Kelly Deeny

3 Tips For Blocked Writers

Next time you’re in the midst of a writing project and hit a creative block, try the following tips…

WALK IT OFF

Literally, that is. If you’ve been staring at the computer screen cursor for more than ten minutes, with no progress, walk away! Whether you walk from the dining room table to the kitchen for a cup of coffee, or down to your neighbor’s house, the point is to put yourself in new surroundings. “But, I should be writing. I have a deadline.” True, but willing the words to show up on the page may not be the most productive way to spend your time. Consider all the new ideas you can think of when you step away and walk it off.

DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT

So, now that you’ve walked away from your computer and are watching the big game at your friend’s house, relax and enjoy the moment. And here’s the kicker (get it, big game…kicker…[insert eye rolling emoticon here]): stay off social media! I love social media, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes we’re so inclined to express what we’re experiencing during every moment that we lose some of the connectivity with the people around us. If your friend says something that is too funny not to share, write it down or tap it in your memo app. It just may be a catalyst for the story that just wouldn’t write itself. Be in the moment and then go home and write about it.

FINE, I’LL DO ART

Still can’t get the blinking cursor to stop mocking you with its lack of movement? Then, get creative by switching to a different art form. Listen to music. Color with your kids. Bake a pie. Work on your car. Design a new necklace. Read a book. Do something that inspires you on an artistic level. It just may help you relax, rejuvenate, and reawaken the writer within!

These are all tips that don’t require a lot of time, money, or obligation. I know that it’s hard to walk away when you have a deadline to meet or personal writing goal you want to achieve, but I suggest that by giving yourself a break, you are actually breaking down the writing blocks.

Day Thirteen of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Motivational Monday Poem

DAY 13: Thought Bubbles

What shall I say
When my turn comes
To tell the tale requested

Shall I relay a story based
In truth or that of fiction
To entertain and inspire

What shall I sing
When the curtain parts
For those who wish to dream

Shall I perform to the heavens above
Or in honor of the Earth below
Perhaps a mezzo compromise

Will love hold firm
Through clear skies and storms
A beacon to highlight the path ahead

Day Twelve of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey: Sunday SoulJourn

DAY 12: Distressed Whole

Ever feel like you’re immersed in a world so distressed that no amount of love, joy, positivity, compassion, wisdom, acceptance, or hope you exude can make an impact? That’s what depression feels like.

I look at the world around me and I see anger, hatred, bigotry, violence, cruelty, and social injustice. I want so much to help but don’t know where or how to even begin. Sometimes, I feel like a drop in the ocean, a leaf on the wind, a star in a cloud-filled night sky. It’s not a world in which I want to live at times because I don’t know how to change it. That perception keeps me spinning into despair and swimming upstream.

I frequently became frustrated and ashamed as though I was broken. Others in my life experienced far worse and didn’t wallow in despair – didn’t get swallowed up in doubt. I did, time and time again. Yesterday, tears streamed down my face when I thought about how distressed the world is and how alone I feel in my perception of it. I started writing and a sob caught in my throat when I stared at the following declaration:

I can’t fix the whole.

I’ve spent so much time trying to make a positive difference in the world. I thought that if I believed strongly enough in others ability to do good, then that was enough. The problem was that I didn’t believe enough in myself. So, when tragedy happened again and again I felt as though I’d failed. That I couldn’t fix the whole.

Is it really any wonder that life became unbearable sometimes? That self-doubt, debilitating sadness, and loneliness overwhelmed me? I see it now, and understand my past actions in a way I never had before. Like a morning mist dissipating, the haze clears and the truth remains: I can’t fix the whole world, but I can be wholly proud of myself.

*If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression, please know you are not alone! So many people love you and want desperately to help. Believe in yourself and know that you bring beauty to this world just by living in it.*

Day Eleven of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

The image above aptly reflects today’s post in a way that differs from the first ten. While I spent little time focused on my own writings, I had the immense pleasure of spending time with dear friends – who also happen to be writers.

Our backgrounds, experiences, and interests vary with the exception of our passion for writing. However much we may disagree regarding politics, religion, or what makes great television, we still enjoy one another’s company. We laugh together…cry together…and celebrate our achievements.

And that’s worth writing about!

Day Ten of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY TEN

Some steps along this journey will be almost unnoticeable. As was the case today. Hopefully, tomorrow’s update will be more motivating. In the meantime, enjoy this inspiring image!

