tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post5694306557262566040..comments2024-03-28T22:21:46.973-07:00Comments on Tossing It Out: It's Your Story So Tell It Like a StoryArlee Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-47005059165653019862011-07-22T21:46:29.194-07:002011-07-22T21:46:29.194-07:00Ella -- Sometimes, like with chores or work, one c...Ella -- Sometimes, like with chores or work, one can have so much that they don't know where to start. I guess my point is to start with something simple and obvious and chip away from there.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-80109401006677290262011-07-21T22:06:26.922-07:002011-07-21T22:06:26.922-07:00Yeah, I have a lot of ideas and find it hard to be...Yeah, I have a lot of ideas and find it hard to believe. BUT, I do believe it can happen. I am with Hilary it is overload...stress can wreck havoc on anyone including one's muse.<br />Great tips by the way :DEllahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06070952447277684613noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-69569209837801092892011-07-21T21:08:53.122-07:002011-07-21T21:08:53.122-07:00Angela -- I used to write a lot of poetry and song...Angela -- I used to write a lot of poetry and songs in times like those. Haven't done it in quite a while, but I agree that it is a good outlet for creative expression.<br /><br />Rasz -- I think stand-up comedy would be a bit of a challenge. If I tried people probably wouldn't laugh at what I was saying as much as how I was attempted to say it. I don't tell jokes well as a rule.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-57552983710217619172011-07-21T20:31:55.354-07:002011-07-21T20:31:55.354-07:00Hi Lee! What a great post. I agree and next time I...Hi Lee! What a great post. I agree and next time I come up with the artsy line of "lack of inspiration" I am going to remember this post, and your words, because I can relate!!!<br /><br />Never have tried stand up comedy. I get nervous talking in front of just a few people let alone trying to think of something funny to say :)<br /><br />Have a great weekend!Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03717894057589454128noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-36601826019243008872011-07-21T06:55:23.148-07:002011-07-21T06:55:23.148-07:00Great post. When I'm not pouring my heart and ...Great post. When I'm not pouring my heart and soul into a story, I usually end up writing poetry by default. <br /><br />I write for my sanity.Angelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12399082789777816445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-21468901205035610042011-07-20T22:22:36.458-07:002011-07-20T22:22:36.458-07:00Shah -- Love it! I think I'll start reading re...Shah -- Love it! I think I'll start reading really bad books so I'll be inspired to write better. You may have something there.<br /><br />Duncan -- Glad you are recovered. It's no fun to be sick.<br /><br />Susan -- A blog is a great place to experiment and play with writing.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-17730652381646279502011-07-20T18:08:05.050-07:002011-07-20T18:08:05.050-07:00If my WIP isn't behaving, I put it away, and w...If my WIP isn't behaving, I put it away, and write something else. Things like "Rain on the Table" are a diversion that keeps me writing and thinking about writing. Writer's Block? HA! I defy it!Susan Kanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09834094675218254410noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-40626140624265313422011-07-20T03:42:14.076-07:002011-07-20T03:42:14.076-07:00Thank you very much for your well wishes while I w...Thank you very much for your well wishes while I was sick!<br /><a href="http://www.duncaninkuantan.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Duncan In Kuantan</a>Duncan D. Horne - the Kuantan bloggerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12693187639452569397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-38250767377988580802011-07-19T22:50:47.112-07:002011-07-19T22:50:47.112-07:00Loving this post. And I am ashamed to say I'm ...Loving this post. And I am ashamed to say I'm a mixture of lazy and insecure. It's mainly feeling overwhelmed by my own ignorance which stops me writing. I read all the time and noticve that when I read a poorly written book, my writing improves - when I read a great book, it stops. <br /><br />ITs so annoying, since this only started after I'd decided I was going to take my writing seriously. When I was just writing fro myself it was fine. I sat down and wrote 13 chapters. IT was going to be a novella. Its still at 13 chapters 12 months on only I've edited the hell out of it. And now its going to be a novel. - A series in fact. I've kind of lost my flow - a flow I seriously need restored. <br /><br />As for comedy - STAGE FRIGHT!! But my pals and my hubs all think I'm funny and can spin a great yearn. My hubs is my number 1 fan and thinks I'll be a super-star once published. I'm not the only one spinning yarns! ;D Shah. Xshah whartonhttp://wordsinsync.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-46968167160521247792011-07-19T21:47:59.742-07:002011-07-19T21:47:59.742-07:00Theresa -- Yeah, I was in a weird mood when I wrot...Theresa -- Yeah, I was in a weird mood when I wrote this and wanted to play some with style. Sounds like you're taking the right approach to keeping many creative pathways open.<br /><br />J.L. -- Exactly! If you feel stuck take on another project until you're inspired to continue.<br /><br />Karen -- You're right! Write!<br /><br />Jan -- I'm pretty much the same way when laziness or distractions aren't interfering.<br /><br />Lisa from Nadir -- Agreed! If you run into a problem, do something else to entertain your mind or body.