Write for you. Always for you.
2. It’s okay to take a break. I did. I had to take a break from writing because I was so frustrated and stuck. After taking that break, I then came back and knew what I wanted to do.
3. Write about what you love. Or write about what’s important to you.
4. Who inspires you to write?
5. Be yourself. Yes, I know. Mega cheesy. But it’s true. Be yourself. Don’t write what isn’t you. What’s the point of that?’

Misc. Rules (from my old blog. Here: The Leaking Inkwell

1. Write everyday without hope and without despair.
2. No tricks. No gimmicks.
3. “…and suddenly everything became clear to him…”
4. Don’t fret the details.
5. “Real experiment in fiction is original, hard earned and cause for rejoicing.”
6. Don’t tell, show.
7. And lastly, simply write.

Here is the link to my Pinterest board called On Writing Take a gander. There is a lot there. Everything from tips to dialogue prompts to descriptions for voices.

Okay, I think I’ve given you enough.

What tips do you have?

-K

P.S. Regarding the cover photo:  This is one of my favorite quotes and I plan on getting it as a tattoo with a quill and an inkwell.