Day 9 of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY NINE

I just finished writing a short blog entry that’s a little out of my norm. The idea came to me in a rather odd moment of inspiration, while I was brushing my hair, and I rushed back to my computer. As I wrote about conquering writer’s block, I had none of my own. The words flowed with ease, puns and a hint of sarcasm showing up occasionally.

As much as I love the new post idea, it doesn’t fit in with the 111 Day Writer’s Journey. So, I’ll post it as its own separate entry this weekend. Check back for some tips on how to knock down some of that writer’s block!

As I journey towards turning “writer” from a self-proclaimed label to professional title, I’ve decided to give myself a focused challenge. Each day, from now until January 11, 2016, I hereby pledge to focus on my writings: novel, screenplay drafts, stage play rewrites, TV pilot scenes, etc. Documenting my progress each day will help keep me motivated, inspired, and determined to keep moving forward. If so inspired, join me along my journey by documenting your own!

Day Eight of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

As I journey towards turning “writer” from a self-proclaimed label to professional title, I’ve decided to give myself a focused challenge. Each day, from now until January 11, 2016, I hereby pledge to focus on my writings: novel, screenplay drafts, stage play rewrites, TV pilot scenes, etc. Documenting my progress each day will help keep me motivated, inspired, and determined to keep moving forward. If so inspired, join me along my journey by documenting your own!

DAY EIGHT: Plays Full of Treasure

I stumbled upon a treasure that I recently thought lost – a full, two-act play that I wrote almost 13 years ago. Not only did I find the original version but the revised one I finished a few years later.

There were very nearly tears clouding my vision as I scrolled through the backup disc, rediscovering stories that I’d written throughout the past twenty years. My spirit soared and my heart flip-flopped. “Which one do I work on first? The play! That’s the one I’d been searching for…the one that keeps popping up at the most inconvenient of moments.”

I’m excited to read through the play (both versions) from a new perspective and determine whether it still deserves the high grade it received during my Intro to Playwriting class in college. I know I need to evaluate it for formatting and structure purposes, but the first task at hand is to examine the story and characters. Do I still care about them? Do they still intrigue me? Would I come back after intermission to see the story to completion?

The answer to all of the above was “Yes” over a decade ago. I wonder if the same will hold true now?

*Have you ever found works of art (painting, music, writing, etc.) that you once thought lost?*

Day Seven of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY SEVEN: This’ll Be Brief

Tonight’s entry in my daily writer’s log will be brief. Why?

I’m too busy working on my novels/TV pilot draft
It’s a jam-packed night of returning TV dramas that are on my must-watch list

I tried something a little different when I got home from work – I took a nap. And not just any nap, a focused meditative kind of nap. I never fell asleep, but I let my body relax into the cushions and concentrated on unknotting any tension. I opened my eyes a half-an-hour later, refreshed and not nearly as fatigued as I was the night before.

I spent nearly two hours working on my novel and its prequel, and had to pull myself away to write this update. I’ve got more work to do before I move on to another source of inspiration – TV drama series.

~~Signing~~ Writing off for now,

Kelly

As I journey towards turning “writer” from a self-proclaimed label to professional title, I’ve decided to give myself a focused challenge. Each day, from now until January 11, 2016, I hereby pledge to focus on my writings: novel, screenplay drafts, stage play rewrites, TV pilot scenes, etc. Documenting my progress each day will help keep me motivated, inspired, and determined to keep moving forward. If so inspired, join me along my journey by documenting your own!

Day Six of the 111 Day Writer’s Journey

DAY Six: A Little Push

Every now and again a little motivational push comes in handy. Such was the case tonight. After an eight-hour workday, I first posted this week’s Motivational Monday poem. Then later I finished an entry for a site of which I am a guest blogger.

I mistakenly laid down on the couch to watch the news and felt my body melt into the cushions. My eyelids fluttered, getting heavier and heavier. “No,” I demanded. “Get up and write.”

It took a few more repetitions before I pulled myself up and returned to my waiting pen and paper. After a decent amount of time, I sat back, pleased with my determination and productivity.

Sometimes, a little push of self-motivation goes a long way.

Motivational Monday Poem: Roots Deep

Mother Nature, oh beautiful and resilient
How we’ve done you wrong

We strip your minerals and
Use your resources for our frivolous gain
We value that which shines
Over that which reflects the essence of all that’s true

You speak
Do we listen?
You whimper in pain
Do we come to your aid?
You offer us shelter
Do we protect you with as much fervor?

Your roots are deep
Ours are but seedlings on the surface