<br /><br />Julie -- In case nobody noticed today's post was inspired by Karen's guest post. I try to keep weekly themes going as much as possible.<br /><br />Joyce -- I guess I voted for your blog then. I was really confused about what was going on with the Picket Fences site.<br /><br />Bethe77-- I like to be helpful when I can.<br /><br />Jennifer -- Glad to meet you! And thank you for coming to visit my blog. I think we Blogspotters get a mite confused about those Wordpress sites as well.<br /><br />Melissa -- Maybe your mind senses something wrong with the story? If you can't shelve the story because of a deadline, then you've got a challenge on your hands. You just gotta force it I guess. Maybe write spontaneously without thinking it through too much and then go back and fix it later. I don't envy your situation.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-46866318100833024122011-07-19T20:35:10.841-07:002011-07-19T20:35:10.841-07:00What a great idea for dealing with writers block. ...What a great idea for dealing with writers block. Me, I'm in funk over my newest story and haven't written in days. Ugh! I'm trying to figure out how to get over this and back into the chapters. But what happens when you can't even bring yourself to open the document anymore?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04443736284850057306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-27355935774552309302011-07-19T17:55:25.310-07:002011-07-19T17:55:25.310-07:00Hi, Arlee Bird!
Thanks for leaving a comment on my...Hi, Arlee Bird!<br />Thanks for leaving a comment on my blog about recycling. I like it when people leave a comment and it starts a conversation. I'm finding it's like pulling teeth though getting people to comment. I don't understand why. Everyone has an opinion!<br />I really liked this post.<br />You know, I am writing a memoir. After 4 months of writing like a lunatic, I hit a wall. I'd never had writer's block before, only heard of it. But suddenly, I could not decide where in the world I wanted to go with the story. <br />I realized I had 2 stories I was trying to tell at once. I started all over, and broke the "book" into two different stories. It is so much better this time around. <br />So, besides writer's block being an excuse for laziness, (and I do agree with that), I also think it can be a problem with organization, direction, or being all-out overwhelmed. Little writing goals must be the way to go. You think? <br />I would LOVE to try stand up comedy. Maybe I will. Thanks for the push!<br />Where is this email follow up box? Is it only for blogspot users? :(<br />I don't understand blog spot. I'm coming up anonymous. I'm not. I'm jennifer!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-88668495166347994492011-07-19T16:02:07.320-07:002011-07-19T16:02:07.320-07:00Thank you Arlee for coming by ans suggesting takin...Thank you Arlee for coming by ans suggesting taking the calendar off. I think we solved that problem. Thank you as well for letting me nkow about Daniel. I apperciate it so very much.<br />Love to tdays post. I do tend to write alot about myself and the adventures I get into. I sometimes think they are boring but am finding others seem to enjoy them. Thanks for this encouraging blog.<br />BlessingsBethe77https://www.blogger.com/profile/07908965956063875893noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-30941601024492663772011-07-19T15:58:37.847-07:002011-07-19T15:58:37.847-07:00Sometimes I get stuck on where my novel is going, ...Sometimes I get stuck on where my novel is going, but I can always come up with a blog post when given a topic. There is a huge difference between being able to write and being able to write a novel. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Just pushing the Picket Fence icon registers the vote. Thanks!<br /><br />Joyce<br />http://joycelansky.blogspot.com/2011/07/wordless-wednesday-tv-pal.htmlCatch My Wordshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06338761214938263819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-5995247469184578632011-07-19T14:41:32.415-07:002011-07-19T14:41:32.415-07:00I've been stuck lately and this post is great ...I've been stuck lately and this post is great inspiration to get back to writing. Wonderful post, thank you! I'm looking forward to Karen's visit on Wednesday as well. :)Julie Flandershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05003737491313673214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-75594886405456919212011-07-19T14:08:31.050-07:002011-07-19T14:08:31.050-07:00I've learned the cure for writer's block i...I've learned the cure for writer's block is to move on to another project.notesfromnadirhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09904500676081267972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-33824680607954799662011-07-19T11:44:46.448-07:002011-07-19T11:44:46.448-07:00Nah, I don't get writer's block. I get wri...Nah, I don't get writer's block. I get writer's flood and writer's I'd rather be on the beach but never the block. I could write something all day long. Sometimes I do.<br /><a href="http://www.labanan.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Jan Morrison</a>Jan Morrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01771180344305042855noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-56302387295484256622011-07-19T10:52:32.245-07:002011-07-19T10:52:32.245-07:00I couldn't agree more. The best way to get ove...I couldn't agree more. The best way to get over writer's block is to write.Karen M. Petersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06972093977468313631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-67111918385498631572011-07-19T09:51:05.672-07:002011-07-19T09:51:05.672-07:00I tell people I don't get writer's blog. F...I tell people I don't get writer's blog. From time to time, I simply stop writing in order to concentrate on editing. When I start feeling an itch to tell a story, I get back to writing.J.L. Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05666634455836834179noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-49005665303381363172011-07-19T06:16:44.618-07:002011-07-19T06:16:44.618-07:00I feel like I've received a parent lecture! ;...I feel like I've received a parent lecture! ; )<br /><br />I don't get writer's block, but I do write in starts and stops. While I do something writing-related nearly everyday, rough draft, editing, a blog post - I'm not always in a rough-draft-fiction state of mind. That's okay with me. In 5 years, I've written and edited 6 manuscripts (+ extra if I count sequel ideas), so it's not like I'm not accomplishing anything.<br /><br />I read all the time, I got out and observe people, I spend time with friends and family. I count it all because it enhances me as a writer. <br /><br />I'm impressed with the people who do write everyday, just like I'm impressed with outliners/plotters.Theresa Milsteinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03477761307315565259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-65742577524170895822011-07-18T16:27:12.748-07:002011-07-18T16:27:12.748-07:00Yvonne -- Karen has been contributing some wonderf...Yvonne -- Karen has been contributing some wonderful guest posts so far and you can expect the same from her here.<br /><br />Golden Eagle-- Now's a great time for you to start writing about your life. A highly descriptive daily journal started at your young age will undoubtedly be much appreciated by you when you get much older and start looking back on your life. I wish I had started one when I was in middle or high school.<br /><br />Michelle -- Welcome to my blog and thanks for the follow. Now I'll have to find this message you left. Maybe reporting objectively about your own life would be a good exercise to try. And I'm mostly just talking about writing about the little daily things and making them interesting to a reader.<br /><br />Lynn -- You are so right about this. And even an epic story can fall apart if the small stuff is overlooked or not fleshed out.<br /><br />Dezmond -- Time to get things in gear and stop making excuses--right?!<br /><br />Nicole -- I love your long comments! Sometimes it not so much the exact details that are shared, but the selectivity, the descriptions, and the connections that are made. I think readers want more than just a detailed accounting of what happens, but also what it was like to be there and how a subject felt. There are so many aspects to a story.<br /><br />becca -- I guess a circumstance like that is where some free writing--writing without worrying to much what you are writing---comes into play. That's what editing is for. We can always rewrite after we've gotten some basics down.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-56162146456741327902011-07-18T16:12:18.421-07:002011-07-18T16:12:18.421-07:00Better -- I like the concept of "Drop everyth...Better -- I like the concept of "Drop everything and write." I do think that the more spontaneous writing we do, the more we improve. I also agree about the therapeutic value of writing.<br /><br />Bluebell - Sometimes we just need to shake ourselves out of a funk.<br /><br />Word Nerd -- I like your comparison of writing to other occupations. Sure I'll concede that writing involves creativity, but the creative mind is like a muscle and needs to be exercised. And what you've pointed out about the "sameness of our stories" is the point I was trying to make.<br /><br />Eve -- Sometimes just getting started is the hardest part.<br /><br />M Pax -- The aha moments will come sometimes when we least expect it.<br /><br />Jemi -- It's good to have other projects on the shelf. If the stuck writer doesn't, they need to start some.<br /><br />LeeArlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-47436070875372335852011-07-18T16:08:55.128-07:002011-07-18T16:08:55.128-07:00'Writer's block' happens when we aren&...'Writer's block' happens when we aren't enjoying what we're doing or where we are going in the story or even when we put too much pressure on ourselves and want what we write to be perfect first attempt. <br /><br />I love your advice to try to write your life story. We are left with no excuses then.Lynda R Young as Elle Cardyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09975442291393246148noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-35311942280401368422011-07-18T15:41:04.491-07:002011-07-18T15:41:04.491-07:00When I find myself suffering from Writer's Blo...When I find myself suffering from Writer's Block, I usually just go to the nearest Starbucks coffee shop and beat the java out of a liberal. That generally gets the juices flowing again for me.<br /><br />~ D-FensDogg<br />'Loyal American Underground'Stephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-149224757183756660.post-75738338022123713722011-07-18T14:54:41.154-07:002011-07-18T14:54:41.154-07:00Writer's Block does happen but when it does on...Writer's Block does happen but when it does one has to ask oneself why? <br /><br />Oftentimes, for myself, I find that the block is related to the fact that I really don't want to write about a particular topic of news or information.<br /><br />If it has to do with creating a character, that's a whole different process and overcome quite easily. I'll first think up a name for the character and then begin by writing either a bio or an obit, and then I find myself getting "involved" with the character as if I really knew them. In the end, I wind up not only with a well formed character but a real story emerges.Paula Sladehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02923061193682673368noreply@blogger.com